This Machine Guarding and Interlock Verification SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled for inspecting, testing and verifying guards, interlocks, light curtains, two-hand controls and emergency stops on production machinery. It covers 38 activities, from isolation and lockout to return to service 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
Manufacturers and food processors with guarded production machinery
Maintenance fitters and electricians
Machine safety and safeguarding consultants
Packaging, printing and plastics plants
Engineering and machinery service contractors
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of manufacturers use one as the written risk assessment for a 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
Safeguarding specification, permits, production sign-off and exclusion zones
Identifying energy sources, isolating, releasing stored energy and proving isolation
Group lockout and lock and tag control
Guard condition, safe distance and gap checks, and removing heavy guard panels
Inspecting interlocks and finding defeated or bypassed safeguards
Setting, changeover, jam clearing and cleaning without hazardous motion
Isolated and live function testing of guards and interlocks
Run-down time, presence-sensing safety distances, two-hand controls and emergency stops
Safety relay and safety PLC logic, and fault finding on energised circuits
Entering robot cells, hoppers and enclosed machine spaces
Guard repair, refitting, return to service and out-of-service tagging
Emergency response to entanglement, crushing, electric shock, burns or fluid injection
 
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 38 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, maintenance checks and the training each worker needs
Relevant Australian Standards, including AS/NZS 4024.1601 for guards and AS/NZS 4024.1602 for interlocking devices
Competency in machine safeguarding and the AS/NZS 4024 series, with licensed electricians for control circuit work
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
Is a SWMS required for machine guarding and interlock verification?
No. Verifying guards on production machinery isn't high risk construction work, so a SWMS isn't a legal requirement. You still have to manage the risks, including unexpected start-up and entanglement during live testing, and a SWMS is a practical way to record how. Clients, insurers and prequalification portals often ask for one.
How often should guards and interlocks be checked?
The SWMS sets function testing at the manufacturer's interval, at each scheduled service, after any repair or control system change, and at least every 12 months. Results are recorded in the plant register, and any machine that fails is tagged out until repaired and re-verified.
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.