This Hand, Air and Power Tools SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers using power tools, air tools and non-powered hand tools at work. It sets out 23 activities, from briefing workers on hazards and preparing the work area to end of day pack-up 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
Builders, carpenters and general trades
Metal fabricators and engineering workshops
Maintenance, facilities and repair crews
Joinery, cabinet making and manufacturing businesses
Mechanics and fleet workshops
It also works as a written task risk assessment for any business where workers use hand, air or power tools, 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
Briefing workers on site hazards, tool condition and who is trained to use each tool
Preparing the work area, including lighting and fire risk from hot work
Selecting and wearing the right PPE
Manual handling and housekeeping to prevent strains, slips and trips
Pre-operation inspection of power tools
Entanglement, impact and cutting injuries from moving parts
Noise and hand arm vibration from power tools
Electrical safety for power tools and leads
Compressed air tools, including air blasting and hoses uncoupling in use
Inspecting, using and maintaining non-powered hand and cutting tools
Silica and wood dust from cutting, grinding and sanding
Out of service tagging, end of day pack-up and emergency response
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 23 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
Daily pre-start and maintenance checks for tools, hoses, compressors, leads and portable RCDs
Training each worker needs, including site induction and equipment training
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 hand, air and power tools?
A SWMS is legally required when the job is high risk construction work, for example tool work where someone could fall more than 2 metres, near energised electrical installations, or in an area with movement of powered mobile plant. 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 air tools as well as power tools?
Yes. It has a separate activity for compressed air tools, covering impact injuries, moving parts, burns, cuts, air blasting and hoses uncoupling while in use, along with non-powered hand and cutting tools.
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.
