Safe Work Method Statement for Sliding and Bi-fold Door Installation, Repair, and Servicing

Sliding and Bi-fold Door Maintenance

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This comprehensive Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) covers the safe maintenance, repair, and servicing of sliding and bi-fold doors in construction and building environments. It addresses key hazards including manual handling injuries, fall risks, glass breakage, and structural failures, providing detailed control measures and procedures for safe door operations.

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Overview

What this SWMS covers

Sliding and bi-fold door maintenance involves the inspection, repair, servicing, and replacement of sliding and bi-fold door systems. This work requires careful handling of heavy door panels, glass components, and mechanical mechanisms while ensuring proper weather sealing and structural integrity.

Fully editable, audit-ready, and aligned to Australian WHS standards.

Why this SWMS matters

Sliding and bi-fold door maintenance is essential for occupant safety, building functionality, and compliance with Australian standards. Failed door systems can cause serious injuries from falling glass or structural collapse. Regular maintenance prevents water damage, reduces energy costs, and ensures doors operate safely throughout their lifespan. In construction environments, proper maintenance prevents project delays and protects workers from door-related hazards.

Reinforce licensing, insurance, and regulator expectations for Sliding and Bi-fold Door Maintenance Safe Work Method Statement crews before they mobilise.

Hazard identification

Surface the critical risks tied to this work scope and communicate them to every worker.

Risk register

Medium

Heavy door panels (50-100kg) can cause back injuries, strains, and musculoskeletal disorders when lifted or moved manually without proper techniques or equipment.

High

Working on elevated door installations or accessing high-level tracks can result in falls from ladders, scaffolding, or unstable work platforms.

High

Tempered or laminated glass panels can break during handling, maintenance, or if damaged, causing cuts, lacerations, and falling glass hazards.

Medium

Moving door panels create pinch points where fingers or hands can be caught between sliding mechanisms, rollers, or closing panels.

High

Corroded or damaged door frames, tracks, or supporting structures can collapse during maintenance or testing, causing falling door assemblies.

Medium

Automated door systems may have electrical components that create shock or arc flash risks during maintenance or testing.

Control measures

Deploy layered controls aligned to the hierarchy of hazard management.

Implementation guide

Engineering

Use mechanical lifting devices, suction cups, and panel carts to handle heavy door components instead of manual lifting.

Implementation

Assess door panel weight before handlingUse vacuum lifters or mechanical hoists for panels over 25kgDeploy panel support stands during maintenanceTrain workers on mechanical lifting equipment operationInspect lifting equipment before each use

Engineering

Implement fall protection systems when working above ground level on door installations.

Implementation

Install guardrails on elevated work platformsUse fall arrest harnesses with proper anchor pointsDeploy elevated work platforms with guardrailsProvide stable ladder access with proper setupUse mechanical lifts for high-level work

Administrative

Establish safe procedures for glass panel handling and protection during maintenance.

Implementation

Inspect glass panels for cracks before handlingUse protective padding and edge guards on glassWork in teams when handling large glass panelsWear cut-resistant gloves during glass workHave first aid supplies readily available

Engineering

Implement systems to prevent unexpected door movement during maintenance.

Implementation

Install door locks and safety braces during workUse door holding devices to prevent movementDisconnect automated systems before maintenancePlace warning signs indicating maintenance in progressTest door controls after maintenance completion

PPE

Provide appropriate PPE for door maintenance activities.

Implementation

Safety glasses with side protectionCut-resistant gloves for glass handlingSteel-capped safety bootsHigh-visibility vests for site workHearing protection if power tools used

Personal protective equipment

Requirement: Required for all door maintenance activities

When: During glass handling, mechanical work, and testing

Requirement: Required when handling glass or sharp metal components

When: During glass panel work and hardware replacement

Requirement: Required for all site work

When: During door installation and maintenance

Requirement: Required when working near traffic or in public areas

When: During external door maintenance

Requirement: Required when using power tools

When: During mechanical repairs and hardware installation

Inspections & checks

Before work starts

  • Inspect door panels for cracks, corrosion, or damage
  • Check track alignment and roller condition
  • Test door locking and safety mechanisms
  • Verify electrical systems are de-energized (if automated)
  • Assess work area for fall hazards and access issues
  • Check weather conditions for outdoor work
  • Confirm availability of mechanical lifting equipment
  • Review manufacturer's maintenance specifications

During work

  • Monitor door stability during panel removal
  • Check for pinch points during mechanism adjustments
  • Verify proper use of PPE by all team members
  • Monitor environmental conditions and worker fatigue
  • Ensure clear communication between team members
  • Check equipment condition and functionality
  • Verify emergency equipment accessibility
  • Monitor for signs of structural weakness

After work

  • Test door operation through full range of motion
  • Verify locking mechanisms function correctly
  • Check weather sealing effectiveness
  • Inspect work area for debris and hazards
  • Document all maintenance activities performed
  • Report any equipment issues or damage found
  • Clean and store all tools and equipment
  • Conduct team debrief on safety performance

Step-by-step work procedure

Give supervisors and crews a clear, auditable sequence for the task.

