Product Overview

This Fabrication Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls for metal fabrication activities in Australian workplaces. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of fabrication safety and supports ongoing WHS compliance for high-risk workshop and site-based tasks.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Roll cage construction, including jig set-up, welding sequences, and distortion control
• Shaping and forming trailer components using presses, benders, and cutting equipment
• Steel spool fabrication, including cutting, welding, and assembly of cylindrical components
• Installation of fabricated steel spools on vehicles, trailers, or plant with appropriate lifting methods
• Unique part fabrication, from prototype layout and marking-out through to final finishing
• Selection and safe use of welding and cutting equipment (MIG, TIG, stick, plasma, oxy-fuel)
• Control of hot work hazards, including sparks, heat, and ignition sources in fabrication areas
• Safe operation of metal cutting machinery such as drop saws, band saws, guillotines, and grinders
• Use of presses, rollers, and folding machines for forming and shaping steel sections and plate
• Manual handling and mechanical lifting of steel sections, assemblies, and completed fabrications
• Management of welding fumes, dust, and airborne contaminants through ventilation and PPE
• Storage, handling, and segregation of gases, consumables, and fabricated components in the workshop
• Housekeeping, waste management, and control of offcuts, swarf, and sharp edges in fabrication areas

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for metal fabricators, boilermakers, trailer manufacturers, vehicle modifiers, engineering workshops, and site supervisors overseeing fabrication works.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – guidance on safe use of fabrication machinery and equipment
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – where access to elevated work platforms or trailers is required during fabrication
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – controls for high-noise fabrication and cutting activities
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace – including welding fumes, gases, solvents, and coatings
• Code of Practice: Welding Processes – safe systems of work for welding, cutting, and allied processes
• AS/NZS 1674.1 Safety in welding and allied processes – Fire precautions – requirements for managing hot work ignition and fire risk
• AS/NZS 1674.2 Safety in welding and allied processes – Electrical – guidance on electrical safety for welding equipment
• AS/NZS 1337.1 Personal eye protection – selection of appropriate eye and face protection for fabrication tasks
• AS/NZS 1715 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment – controls for exposure to welding fumes and airborne contaminants
• AS/NZS 2161 Occupational protective gloves – hand protection when handling hot, sharp, or abrasive fabricated components