This Thicknesser and Buzzer Operation SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers setting up and running surface planers (buzzers), thicknessers and combination planer thicknessers in a timber workshop. It covers 37 activities, from machine commissioning and the pre-start inspection 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
Joinery and cabinet making workshops
Furniture makers and timber manufacturers
Door, window and staircase makers
Timber recyclers machining reclaimed timber
Businesses training joinery apprentices
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of workshops use one as the written risk assessment for running a machine, 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
Machine commissioning, daily handover and the kickback line around the machines
Timber deliveries, forklift movements and handling long or heavy boards
Pre-start checks of guards, interlocks, emergency stops, brake and extraction
Changing and setting knives, including unexpected start-up and thrown knives
Setting the bridge guard, thicknesser bed, rollers and anti-kickback fingers
Combination machine changeover and inspecting timber for nails and defects
Face and edge planing, short stock, stopped work and rebating on the buzzer
Thicknessing, workpiece ejection and feed roller entrapment
Treated, painted, reclaimed and glued-up timber
Entanglement, bystanders, clearing jams and restarting after a stall
Wood dust, noise, extraction fires, chemicals, heat and cold in the workshop
Shutdown, isolation and emergency response to amputation, entrapment or ejection injury
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 37 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 and maintenance checks, including timing cutter block run-down at pre-start
Relevant Australian Standards, including AS/NZS 4024.1601 for machine guarding and AS/NZS 4745 for combustible dust
Operator competency requirements and training in releasing a person trapped in the feed rollers
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 thicknesser and buzzer operation?
No. Running a thicknesser or buzzer 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 hand contact with the cutter block and kickback, and a SWMS is a practical way to record how. Clients, insurers and prequalification portals often ask for one.
Can I use it for MDF and particleboard?
No. This SWMS covers solid hardwood and softwood, reclaimed timber and glued-up solid timber panels. It states that composite and resin-bonded board is not machined on these machines.
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.
