This Panel Saw Operation SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) gives your operators a clear method for using a fixed vertical or horizontal beam or sliding table panel saw to break down sheets of MDF, plywood, particleboard and melamine. It covers blade, riving knife and guard checks, dust extraction, loading and supporting large sheets, standing out of the kickback zone, feed rate, push sticks, lockout before clearing offcuts and emergency stops. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
 
Who it's for
Cabinet makers and kitchen manufacturers
Joiners and shopfitters
Furniture manufacturers
Timber and board suppliers offering cut-to-size
Sign makers and display builders
 
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
 
What this SOP covers
Blade contact causing cuts, lacerations or amputation
Kickback from a binding blade, misaligned fence or missing riving knife
Wood dust exposure, including carcinogenic hardwood dust
Noise-induced hearing loss
Manual handling injuries from large, heavy sheets
Falling or toppling sheets during loading, cutting or unloading
Entanglement of clothing, hair or jewellery
Electric shock from damaged leads, plugs or components
Eye injury from chips, dust or splinters
Operating with guards removed, defeated or poorly adjusted
 
What's included
10 pre-operational checks, from authorisation and blade condition to the riving knife, guards, dust extraction, fence, push stick, sheet inspection and emergency stops
A 12-step operating procedure covering planning cuts, loading sheets, dust extraction, body position, feed rate, push sticks, guards and supporting offcuts
Isolation and energy control for isolating at the machine, waiting for blade run-down and lockout and tag out before blade changes or maintenance
7 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for entanglement, kickback and blade contact, including when the saw can be restarted
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
 
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
 
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
 
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Joinery & Cabinet Making SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
 
Common questions
Does it cover table saws or circular saws?
No. Hand-held circular saws, table saws for ripping or cross-cutting solid timber and other fixed woodworking machinery need their own equipment SOPs.
Does it cover dust extraction?
Yes. Dust extraction must be connected, switched on and working before cutting starts, and wood dust exposure is one of the hazards covered.
Can the saw be restarted after an incident?
No, not straight away. After an incident, blade breakage or guard failure, it stays out of use until a competent person has inspected it and cleared it as safe.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, 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.