This Brake Lathe SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled for machining brake components on a brake lathe in a workshop. It covers 10 activities, from the pre-operation inspection and setup to cleaning, maintenance and emergency response, with the hazards, control measures and risk ratings before and after controls for each. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Automotive mechanics and service centres
Brake and clutch specialists
Fleet and transport maintenance workshops
Tyre and suspension shops
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of workshops use one as the written risk assessment for a task, the same way others use a JSA or Safe Work Procedure.
Use it to
Show clients, insurers and auditors how you manage the risks
Apply for tenders, contracts and supplier panels
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and train them in the task
What this SWMS covers
Pre-operation inspection of the lathe and equipment
Setting up the lathe, including manual handling, pinch points and slips on oil or metal shavings
Start-up checks for loose components and obstructions near the spindle
Entanglement from long hair, loose clothing, rags and jewellery
Impact and cutting injuries from exposed moving parts
Noise exposure, including noise silencer bands
Electrical safety and electrocution risk
Shutting down at the end of the work day
Cleaning and maintenance after use
Emergency response to entanglement, fire, electric shock or injury
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 10 work activities
Risk ratings before and after controls, with a 5x5 risk matrix and the hierarchy of controls
PPE requirements checklist and high risk construction work checklist
Plant and equipment list, including adapters, a portable RCD and noise silencer bands
Materials such as brake cleaner, plus maintenance checks and the training each worker needs
Site specific hazards section for anything unique to your job
Worker sign-off sheet and worker consultation record
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing a SWMS from a blank page
Covers the most common hazards and control measures for this work, ready to use out of the box
Fully editable, so you can add, remove or change anything to suit your site and how your team works
Helps your business stay compliant, with risk ratings, worker sign-off and consultation records already set up
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, ABN, project and site details.
Check it suits your site and task, edit anything you need to, and consult your workers before you finalise it.
Brief your team and collect signatures.
Common questions
Do I need a SWMS for using a brake lathe?
No. Brake lathe work in a workshop isn't high risk construction work, so a SWMS isn't a legal requirement. You still have to manage the risks, including entanglement and noise, and a SWMS is a practical way to record how. Clients, insurers and prequalification portals often ask for one.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any hazard, control or rating, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
