This 9-page Lathe Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides the typical safety controls and possible hazards associated with operating a lathe in a workshop or onsite setting. It’s designed to support safe operation, mitigate entanglement, impact, and electrical risks, and ensure a structured approach to high-risk machinery work.
 
This pre-filled, ready-to-use SWMS has been created by experienced WHS professionals to help your business meet safety obligations and maintain compliance. Suitable for all Australian states and territories, it’s fully editable and easy to customise with your company name, logo, and site-specific details.
 
Who This SWMS Is For
Ideal for:
Engineering workshops and fabrication facilities
Manufacturing and machining businesses
Maintenance and repair contractors
Metalworking and toolmaking operators
Vocational training providers and TAFE facilities
Any workplace using lathes as part of their operation
 
What This SWMS Covers
Pre-operation inspections to identify faults or wear in equipment, including electrical leads
Manual handling risks involved in setting up lathes and positioning heavy chucks or faceplates
Entanglement hazards, including loose clothing, hair, jewellery, and rags
Impact and cutting injuries, with controls around PPE, guarding, and safe tool use
Noise hazards, including controls to rotate tasks, isolate noisy areas, and wear hearing protection
Electrical risks, with RCD checks, isolation procedures, and tag/test controls
End-of-day procedures, including isolating power, waste removal, and safe storage
Environmental changes or new hazards, with instructions to stop work and review the SWMS
Emergency preparedness, including switch isolation and fire-fighting equipment locations
Incident response protocols, such as first aid access, reporting, and barricading major incidents
 
What’s Included in Your Template
HRCW Selection Table
Risk assessment matrix and risk rating calculator
Step-by-step task breakdown and controls
Potential hazards and mitigation strategies
PPE requirements clearly listed
Plant and equipment list (including lathe and associated tools)
References to WHS legislation, codes of practice, and standards
Worker sign-off and competency acknowledgement section
 
This SWMS template for Lathe operation is an invaluable tool for quickly and effectively documenting your WHS systems. Designed for swift editing and customisation, it adapts easily to your operational needs - making it an essential part of your safety management toolkit.
 
Get your Lathe SWMS today and start using it instantly! Save time, stay safe, and help your business stay compliant with our expert-developed templates.