This Operations and Loading into Baler SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers loading and running a baler for scrap metal, paper, cardboard and other materials. It covers 14 activities, from the pre-operation inspection to clearing jams, handling finished bales 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
Recycling and scrap metal yards
Warehouses and distribution centres baling cardboard
Supermarkets and retail stores with back-of-house balers
Manufacturing plants with production waste
Waste management and collection contractors
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of businesses 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
Information on other work areas and new or introduced hazards
Pre-operation inspection and maintenance of the baler
Coordination between the loading plant operator and the baler operator
Crush injury from unguarded moving parts, manual handling and noise
Hydraulic fluid exposure, ignition and leaks
Clearing jams and blockages, including stored hydraulic energy and the platen dropping after isolation
Ejecting, tying and stacking bales, and wires or straps breaking under tension
Electric shock from damaged leads, poor isolation or unauthorised access
Dust and respirable crystalline silica during baling
Safe shutdown at the end of the day to stop unauthorised access
Hydraulic spills, dust emissions and scrap waste
Post-work inspection and emergency response to entrapment, fire or fluid spill
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 14 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
Loading plant such as grab loaders, forklifts and front end loaders
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 operating a baler?
No. Running a baler isn't high risk construction work, so a SWMS isn't a legal requirement. You still have to manage the risks, including crush injury while clearing a jam and hydraulic fluid exposure, and a SWMS is a practical way to record how. Clients, insurers and prequalification portals often ask for one.
Does it cover clearing a jam?
Yes. It has a separate activity for clearing a jam or blockage, covering the ram or platen operating while someone is inside the machine and injury from stored hydraulic energy or the platen dropping under gravity after isolation.
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.
