This Circular Saw SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers cutting with a handheld circular saw, including cutting concrete, masonry and tile. It breaks the work into 11 activities, from the pre-operation inspection to 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
Builders, carpenters and framers
Cabinetmakers, joiners and shopfitters
Fencing, decking and landscaping contractors
Maintenance, facilities and repair crews
Manufacturing, farm and fleet workshops
It also works as a written task risk assessment for any business where workers use a circular saw, the same way you'd use a JSA or Safe Work Procedure.
Use it to
Hand clients and principal contractors the SWMS they ask for
Apply for tenders and new jobs with your safety paperwork ready
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and run toolbox talks on the task
What this SWMS covers
Pre-operation inspection of the saw, blade and guard
Entanglement from long hair, loose clothing, rags and jewellery
Cuts and impact injuries to hands, body and eyes from the exposed blade
Noise exposure from the saw
Electric shock and machine damage
Portable electrical equipment and leads, with higher risk in wet or outdoor work
Blade changes and cleaning, including cuts and contact with live components
Housekeeping, spills and slip hazards around the work area
Waste and offcut removal, including trips, splinters and sharp edges
Respirable crystalline silica when cutting concrete, masonry or tile
Emergency response to lacerations, fire or electric shock
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 11 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, maintenance checks and the training each worker needs
Daily pre-start inspection and tag-out of faulty saws, leads and accessories
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 circular saw?
A SWMS is legally required when the job is high risk construction work, for example cutting where someone could fall more than 2 metres, near energised electrical installations, or where powered mobile plant is moving. Outside those situations a SWMS isn't mandatory, but you still have to manage the risks, and a SWMS is a sound way to record how. Clients, head contractors and prequalification portals often ask for one either way.
Does it cover cutting concrete and masonry?
Yes. It includes a separate activity for cutting, grinding, drilling or chasing concrete, masonry and tile, covering respirable crystalline silica and the lung disease it can cause with repeated exposure.
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.
