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WHS Management for Sheet Metal Fabrication

Press brakes, guillotines, and welding operations create serious hazards that demand structured WHS controls.

Sheet metal fabrication encompasses cutting, bending, forming, and joining thin-gauge metals using guillotines, press brakes, rollers, and spot welders. The primary hazards are machine entrapment injuries from press brakes and guillotines, lacerations from sharp edges and burrs, noise exposure from hammering and riveting, and welding fume from joining operations. Workers handling galvanised sheet metal face additional risks from zinc oxide fume, which causes metal fume fever if ventilation is inadequate.

Key Hazards

Press brake crush and amputation injuriesGuillotine entrapment and lacerationWelding fume exposure (zinc oxide from galvanised steel)Noise exposure from hammering, riveting, and grindingLaceration injuries from sharp sheet metal edgesManual handling injuries from heavy sheet stock

Regulatory Requirements

HRCW Categories

Hot work, plant operation with entrapment risk

Section 26A Codes (binding 1 July 2026)
PlantWelding ProcessesNoiseManual TasksHazardous Chemicals

SWMS Required

Related Sectors

Need Help with Sheet Metal WHS?

Our team can help you set up compliant WHS documentation, SWMS, and machine guarding programs for your sheet metal operations.

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