Product Overview

This Structural Carpentry (Framing and Trusses) Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for structural framing and truss installation activities. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of structural carpentry, helping you maintain WHS compliance and manage risks associated with High Risk Construction Work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Adjusting and aligning pre-built wall and roof frames to meet design specifications and site tolerances
• Building timber cabins and small structures, including floors, walls, roofs, and integrated framing elements
• Constructing structural framework for residential and commercial buildings, including load-bearing walls and roof systems
• Column framing and bracing to support structural loads and maintain stability during construction
• Creating dovetail joints with jigs, including safe use of routers, saws, and clamping systems
• Creating and assembling timber joints (e.g. mortise and tenon, lap joints) using hand and power tools
• Fastening timber or metal structural members using nails, screws, bolts, brackets, and mechanical fixings
• Framework construction in timber or steel, including cutting, lifting, positioning, and securing members
• Combined framing and trusses work in timber and steel, including integration with existing structures
• Installing roof trusses, including cranage or mechanical lifting, temporary bracing, and working at height
• Installation of cabin interior items such as internal partitions, linings, doors, and structural fit-off elements
• Repairing and reinforcing existing wooden structures, including removal of damaged components
• Skeleton framing enlargement and modifications to existing frames to accommodate design changes
• Structural work for door installation, including framing openings, lintels, and jamb support
• Timber framing set-out, cutting, assembly, and securing to slabs, subfloors, or structural steel
• Use of ladders, trestles, and mobile scaffolds for access during framing and truss installation
• Manual handling and mechanical assistance for lifting, carrying, and positioning long or heavy framing members

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for carpenters, builders, framing crews, cabin and modular building installers, and site supervisors overseeing structural carpentry and truss installation works.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Construction Work – Guidance on managing risks associated with construction activities including structural carpentry and framing
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Requirements for working at height during framing and truss installation
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Controls for lifting, carrying, and handling heavy or awkward framing members
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Controls for power tools and machinery used in carpentry
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Safe use of power tools, nail guns, saws, and lifting equipment
• AS 1684 Residential timber-framed construction – Requirements for design and construction of timber framing in residential buildings
• AS 1720 Timber structures – Design principles for structural timber elements and connections
• AS 4440 Installation of nailplated timber roof trusses – Guidance for safe and compliant roof truss installation
• AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding – Requirements for scaffolding used to access framing and truss work areas
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Use of harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points for working at height
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017