Safety documents for automotive workshops in Queensland
Servicing, tyre fitting, panel repair and spray painting in a workshop are not usually construction work, so a safe work method statement (SWMS) is only legally required for high risk construction work (ss 291 and 299 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld)), such as fitting out or altering the workshop building itself. A written SWMS or safe work procedure is still a practical way to control tasks like working under vehicles, hoist use and tyre inflation, and to show new staff how each job is done.
Rules that come up in workshops
Hazardous chemicals: you must keep a register of the hazardous chemicals used, handled or stored at the workplace, including the current safety data sheet for each one (s 346). Solvents, two-pack paints and isocyanates belong on it.Spray painting: the approved Spray Painting and Powder Coating Code of Practice 2021 explains how to manage booth, ventilation and exposure risks. A code is not law in itself, but you must follow it or manage the risk to an equivalent or higher standard (s 26A of the WHS Act).Guarding: where guarding controls plant risks, it must generally be a permanently fixed barrier, or an interlocked barrier if access is needed during operation, maintenance or cleaning (s 208).
Popular automotive workshop templates
Working Under Vehicles (Jacks and Axle Stands) SWMSVehicle Hoist SWMSTyre Changing and Wheel Balancing SWMSSpray Painting Booth SWMSHybrid and Electric Vehicle Servicing SWMSAutomotive Workshop Safety Inspection Checklist
The Automotive Workshop SWMS Bundle covers the common workshop jobs in one download. Read our guides to hazardous chemical management and machine guarding. Every template is an editable Word or Excel file you can brand with your logo, and you download it straight after checkout. Once filled in for your job, the documents help you meet your duties. This is general information, not legal advice.