Product Overview

This Steel Framing Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a fully editable, project-ready document designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for the safe installation of steel framing on Australian worksites. It provides comprehensive coverage of planning, handling, lifting, fixing, and securing steel frames to support WHS compliance and the management of High Risk Construction Work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and sequencing of steel framing works to minimise manual handling, working at height, and interaction with other trades
• Selection, inspection, and safe use of hand and power tools for cutting, drilling, and fixing steel framing members
• Manual handling and team lifting techniques for steel studs, beams, and trusses to reduce musculoskeletal injuries
• Use of cranes, telehandlers, and mechanical lifting aids for positioning and installing heavy steel framing components
• Working at heights on scaffolds, elevated work platforms (EWPs), and ladders during steel frame erection
• Establishing exclusion zones and traffic management around lifting operations and active steel erection areas
• Safe installation, bracing, and temporary support of steel frames to prevent collapse or unintended movement
• Use of fall protection systems, edge protection, and void protection during upper-level framing works
• Control of fire and explosion risks when hot works (e.g. grinding, welding, cutting) are required on steel components
• Management of noise, vibration, and flying particles from cutting and drilling operations, including PPE requirements
• Housekeeping, storage, and stacking of steel sections to prevent slips, trips, falls, and material roll-over
• Weather-related risk controls for wind, rain, and heat when handling and erecting steel framing on exposed sites
• Emergency response planning, including rescue from height, first aid, and incident reporting procedures

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for steel framers, carpenters working with light gauge steel, commercial and residential builders, subcontractors, and site supervisors responsible for the installation and coordination of steel framing works.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Construction Work – Managing risks associated with construction activities, including steel framing installation
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls in Housing Construction – Requirements and controls for working at height during framing
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Controls for noise from cutting, drilling, and fixing steel
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Guidance on reducing musculoskeletal risks when handling steel members
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Safe use of cranes, EWPs, and other lifting equipment
• AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding (series) – Requirements for the safe use of scaffolding during steel frame erection
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices (series) – Standards for harnesses, lanyards, and fall-arrest equipment
• AS 2550 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use (series) – Guidance for lifting and positioning steel framing components
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017