This Circular Saw & Drop Saw Setup and Use SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how to set up and use portable circular saws and bench or stand mounted drop saws for cutting timber and sheet materials. It covers blade selection and guarding, clamping the workpiece, setting cut depth, avoiding kickback, safe blade changes and isolation before clearing a jam. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Carpenters and joiners
Residential builders and framers
Cabinet makers and shopfitters
Handymen and property maintenance businesses
Fencing and decking contractors
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Kickback from a pinched, misaligned or jammed blade
Contact with the moving blade, including cuts and amputation
Being struck by ejected offcuts or blade fragments
Entanglement of loose clothing, hair, jewellery or gloves
Electric shock from damaged leads or use in wet conditions
Wood dust exposure and respiratory irritation
Noise-induced hearing loss
Unstable workpieces, benches or stands that aren't clamped or supported
Injury during blade changes or jam clearing without isolation
What's included
8 pre-operational checks, from blade type and speed rating to guards, dust extraction and bench stability
A 12-step operating procedure covering cut depth, clamping, hand position, kickback and safe cutting on both saw types
Isolation and energy control for blade changes, guard adjustment and clearing jams, including unplugging or removing the battery
7 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for kickback, a jammed blade and laceration or amputation injuries
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Carpentry SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover table saws or panel saws?
No. It covers portable circular saws and bench or stand mounted drop saws (mitre saws). Fixed table saws, panel saws and chainsaws need their own SOPs.
Should workers wear gloves when cutting?
No. The SOP advises against gloves while feeding material into the blade, as loose gloves can catch in the rotating blade. Workers tie back long hair and remove loose clothing and jewellery instead.
Is this enough for saw work on a construction site?
Not always. The SOP covers how to use the saws safely. If the cutting is part of high risk construction work, you'll also need a site-specific SWMS.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, 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.
