Product Overview

This Tyre Changing – Truck and Bus Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a detailed safety management document designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for tyre work on heavy vehicles. It provides comprehensive coverage of all key stages of truck and bus tyre changing activities to support WHS compliance and safer management of high-risk tyre handling operations.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Preparation and planning for safe tyre changing on trucks, buses, and other heavy vehicles
• Selection and inspection of jacks, stands, lifting equipment, and tyre handling tools prior to use
• Securing the work area, isolating the vehicle, and implementing traffic and pedestrian control
• Safe jacking, lifting, and supporting of heavy vehicles to prevent collapse or movement
• Loosening, removing, and refitting wheel nuts using hand tools and powered tools safely
• Removal and handling of heavy truck and bus wheels to minimise manual handling injuries
• Inspection of rims, tyres, and valve components for damage, defects, and suitability
• Safe inflation and deflation of heavy vehicle tyres, including use of inflation cages and remote gauges
• Managing risks of tyre explosions, split rims, and stored energy during inflation activities
• Reinstallation, torquing, and re-checking of wheels to manufacturer and site requirements
• Housekeeping, spill control, and management of waste tyres and associated materials
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including eye, hand, hearing, and foot protection
• Emergency response procedures for tyre failures, equipment malfunction, or worker injury

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for heavy vehicle tyre fitters, truck and bus maintenance workshops, mobile tyre service providers, fleet operators, and site supervisors responsible for tyre changing on heavy vehicles.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Guidance on identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls for tyre changing tasks.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Requirements for safe use of jacks, lifting devices, rattle guns, and other tyre-changing plant.
• Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Controls to reduce musculoskeletal risks from handling heavy truck and bus wheels and tyres.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities – Ensuring adequate workspace, lighting, and amenities around tyre bays and service areas.
• AS/NZS 4024 Safety of Machinery (series) – Principles for guarding and safe operation of powered equipment used in tyre changing.
• AS 1210 Pressure Vessels – Relevant guidance for managing risks associated with compressed air systems used for tyre inflation.
• AS/NZS 4801 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems – Framework for integrating this SWMS into an organisation’s WHS management system.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017