← Metal Fabrication

WHS Management for Structural Steel Fabrication

Protect your workers from welding fume, crane hazards, and the incoming manganese WEL reduction.

Structural steel fabrication involves cutting, welding, drilling, and assembling heavy steel members for buildings, bridges, and industrial structures. Workers face sustained exposure to welding fume containing manganese, iron oxide, and silica, along with crush and strike hazards from overhead crane operations and heavy component handling. The December 2026 WEL transition will reduce the manganese limit by 98 per cent, making upgraded LEV systems essential for every structural steel workshop.

Key Hazards

Welding fume exposure (manganese, iron oxide, chromium VI)Overhead crane load drop and swing hazardsCrush injuries from heavy steel members during handlingNoise exposure exceeding 85 dB(A) from grinding and hammeringArc eye and UV radiation burns from weldingFalls from fabricated assemblies during fit-up

Regulatory Requirements

HRCW Categories

Hot work near flammable atmospheres, crane operations, work at height >2 m

Section 26A Codes (binding 1 July 2026)
Welding ProcessesHazardous ChemicalsNoisePlantManual TasksFalls

SWMS Required

Mig Welding →Stick Welding →Oxy Cutting →Grinding →Overhead Crane →Hot Work →

Related Sectors

Heavy EngineeringPipe WeldingField Welding

Need Help with Structural Steel WHS?

Our team can help you set up compliant WHS documentation, SWMS, and exposure monitoring programs for your structural steel fabrication operations.

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