This Thicknesser & Buzzer Operation SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) gives operators a clear method for setting up and running a thicknesser and a buzzer (surface planer or jointer) to dress and size timber. It covers cutter block guarding, push sticks and push blocks, safe feeding, avoiding kickback, dust extraction, clearing jams and locking out the machine for blade changes. 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
Shopfitters
Timber window and door manufacturers
Woodwork teachers and school workshops
Men's sheds and community 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 cutter block causing cuts or amputation
Kickback ejecting timber back at the operator
Entanglement of hair, clothing, jewellery or gloves
Crushing at thicknesser feed rollers and ejected chips or offcuts
Noise-induced hearing loss
Wood dust inhalation and dust build-up as a fire hazard
Manual handling of long, heavy or awkward timber
Electric shock from damaged leads, plugs or faulty isolation
What's included
7 pre-operational checks, from blades and guards to dust extraction, push sticks, the emergency stop and lighting
A 10-step operating procedure covering setup, the bridge guard, feeding, push blocks, depth of cut, kickback and jams
Isolation and energy control for cutter block run-down, lockout and tagout before blade changes or clearing jams
5 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for kickback, jams, blade failure and hand or eye injuries
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 other workshop machines?
No. Panel saws, table saws, spindle moulders, CNC routers and edge banders each have their own SOP.
Does it cover changing blades?
Yes. It requires the machine to be isolated and locked out, and the cutter block fully stopped, before blades or knives are changed or adjusted.
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.
