This CNC Router Operation SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers running a flatbed nesting CNC router, from program proving and loading sheets to tool changes, dust extraction and clean-down. It sets out the hazards, control measures and risk ratings before and after controls for 29 activities, from machine installation and the daily pre-start to shutdown and emergency response. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
 
Who it's for
Cabinet makers and joinery workshops
Kitchen and furniture manufacturers
Shopfitters with in-house CNC machining
Sign makers and panel processing businesses
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of joinery and manufacturing workshops use one as the written risk assessment for a machine 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
Plant risk assessment, program proving and exclusion zones around the moving gantry
Sheet delivery, forklifts and loading sheets onto the machine bed
Pre-start checks of guards, interlocks, emergency stops, extraction and vacuum hold-down
Tooling selection, inspection and safe installation in the collet
Cutter contact, gantry crushing, ejected parts and entanglement during machining
Tool changer, drill bank, and safe restart after an emergency stop or power failure
Wood dust, formaldehyde from MDF, and machining aluminium, plastics or silica-bearing sheet
Noise from the spindle and vacuum pump, and spoilboard surfacing
Unloading nested parts, tab removal, and unexpected start-up while clearing jams
Fire and combustible dust in the extraction system, bins and ducting
Working alone, production pressure, electrical safety and compressed air blow-down
Emergency response to amputation, entanglement, ejection injury, electric shock or fire
 
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 29 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, materials, and maintenance checks for guarding, interlocks, cutters and extraction
Relevant Australian Standards, including AS/NZS 4024.1201 for machinery risk assessment and AS/NZS 4745 for combustible dust
Training notes covering machine-specific training, verification of competency and supervision of apprentices
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 CNC router operation?
No. Operating a CNC router 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 contact with the cutter and combustible wood dust, and a SWMS is a practical way to record how. Clients, insurers and prequalification portals often ask for one.
Does it cover machining materials other than timber?
Yes. It covers the fire, deflagration and dust risks of machining aluminium, plastics or silica-bearing sheet on a router and extraction system designed for wood dust.
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.