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Metal Fabrication›SWMS

Grinding SWMS

Grinding operations in metal fabrication include angle grinding, bench grinding, pedestal grinding, and belt sanding of welded joints, cut edges, and surface preparation. The primary hazard is disc or wheel burst, which can project fragments at lethal velocity. Metal dust generated during grinding contains the same constituents as the base metal — grinding stainless steel produces chromium and nickel dust, while grinding carbon steel weld preparations generates manganese-containing particles. Noise exposure from grinding typically exceeds 95 dB(A) and hand-arm vibration from sustained angle grinder use can cause vibration white finger. This template maps controls to the binding codes of practice effective 1 July 2026.

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SWMS variants reference your state's WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.

Legal Requirements

regulation

WHS Regulation 2025 Part 4.7 — Plant and Part 4.3 — Noise

hrcw category

General fabrication work with plant hazards

code of practice

Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace, Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss (binding 1 July 2026 under Section 26A)

section 26a binding

Yes — effective 1 July 2026. Non-compliance is admissible as evidence of breach.

Hazards

HazardConsequenceLikelihood
Disc or wheel burst projecting fragments at high velocityLacerations, eye loss, facial injuries, deathUnlikely
Metal dust inhalation containing manganese, chromium, or nickelChronic lung disease, cancer with carcinogenic metalsLikely
Noise exposure exceeding 95 dB(A)Permanent noise-induced hearing lossAlmost Certain
Hand-arm vibration from sustained angle grinder useVibration white finger, carpal tunnel syndromeLikely
Spark and hot particle projectionBurns, fire ignition of combustible materialsLikely
Entanglement of loose clothing or gloves in rotating discLacerations, degloving injuriesPossible

Controls (Hierarchy of Controls)

Inspect all grinding discs and wheels before use and discard any showing damage or wear beyond limits
Ensure all grinders have guards correctly fitted and adjusted before operation
Provide local exhaust ventilation or on-tool dust extraction for all grinding operations
Issue Class 5 hearing protection and enforce mandatory use in grinding areas
Limit daily grinding exposure time to manage hand-arm vibration dose within action levels
Provide anti-vibration gloves and select low-vibration grinder models where available
Prohibit loose clothing, jewellery, and loose gloves near rotating grinding discs
Fit-test safety glasses with side shields and full-face shields for all grinding operations

Recent Prosecutions

Orica Australia Pty Ltd$1,200,000

Workers exposed to metal dust without adequate ventilation or health monitoring, resulting in occupational lung disease.

2024 — SafeWork NSW v Orica Australia Pty Ltd [2024]

KML Auto Parts Pty Ltd$375,000

Apprentice injured during metal working operations with inadequate training and supervision.

2022 — SafeWork NSW v KML Auto Parts Pty Ltd [2022]

What Your SWMS Must Include

✓Disc and wheel inspection procedure with rejection criteria
✓Guard fitment verification in pre-start checklist
✓Noise exposure assessment and hearing protection selection
✓Hand-arm vibration exposure management plan with daily time limits
✓Dust extraction requirements based on base metal composition

Need a compliant Grinding SWMS?

Our WHS consultants build task-specific SWMS that address disc burst, noise, vibration, and dust hazards for your grinding operations.

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