Field ready

Site Assessment and Planning

Conduct thorough assessment of door condition and plan maintenance activities. Review work requirements, identify hazards, and ensure all necessary equipment and personnel are available.

Safety considerations

Never begin work without assessing door weight, structural condition, and access requirements. Ensure emergency equipment is available and team members are briefed.

Door Preparation and Securing

Secure door in safe position, disconnect automated systems, and prepare work area. Install safety braces, warning signs, and ensure clear access for maintenance work.

Safety considerations

Always secure doors before maintenance to prevent unexpected movement. Use proper locking devices and ensure no one can accidentally operate doors during work.

Panel Removal and Handling

Carefully remove door panels using mechanical lifting equipment. Support panels securely during removal and transport to safe work area for maintenance.

Safety considerations

Never attempt manual lifting of heavy panels. Use proper lifting techniques and ensure panels are supported at all times to prevent glass breakage.

Maintenance and Repair Operations

Perform required maintenance including lubrication, hardware replacement, track alignment, and weatherseal repair. Work systematically through maintenance checklist.

Safety considerations

Keep hands clear of moving parts during testing. Use proper tools and work methods to avoid injury. Stop work if conditions become unsafe.

Reinstallation and Testing

Reinstall door panels, test all functions, and verify proper operation. Check weather sealing, locking mechanisms, and smooth operation through full range of motion.

Safety considerations

Test doors from safe position away from moving parts. Verify all safety mechanisms function before final sign-off.

Cleanup and Documentation

Clean work area, remove all tools and debris, and document maintenance activities performed. Conduct final safety check and team debrief.

Safety considerations

Ensure work area is left safe for building occupants. Properly store tools and equipment to prevent trip hazards.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main hazards when maintaining sliding and bi-fold doors?

The primary hazards include manual handling injuries from heavy panels, fall risks when working at heights, glass breakage causing cuts, finger entrapment in moving parts, structural failure of damaged frames, and electrical hazards from automated systems.

How should heavy door panels be handled during maintenance?

Always use mechanical lifting equipment like suction cups, panel carts, or hoists for panels over 25kg. Never attempt manual lifting. Work in teams and use proper lifting techniques to prevent back injuries and dropped panels.

What PPE is required for door maintenance work?

Required PPE includes safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves for glass handling, steel-capped boots, high-visibility vests for site work, and hearing protection when using power tools. Additional fall protection may be needed for elevated work.

How do you safely work on automated sliding doors?

Always disconnect and lock out electrical systems before maintenance. Use door securing devices to prevent unexpected movement. Install warning signs and ensure no accidental activation during work.

What should be checked before starting door maintenance?

Inspect door panels for damage, check track alignment, test locking mechanisms, verify electrical systems are safe, assess fall hazards, confirm equipment availability, and review manufacturer's specifications.

How often should sliding and bi-fold doors be maintained?

Doors should receive quarterly visual inspections, annual detailed maintenance, and immediate attention to any signs of damage or malfunction. High-traffic doors may require more frequent servicing.

Related SWMS documents

Browse all documents

What is Sliding and Bi-fold Door Maintenance?

Sliding and bi-fold door maintenance encompasses the inspection, repair, servicing, and replacement of sliding doors and bi-fold doors used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. This work involves handling heavy door panels, working with glass components, adjusting mechanical mechanisms, and ensuring proper weather sealing and structural integrity. Activities include routine lubrication, hardware replacement, glass repair, track alignment, weatherseal replacement, and emergency repairs following damage or malfunction.

Why It Matters

Sliding and bi-fold door maintenance is critical for ensuring occupant safety, preventing property damage, and maintaining building functionality. Poorly maintained doors can fail catastrophically, causing injuries from falling glass or structural collapse. Regular maintenance prevents water ingress, reduces energy costs, extends equipment lifespan, and ensures compliance with Australian building standards. In construction sites, door failures can delay projects and create safety hazards for workers and occupants.

Key Hazards

This work presents several significant hazards that must be carefully controlled:

Benefits of Proper SWMS Implementation

Implementing this SWMS provides multiple safety and operational benefits:

Available SWMS Documents

Complete documentation for safe sliding and bi-fold door maintenance procedures.

FAQ - Common Questions

Frequently asked questions about sliding and bi-fold door maintenance safety.

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Risk Rating

BeforeHigh
After ControlsLow

Key Controls

  • • Pre-start briefing covering hazards
  • • PPE: hard hats, eye protection, gloves
  • • Emergency plan communicated to crew

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