Product Overview

This Workshop Safety SWMS is a comprehensive Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement practical controls for workshop-based activities. It provides end-to-end coverage of common workshop tools, plant, and processes to support WHS compliance and effective management of High Risk Construction Work where applicable.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe layout, housekeeping, and traffic management within workshops to minimise slips, trips, falls, and vehicle–pedestrian interactions
• Selection, inspection, and safe use of hand tools and portable power tools (including grinders, drills, and sanders)
• Operation of fixed machinery such as pedestal drills, lathes, presses, and bench grinders, including guarding and emergency stops
• Use of welding, cutting, and grinding equipment, including control of fumes, hot work permits, and fire prevention
• Management of hazardous chemicals, oils, solvents, and compressed gases, including labelling, storage, and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirements
• Manual handling and lifting techniques for moving materials, components, and equipment to reduce musculoskeletal injuries
• Use of lifting equipment such as jacks, hoists, engine cranes, and lifting slings, including load rating and stability controls
• Noise, vibration, and dust control measures to protect workers’ hearing and respiratory health
• Electrical safety in the workshop, including RCD use, tagging and testing, and isolation/lockout procedures
• Battery charging, storage, and handling (including lithium and lead-acid batteries) to control electrical, chemical, and explosion risks
• Emergency preparedness, including fire extinguisher use, spill response, first aid arrangements, and evacuation procedures
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements such as eye, hearing, respiratory, hand, and foot protection suitable for workshop tasks
• Safe storage and racking of materials, gas cylinders, and components to prevent collapse, impact, or falling object incidents

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for mechanical and fabrication workshops, maintenance teams, manufacturing facilities, automotive and engineering workshops, and site supervisors overseeing workshop-based activities.

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
• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on the safe use, inspection, and maintenance of machinery and equipment
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Requirements for assessing and controlling noise hazards in workshops
• Managing the Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Controls for storage, handling, and use of workshop chemicals
• Welding Processes Code of Practice: Guidance on managing risks associated with welding and allied processes
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Controls for any work at height associated with workshop tasks
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for first aid facilities and response in workshop environments
• AS/NZS 3000 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules): Requirements for safe electrical installations and maintenance in workshops
• AS 1674.1 Safety in welding and allied processes: Fire precautions and safety requirements for welding and cutting operations
• AS/NZS 1715 & AS/NZS 1716: Selection, use, and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves for hand protection in workshop tasks