Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is specifically developed for Sheet Metal Machinery Guillotines, Folders and Rollers, focusing on the safe setup, operation, and maintenance of this equipment in Australian workplaces. It is a comprehensive, pre-filled document that covers multiple aspects of metal cutting, folding, rolling and forming to support strong WHS compliance and effective risk management.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe operation of guillotines for cutting metal sheet, including guarding, two-hand controls and exclusion zones
• Use of metal cutting shears and hand shears to minimise laceration and amputation risks
• Setup and operation of hydraulic panbrakes and folders for accurate and safe metal bending
• Use of button punch snap lock flangers for forming ductwork and sheet metal joints
• Operation of lock seamers and joint profile rollsets for secure sheet metal joining
• Use of metal flanging machines to form edges while controlling entanglement and crush hazards
• Curving rolls for corrugated sheet, including feed-in, pinch point control and material handling
• Safe use of hand-operated curving rolls, including manual handling and ergonomic controls
• Powered curving rolls, including isolation, emergency stops and guarding of in-running nips
• Fabrication of sheet metal components, including cutting, folding, rolling and assembly processes
• Custom-made panel fabrication, from layout and marking out through to finishing and inspection
• Manipulation of metal decking and large sheet products, including team lifts and mechanical aids
• Housekeeping, storage and handling of offcuts, sharp edges and waste to prevent cuts and trips
• Lock-out/tag-out, isolation and maintenance activities on guillotines, folders and rollers
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, eye and hearing protection for sheet metal work

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for sheet metal fabricators, HVAC and duct installers, metal workshops, manufacturing facilities, and site supervisors overseeing the use of guillotines, folders, rollers and associated sheet metal machinery.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice – guidance on controlling risks associated with machinery and equipment
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice – controls for noisy cutting, shearing and forming operations
• Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice – requirements for handling sheet metal, panels and metal decking
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice – risk management framework applied throughout the SWMS
• Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination Code of Practice – ensuring workers are consulted on plant and process risks
• AS 4024 Safety of Machinery (series) – principles for guarding, emergency stops and safe control systems for machinery
• AS/NZS 4801 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems – guidance for integrating this SWMS into an OHS management system
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017