This Table Saw & Rip Saw Operation SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how to operate fixed bench-mounted table saws and rip saws safely in a joinery or cabinet making workshop, including saws with a sliding table. It covers checking the blade guard, riving knife and rip fence, setting blade height, ripping and cross-cutting, push sticks and outfeed support, body position to avoid kickback and isolating the saw before blade changes or clearing jams. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Joinery and cabinet making workshops
Furniture makers
Shopfitting workshops
Timber and building supply yards with cutting services
Woodworking training workshops
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
Contact with the rotating blade causing cuts or amputation
Kickback of the workpiece or offcut towards the operator
Ejected offcuts and timber fragments
Entanglement of hair, clothing, gloves or jewellery
Handling sheet material and long lengths of timber
Noise-induced hearing loss
Wood dust, a known carcinogen
Electric shock from damaged leads, plugs or switches
Fire from sawdust build-up near the motor
What's included
8 pre-operational checks, from training and the blade guard and riving knife to rip fence alignment, push sticks, dust extraction and the emergency stop
An 11-step operating procedure covering blade selection, fence setting, cross-cutting, body position, push sticks, outfeed support and binding blades
Isolation and energy control with lockout and tagout before changing blades, adjusting guards or clearing jams
6 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for kickback, entanglement, blade contact injuries and fire
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 circular saws or mitre saws?
No. Handheld circular saws and drop or mitre saws are covered by a separate procedure. This SOP covers fixed bench-mounted table saws and rip saws.
Does it cover sliding table saws?
Yes. It covers saws with a sliding table where fitted, including using the sliding table, cross-cut fence or mitre gauge for cross-cutting.
Can operators wear gloves on the saw?
No. The SOP says not to wear gloves, loose clothing or jewellery, and to tie back long hair, because of the entanglement risk.
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.
