This Panel Saw Operation SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled for cutting sheet material on sliding table and vertical panel saws in a joinery or cabinet making workshop. It covers 30 activities, from installing and commissioning the machine to shutdown, isolation 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
Cabinet makers and kitchen manufacturers
Joinery and shopfitting workshops
Furniture and board product manufacturers
Sign makers cutting acrylic and aluminium composite panel
Timber and board suppliers offering a cut-to-size service
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of workshops use one as the written risk assessment for running a panel saw, 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
Installing, levelling and anchoring the saw before production
Exclusion zones, the kickback line and safe delivery and storage of sheet packs
Pre-start checks of the crown guard, riving knife, emergency stops and blade brake
Blade selection, inspection and fitting
Loading sheets and setting fences, stops, blade height and tilt
Cross-cutting, ripping, narrow strips and non-through cuts with push sticks
Kickback, blade jams, stalls and restarts
Loading and cutting on the vertical panel saw
Wood dust, formaldehyde, noise and cutting materials other than timber
Fire and combustible dust in the extraction system, and servicing it safely
Blade changes, isolation, offcuts, housekeeping and working alone
Emergency response to amputation, severe cuts, kickback injury, electric shock or fire
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 30 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 4745 for handling combustible dusts
Machine-specific training on guarding and blade changes, push stick technique and respirator fit testing
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 panel saw operation?
No. Running a panel saw in a workshop isn't high risk construction work, so a SWMS isn't a legal requirement. You still have to manage the risks, including blade contact, kickback and wood dust, and a SWMS is a practical way to record how. Clients, insurers and prequalification portals often ask for one.
Does it cover dust extraction and combustible dust?
Yes. It covers extraction running below capacity, hardwood, softwood and MDF dust, fire drawn into the ducting, dust deflagration in bins and ducting, and safely emptying bins and changing filters.
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.
