This Steel Handling and Yard Storage SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers receiving, lifting, storing and moving steel in a fabrication yard or steel store using forklifts, overhead cranes and racking. It covers 43 activities, from the daily pre-start and lift planning to loading out fabricated product and emergency response, with the hazards, control measures and risk ratings before and after controls for each. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Steel fabricators and engineering workshops
Steel distributors, merchants and processing centres
Trailer, machinery and equipment manufacturers
Manufacturing businesses with a steel store or laydown yard
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of fabricators and manufacturers use one as the written risk assessment for yard work, the same way others use a JSA or Safe Work Procedure.
Use it to
Show clients, insurers and auditors how you manage the risks
Apply for tenders, contracts and supplier panels
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and train them in the task
What this SWMS covers
Yard planning, traffic routes, exclusion zones and forklift and crane interaction
Overhead powerlines and ground conditions in the yard
Truck arrival, releasing restraints and safe access on and around the trailer
Forklift pre-start checks, stability and unloading steel from the tynes
Gantry crane checks, lifting gear selection, slinging and signals
Lifting magnets, vacuum lifters and working near suspended loads
Stacking, racking, A-frames and retrieving stock without collapse
Cutting banding, hot parts, sharp edges and manual handling of steel
Visitors, chemicals, LPG changes, battery charging and fire prevention
Noise, heat, wind, wet and oily steel, and snakes and spiders in stacks
Loading out fabricated product, supervising new workers and working alone
Emergency response to crush injury, rack or stack collapse and severe bleeding
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 43 work activities
Risk ratings before and after controls, with a 5x5 risk matrix and the hierarchy of controls
PPE requirements checklist and high risk construction work checklist
Plant and equipment list, materials and inspection intervals for forklifts, cranes, slings and racking
Relevant Australian Standards, including AS 4084.2 for racking and AS 3775.2 for chain slings
Licence requirements for forklift, crane and dogging work, and first aiders trained in severe bleeding control
Site specific hazards section for anything unique to your job
Worker sign-off sheet and worker consultation record
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing a SWMS from a blank page
Covers the most common hazards and control measures for this work, ready to use out of the box
Fully editable, so you can add, remove or change anything to suit your site and how your team works
Helps your business stay compliant, with risk ratings, worker sign-off and consultation records already set up
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, ABN, project and site details.
Check it suits your site and task, edit anything you need to, and consult your workers before you finalise it.
Brief your team and collect signatures.
Common questions
Do I need a SWMS for steel handling and yard storage?
No. Handling and storing steel in a yard or workshop isn't high risk construction work, so a SWMS isn't a legal requirement. You still have to manage the risks, including suspended loads and racking or stack collapse, and a SWMS is a practical way to record how. Clients, insurers and prequalification portals often ask for one.
Does it cover lifting magnets and vacuum lifters?
Yes. It covers plate being released without warning when a magnet or vacuum lifter loses grip, power or vacuum, and the maintenance checks list a function test of magnets and vacuum lifters every shift.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any hazard, control or rating, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
