Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured, step-by-step approach to safely changing tyres on tractors and off-road plant, with a strong focus on eliminating or minimising risks to workers and bystanders. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of Tyre Changing – Tractor and Off-Road operations to support WHS compliance and effective risk management on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Selection of appropriate work area, ground conditions, and traffic management for tractor and off-road tyre changing
• Pre-start inspection of tractors, off-road vehicles, jacks, stands, and tyre changing equipment
• Safe isolation of plant, including parking, chocking wheels, and applying park brakes before tyre work
• Use of jacks, stands, cribbing, and lifting devices to support tractors and off-road machinery safely
• Removal and refitting of tractor and off-road wheels, including handling of large and heavy assemblies
• Deflation, inflation, and re-inflation of tyres with controls for over-pressurisation and tyre explosion risks
• Manual handling and mechanical aids for lifting, rolling, and positioning heavy tyres and rims
• Use of rattle guns, torque wrenches, and hand tools for loosening and tightening wheel nuts to correct specifications
• Inspection of rims, tyres, valves, and bead seating for defects, damage, or incompatibility before reuse
• Controls for working on uneven, sloping, or off-road terrain to prevent plant movement or collapse
• Management of environmental hazards including mud, dust, poor visibility, and adverse weather conditions
• Housekeeping, disposal or recycling of tyres and components, and maintaining a clean, organised work area
• Emergency response procedures for plant instability, tyre failure during inflation, and personal injury

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for agricultural workers, plant and machinery operators, mobile mechanics, tyre service technicians, and site supervisors involved in tyre changing on tractors and off-road equipment.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on controlling risks associated with tractors, off-road machinery, and related tyre work.
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Requirements and controls for manual handling of heavy tyres, rims, and equipment.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Ensuring a safe work area, access, egress, and amenities during tyre changing activities.
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying, assessing, and controlling tyre changing hazards.
• AS/NZS 4024 Safety of Machinery (relevant parts): Principles for safe use of plant, guarding, and energy isolation during maintenance tasks.
• AS 1210 Pressure Vessels (as referenced for compressed air systems): Guidance related to safe use of compressed air equipment used for tyre inflation.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017