Light Gauge Steel Framing — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for erecting prefabricated light gauge (cold-formed) steel wall frames, floor joists and roof trusses on residential and low-rise buildings, covering sharp edges, cutting, screw fixing, bracing and electrical safety.
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Light gauge steel framing uses prefabricated wall frames, floor joists and trusses roll-formed from thin galvanised steel and screwed or riveted together. The erection sequence is similar to timber framing, but the material brings its own hazards. Erection is High Risk Construction Work wherever workers can fall more than 2 metres, which applies to upper-floor frames, floor cassettes and all roof truss work. Crane lifts bring in powered mobile plant. A SWMS is required, and for housing the Managing the Risk of Falls in Housing Construction code sets the expected fall controls: edge protection at floor edges and eaves, and protection against falls inside the building at top plate height.
The steel-specific hazards are sharp edges and swarf, cutting, and electrical. Cut and punched edges on light gauge steel slice hands and forearms, so cut-resistant gloves and sleeves are standard. Cutting with abrasive discs throws hot sparks and burrs, is loud, and damages the galvanised coating. Snips, nibblers or cold saws are better. Steel frames conduct electricity. Temporary power leads and later wiring must be kept off sharp edges and protected with grommets where they pass through frames, and the electrician must confirm earthing and bonding requirements for the frame under AS/NZS 3000. Frames are light and catch the wind, so a stood-up wall that isn't braced can blow over quickly.
Frames and trusses must be installed to the manufacturer's engineering and layout, including the specified fixings, tie-downs and bracing. Don't cut, notch or drill frame members or trusses beyond what the manufacturer allows. A modified steel member can lose most of its strength. Prefabricated trusses must be temporarily braced as they are set and fixed at both ends before release, and the same rules apply as for timber trusses: no walking on top chords and no stacking materials on unbraced trusses.
No WHS licence is required for steel frame erection, but frames should be erected by workers trained in the specific system. Crane lifts need a licensed dogger and crane operator.
Customise this template with: the frame manufacturer and system; the building height and floor levels; the perimeter and internal fall protection; the crane or lifting method and dogger's licence; the fixing and bracing schedule; the cutting tools to be used; temporary power arrangements; and the hold points for frame inspection before cladding and roofing.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
- •Work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant
Risk Assessment
1.Delivery and laydown of frames and trusses
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frame packs falling or blowing over during unloading and storage | High | Unload frame packs by crane or forklift using rated slings at the supplier's lifting points. Store packs flat on bearers on level ground, strapped down, in the order they will be erected. Do not stand frames upright against fences or walls. Stop unloading in strong winds. | Low | Lead Framer / Dogger |
| Cuts from sharp edges and strapping | High | Wear cut-resistant gloves and sleeves when handling frames, offcuts and strapping. Cut strapping with safety cutters while standing to the side. Collect offcuts and swarf in a bin as work proceeds. | Low | Framer |
2.Standing and fixing wall frames
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall frames blowing over or collapsing before bracing | Catastrophic | Fix each frame to the slab or floor as soon as it is stood up and install temporary bracing immediately, at least two braces per frame, to the manufacturer's details. Connect corners and intersecting walls as work proceeds. Stop standing frames when wind exceeds the limit in the SWMS. Never leave unbraced frames at the end of a shift. | Low | Lead Framer |
| Falls from floor edges on upper levels | Catastrophic | Install edge protection on all upper floor edges and cover penetrations before standing upper-level frames. Do not remove edge protection to stand frames unless an alternative control is in place. | Moderate | Builder / Lead Framer |
3.Cutting, drilling and screw fixing
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burns, sparks and flying particles from abrasive cutting | High | Cut steel with snips, nibblers or a cold saw instead of abrasive discs where possible. Where an abrasive disc is used, wear a face shield over safety glasses, keep guards fitted and keep sparks away from people and combustibles. Deburr cut edges. | Low | Framer |
| Structural damage from cutting or notching members | High | Do not cut, notch or drill frame members or trusses beyond the manufacturer's allowances. Use pre-punched service holes. Get written approval from the frame manufacturer or engineer for any modification. | Low | Lead Framer |
| Noise and wrist strain from repetitive screw fixing | Moderate | Use screw guns with clutch control and auto-feed where available. Rotate tasks. Wear hearing protection during prolonged screw fixing and cutting. | Low | Framer |
4.Floor joists and upper floor cassettes
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falls through an incomplete floor | Catastrophic | Install joists and flooring from below using a scaffold or platform where practicable, or lay flooring progressively so workers stand on fixed flooring. Do not walk on unfixed joists. Cover openings with secured covers. | Moderate | Lead Framer |
5.Steel roof trusses
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive collapse of unbraced steel trusses | Catastrophic | Fix each truss at both ends with the specified connections and brace it as it is set, following the manufacturer's temporary bracing layout. Release trusses from the crane only once fixed and braced. Do not stack roofing materials on trusses until permanent bracing is complete. | Low | Lead Framer |
| Falls from top plates and trusses | Catastrophic | Install perimeter edge protection at eave height and internal fall protection at top plate level before setting trusses. Work from platforms, scaffold or an EWP. Never walk on top chords. | Moderate | Builder / Lead Framer |
6.Electrical safety in a steel frame
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric shock from damaged leads energising the frame | Catastrophic | Use RCD-protected temporary power with tested and tagged leads. Do not run leads across sharp frame edges or through punched holes without grommets. Hang leads on insulated hooks. The electrician confirms earthing and bonding of the frame under AS/NZS 3000 and fits grommets or bushes wherever wiring passes through steel members. | Low | Lead Framer / Licensed Electrician |
Relevant Codes of Practice
Worker Acknowledgement
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.