This Production Line Changeover SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled for changing formats, tooling, blades, reels and settings on manufacturing and packaging lines. It covers 29 activities, from changeover planning and isolation to verifying safeguards, the first-off trial run 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
Food and beverage manufacturers
Packaging and printing plants
Plastics, moulding and extrusion manufacturers
Maintenance fitters and line technicians
Production supervisors and shift leaders
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
Changeover planning, line release, authorisation and exclusion zones
Isolating energy sources, releasing stored energy and proving the isolation
Group lockout, lock control and shift handover during a changeover
Hot surfaces and steam, chilled and freezer areas, and portable tools on wet floors
Access to high-level equipment, removing guards and lifting dies and moulds
Forklift traffic, combustible dust and CIP and sanitiser chemicals
Blade, knife, reel and web changes, including in-running nips
Entering hoppers, mixers, silos and ovens as enclosed spaces
Robot cell entry, tooling changes and jogging the line with guards open
Recipe and safety-function settings, coders, metal detectors and X-ray units
Refitting guards, verifying safeguards and the first-off trial run
Time pressure, fatigue, housekeeping and emergency response to entanglement or crushing
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 29 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 4024.1201 for machinery risk assessment and AS/NZS 4024.1601 for guards
Training in lockout, group lock box use and lock transfer at shift handover
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 a production line changeover?
No. A production line changeover isn't high risk construction work, so a SWMS isn't a legal requirement. You still have to manage the risks, including an unexpected restart while someone is in the line and stored energy release, and a SWMS is a practical way to record how. Clients, insurers and prequalification portals often ask for one.
Does it cover robot cells?
Yes. It covers robot cell entry, end-of-arm tooling changes and position teaching, including the risk of being struck or crushed inside a robot, palletiser or cartoner cell.
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.
