Circular Saw Safe Work Method Statement

Circular Saw Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Circular Saw Safe Work Method Statement

Circular Saw Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Whether you need to get on site to start work, looking to create a safe work environment or pitching for that next government tender - the Circular Saw Safe Work Method Statement is easy to customise, easy to use and easy to integrate into your current Safety Management System. If you don't have a Safety Management System, we need to talk, seriously, you don't need to be carrying that level of risk exposure in your business - we can help.

Look, we understand that business should be rewarding and not consumed by tedious red tape. The Safe Work Method Statement Template we create is in an easy to understand format, while at the same time being some of the highest quality documents in the industry. Our SWMS documents get you onsite, save you loads of time and are very user-friendly. This way, you can get on with doing what you do best.

The Circular Saw Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) covers the following Job Steps, including potential hazards, control measures and risk ratings:

  1. Planning and preparation
  2. Training and capabilities
  3. Assess onsite conditions
  4. Set up work area
  5. Temporary Traffic Control (TMP)
  6. Delivery of materials and equipment
  7. Pre-start checks
  8. Maintenance and replacement of blades.
  9. Preparation of work area
  10. Operation
  11. Special precautions
  12. On completion

The Circular Saw Safe Work Method Statement Includes


Risk Assessment Matrix | Hierarchy of Controls | PPE | Emergency Response

Your Circular Saw Safe Work Method Statement is ready to be used in three easy steps:

  1. Add your company logo and details to the SWMS Template.
  2. Identify site specific risks.
  3. Address any site specific risks and add them to your SWMS Template.

Now that your Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is ready for use, you can also make the SWMS document available as a training resource for activities such as WHS-OHS Toolbox Meeting Talks or Workplace Inductions.

Bluesafe Quick Tips:

  1. Wear proper PPE; safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield, as well as gloves. Wear an approved respirator when exposed to dusts, also use hearing protection in noisy areas.
  2. Use a safe depth of cut settings and only use sharp blades.
  3. Do a saw check and never use a defective saw.

Circular Saw Safe Work Method Statement

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Circular Saw Safe Work Method Statement
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View a Safe Work Method Statement Example

See an example of a Safe Work Method Statement Template below. All our SWMS Template documents are comprehensive in nature, easy to use, and are a huge time saver. Our Safe Work Method Statement Templates are quick and easy to customise to your specific business or operation and are perfectly suited for every day use, for larger contracts and tenders right through to qualifying for contractor management platforms such as CM3.

What is a Safe Work Method Statement?

A SWMS is a document that outlines the high-risk construction work activities that will be performed at a workplace, the hazards that will be present as a result of these activities, and the controls that will be implemented to mitigate the risks.

A single SWMS can be utilised for numerous high-risk construction work activities, such as employing powered mobile plant, working at heights of more than 2 metres, and working near to a road that is used by traffic other than pedestrians.

A SWMS is an administrative control that is used to support higher-order controls, such as engineering controls, that are designed to remove or reduce hazards to health and safety.

A SWMS differs from other documentation such as a Job Safety Analysis or a Safe Operating Procedure in that it focuses on specific jobs or processes. A SWMS isn't meant to be a procedure; rather, it's a tool for supervisors and workers to check and monitor the workplace control measures. For high-risk work activities, a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking)  must prepare a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) or check that one has been prepared before starting work. It is important to note that before any work process has started, a SWMS must be prepared.

A PCBU, on the other hand, also must manage health and safety hazards by eliminating or reducing them as much as possible. Before beginning any work on a project, the principal contractor must also obtain a copy of the SWMS.

What information does a Safe Work Method Statement need to contain?

A Safe Work Method Statement should identify high-risk work and any specify hazards related to high-risk construction work as well as any health and safety risks. The SWMS should describe the risk-control measures to be implemented, monitored, and reviewed and also should describe how the risk-control measures will be effective at reducing or eliminating the risk, and how they will be implemented, monitored, and reviewed.

A Safe Work Method Statement should be concise and focus on outlining the specific risks identified for the high-risk work to be performed, as well as the control measures to be implemented to ensure that the work is completed safely.

A long and overly complex Safe Work Method Statement which could be difficult to comprehend, implement and monitor or review may be confusing for workers to mentally digest and therefore is not ideal in helping to reduce or eliminate risks in the workplace. It is imperative that workers, and especially those who do not speak English, are able to understand the Safe Work Method Statement. Consider having pictures or diagrams added to the SWMS as a more effective way of presenting information contained within the SWMS.

The SWMS should also contain other regulatory requirements to protect health and safety of all personnel, such as controlling noise exposure and manual job risks. Also, keep in mind that evidence of a completed risk assessment may be required by the regulator or for auditing reasons if the Safe Work Method Statement is based on a workplace-specific risk assessment.

Who's Responsible for creating the Safe Work Method Statement?

In collaboration with workers who will be directly engaged in the activity, the person responsible for carrying out the work is usually best equipped to prepare the SWMS document. In most cases, this means that a Safe Work Method Statement is created by the builder for his or her employees, or by the subcontractor for their employees.

To establish who is in the best position to prepare the Safe Work Method Statement, the principle contractor, builder, and/or subcontractors should decide who will take responsibility for the SWMS.

It's also a requirement that all managers, contractors, supervisors, and workers be involved in the creation of a Safe Work Method Statement. Workers must be consulted so that they understand the SWMS in depth and what they must do to establish and maintain risks and implement control measures to manage the risk. Sharing information and utilising workers' knowledge and experience may also aid in ensuring that the task is completed in accordance with the SWMS.

