This Power Tools SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers using grinders, sanders, drills and other power tools. It covers 20 activities, from preparing the work area and running out leads to dust control, abrasive discs and incident 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
Builders, carpenters and other trades
Metal fabrication and engineering workshops
Maintenance and facilities crews
Shopfitters, joiners and cabinet makers
Manufacturing and farm workshops
It also works as a written task risk assessment for any business where workers use power tools, the same way you'd use a JSA or Safe Work Procedure.
Use it to
Hand clients and principal contractors the SWMS they ask for
Apply for tenders and new jobs with your safety paperwork ready
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and run toolbox talks on the task
What this SWMS covers
Site hazard information and checking workers are trained
Preparing the work area, including lighting, hot work and fire risk
PPE selection for the task
Setting up stands and hooks and running out leads
Manual handling and cluttered work areas
Pre-operation inspection so tools don't fail or disintegrate
Entanglement from long hair, loose clothing, rags and jewellery
Moving parts, flying objects and disc or belt breakage
Hand-arm vibration, noise and electrical hazards
Silica and wood dust from grinding, cutting and sanding
Abrasive discs shattering, kickback and contact cuts
Packing up leads and stands, plus response to injuries or incidents
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 20 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 such as discs and drill bits, maintenance checks and training
Induction and equipment training requirements
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 using power tools?
A SWMS is legally required when the job is high risk construction work, for example using power tools where someone could fall more than 2 metres, near energised electrical installations, or where powered mobile plant is moving. Outside those situations a SWMS isn't mandatory, but you still have to manage the risks, and a SWMS is a sound way to record how. Clients, head contractors and prequalification portals often ask for one either way.
Does it cover silica dust?
Yes. It covers dust from grinding, cutting and sanding, including respirable crystalline silica from concrete, brick, block, tile, fibre cement and engineered stone, and the silicosis and lung disease it can cause.
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.
