This Demolition Saw SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers cutting concrete and other hard materials with a petrol demolition saw. It sets out 10 activities, from user training and pre-start checks to refuelling, after-use care 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
Concrete cutting and coring contractors
Demolition and strip-out contractors
Civil, roadworks and council crews
Plumbers, drainers and landscapers cutting pavers and concrete
Builders, renovators and site maintenance crews
It also works as a written task risk assessment for any business where workers use a demolition 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
User training so only trained operators use the saw
Pre-start checks of controls, guards and blade
Handling and starting a 7 to 12 kg saw, including back strain and hand-arm vibration
Blade jams and breakage causing kickback or flying fragments
Silica dust, strain injuries and protecting other workers and the public
Refuelling with unleaded petrol, including spills, vapour and fire
After-use cleaning and maintenance, including cuts and eye injuries
Concrete slurry and dust kept out of drains and soil
Cutting into concealed cables, gas lines and water mains
Emergency response to fire, injury or blade failure
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, maintenance checks and the training each worker needs
Materials list covering unleaded petrol, diamond or abrasive blades and water for dust suppression
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 demolition saw?
A SWMS is legally required when the job is high risk construction work, for example cutting that is likely to disturb asbestos, cutting near energised electrical services or gas mains, or work next to a road in use. 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 into hidden services?
Yes. It has an activity for cutting into concealed services, covering electrocution, gas release, flooding and sprinkler discharge from cutting blind into a live cable, gas line, water main or charged pipe.
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.
