Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured, step-by-step approach to managing the hazards associated with tyre puncture repair and workshop operations, helping you maintain strong WHS compliance on every job. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of Tyre Repair, Puncture Repair and Workshop Operations, from manual handling and machine use to storage, disposal and general workshop safety.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Breaking tyre beads safely, including use of bead breakers and manual tools to prevent crush and impact injuries
• Cutting tyre beads with appropriate cutting tools, guarding and PPE to control laceration and flying object risks
• Deflating tyres in a controlled manner to eliminate stored energy hazards and prevent unexpected movement
• Inflating tyres using cages, pressure regulators and safe stand‑clear procedures to minimise explosion and burst risks
• Operation of tyre removal machines, including isolation, guarding, and correct clamping of rims and assemblies
• Repairing tyre punctures, including inspection, marking, preparation, patching and curing in accordance with manufacturer instructions
• Stacking tyres for storage with safe stacking heights, stability controls and manual handling techniques
• Tyre disposal and recycling, including segregation of waste streams and environmentally responsible handling of damaged tyres
• Tyre buffing operations, including control of dust, noise and entanglement risks around rotating equipment
• Use of tyre changers, including correct set‑up, wheel positioning and safe operation to avoid pinch and crush points
• Operation of tyre curing presses with lockout/tagout, guarding and thermal burn controls
• Tyre mounting and demounting procedures for a range of rim types, including heavy vehicle and light vehicle assemblies
• Safe use of compressed air systems, hoses and fittings within the tyre workshop environment
• General workshop housekeeping, traffic management and slip, trip and fall prevention around tyre bays
• Manual handling of tyres and wheels, including use of lifting aids and team lifts to reduce musculoskeletal injuries

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for tyre fitters, automotive workshops, heavy vehicle and fleet maintenance providers, mobile tyre repair services, and site supervisors overseeing tyre repair and workshop operations.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Guidance on identifying, assessing and controlling risks in tyre repair and workshop environments
• Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities – Requirements for safe workshop layout, amenities and environmental conditions
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Controls for lifting, carrying and handling tyres and wheels
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Applicable to tyre buffing, air tools and workshop machinery
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Safe use of tyre changers, curing presses, bead breakers and other workshop plant
• AS 4024 Safety of Machinery (series) – Principles for guarding and safe operation of tyre workshop machinery
• AS/NZS 1715 & AS/NZS 1716 – Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment where dusts or fumes are generated
• AS/NZS 2161 – Occupational protective gloves for hand protection during cutting, bead breaking and handling operations
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017