Product Overview

This Steel Fixing Reinforcement and Post-Tensioning Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, implement controls, and support safe work practices for steel fixing and post-tensioning activities on Australian construction sites. It is a comprehensive, ready-to-use document that consolidates multiple tasks and risk controls related to steel reinforcement, mesh installation, and post-tensioning to support WHS compliance and the management of High Risk Construction Work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Anchoring rod installations, including positioning, securing, and checking alignment prior to concrete placement
• Casting and stressing of tendons, including sequencing, monitoring loads, and exclusion zones during stressing operations
• Managing exposed re-bar risks, including capping, guarding, and housekeeping to prevent impalement and trip hazards
• Installation of post-tensioned cables, ducts, and anchorages, including handling, routing, and securing prior to pour
• Installation of trench mesh in footings, including safe manual handling, placement, and tying procedures
• Laying and fixing steel mesh reinforcement, including cutting, tying, lap joints, and maintaining correct cover and support
• Tensioning steel strands, including use of calibrated jacks, pressure monitoring, and safe stand-clear procedures
• Control of unprotected projections and rebars, including use of protective caps, barriers, and marking of hazard zones
• Using pre-tensioning tools and equipment, including inspection, maintenance, and lock-out/tag-out where required
• Incorporation of wire mesh inclusions, chairs, spacers, and ties to maintain design positions and prevent movement during pours
• Safe use of hand tools and power tools for cutting, bending, and tying reinforcement steel
• Manual handling of reinforcement bars, mesh sheets, and post-tensioning components to minimise musculoskeletal injuries
• Working around mobile plant, concrete pumps, and delivery vehicles in reinforcement and post-tensioning work areas
• Housekeeping, access, and egress controls around reinforcement cages, decks, and formwork to prevent slips, trips, and falls

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for steel fixers, post-tensioning contractors, concreters, builders, and site supervisors involved in reinforcement and post-tensioning works on Australian construction projects.

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: Construction Work – guidance on managing risks associated with construction activities, including steel fixing and post-tensioning
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – requirements for preventing falls when working on decks, edges, and formwork around reinforcement
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – control measures for lifting, carrying, and handling reinforcement steel and post-tensioning components
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – guidance for cutting, bending, and power tool use in steel fixing operations
• AS 3600 Concrete Structures – design and construction requirements relevant to reinforcement and post-tensioning installations
• AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding – requirements for temporary access platforms used during steel fixing and stressing operations
• AS/NZS 4576 Guidelines for Scaffolding – safe use and selection of scaffolding supporting reinforcement and post-tensioning work