If your workplace has a Health and Safety Representative, they should also be contacted while creating a Safe Work Method Statement.

What does the principal contractor's responsibility entail?

Before beginning work, a principal contractor must take all reasonable steps to obtain a SWMS from any contractor performing high-risk work. If no SWMS exists, the principal contractor must arrange for one to be created, for example by the contractor or subcontractor.

A general contractor should establish plans to ensure that high-risk work is carried out safely and in compliance with the Safe Work Method Statement. This can be done by keeping an eye on how the SWMS is being implemented on the ground.

The principal contractors' WHS management plan must also include detailed arrangements for collecting, assessing, monitoring, and reviewing the SWMS, according to the WHS Regulations.

How to Write a Safe Work Method Statement 

If you're looking to write your own Circular Saw Safe Work Method Statement, the first step is to create the document as a Safe Work Method Statement Template. This way, you can use the same SWMS Template and then adjust the document for each different glazing project as needed, making sure that your Circular Saw SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Circular Saw SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own circular saw SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Circular Saw SWMS such as:

  • Details of the person(s) responsible for making sure implementation, monitoring and compliance of the Circular Saw SWMS as well as any reviews and modifications. 
  • Any information detailing safety meetings or toolbox talks in relation to circular saw work, scheduled in accordance with legislative requirements to first identify any site hazards where the circular saw work is being conducted, secondly, communicate the risks and hazards and then take steps to eliminate or control each hazard in relation to the circular saw work being done. 
  • Any changes added to the Circular Saw SWMS after an incident or a near miss.

Note: The Circular Saw SWMS must be kept and be available for inspection at least until the circular saw work is completed. Where the Circular Saw SWMS is revised, all versions of the SWMS Template should be kept. If a notifiable incident occurs in relation to the Circular Saw Safe Work Method Statement, the Circular Saw SWMS must be kept for a minimum of two years from the date of the incident. 

Your Circular Saw Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as: 

  • Does the circular saw work outlined in the Circular Saw SWMS involve a risk of a person falling more than 2 meters?
  • Is the circular saw work outlined in the Circular Saw SWMS carried out on or near pressurised gas mains or piping?
  • Is the circular saw work outlined in the Circular Saw SWMS carried out on a telecommunication tower?
  • Is the circular saw work outlined in the Circular Saw SWMS carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines?
  • Does the circular saw work outlined in the Circular Saw SWMS involve demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing?
  • Is the circular saw work outlined in the Circular Saw SWMS carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services?
  • Does the circular saw work outlined in the Circular Saw SWMS involve demolition of an element related to the physical integrity of a structure?
  • Is the circular saw work outlined in the Circular Saw SWMS carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere?
  • Does the circular saw work outlined in the Circular Saw SWMS involve, or is likely to involve, disturbing asbestos?
  • Does the circular saw work outlined in the Circular Saw SWMS involve tilt-up or precast concrete?
  • Does the circular saw work outlined in the Circular Saw SWMS involve structural alteration or repair that requires temporary support to prevent collapse?
  • Is the circular saw work outlined in the Circular Saw SWMS carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor?
  • Is the circular saw work outlined in the Circular Saw SWMS carried out in or near a confined space?
  • Is the circular saw work outlined in the Circular Saw SWMS carried out in an area of a workplace where there is any movement of powered mobile plant?
  • Is the circular saw work outlined in the Circular Saw SWMS carried out in/near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5m or tunnel involving use of explosives?
  • Is the circular saw work outlined in the Circular Saw SWMS carried out in areas with artificial extremes of temperature?
  • Is the circular saw work outlined in the Circular Saw SWMS carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning?
  • Does the circular saw work outlined in the Circular Saw SWMS involve diving work? 

Your Circular Saw Safe Work Method Statement should also identify any high-risk machinery or equipment in operation near the work site, such as:

Your Circular Saw SWMS should also list any Personal Protective Equipment such as:

  • Foot Protection - Boots or closed in shoes
  • Hand Protection - Gloves
  • Head Protection - Hard hat or helmet
  • Hearing Protection - Ear plugs or ear muffs
  • Eye Protection - Safety glasses, goggles or face shields
  • Respiratory Protection - Face masks etc
  • Face Protection - Face shield, welding mask etc
  • High Visual Clothing
  • Protective Clothing - Overalls etc
  • Fall Protection - Safety harness, edge protection etc
  • Sun Protection - Sunscreen, hat etc
  • Hair and Jewellery Secured - Hair Net, etc 

The Circular Saw SWMS must be reviewed continually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. The Circular Saw SWMS must be reviewed (and revised if necessary) if relevant control measures in relation to circular saw work are revised. The review process should be carried out in consultation with workers (including contractors and subcontractors) who may be affected by the Circular Saw and their health and safety representatives who represented that work group at the workplace.

When the Circular Saw SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:  

  1. All persons involved in the circular saw work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Circular Saw SWMS;
  2. Persons who will need to change a work procedure or system as a result of the review are advised of the changes in a way that will enable them to implement their duties consistently with the revised Circular Saw SWMS; and,
  3. Workers that will be involved in the circular saw work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Circular Saw SWMS.

When preparing your Circular Saw SWMS, here are some topics you might want to also include to ensure you have covered as many risks and hazards as possible.  

Planning and Preparation When Working With and Around Circular Saw. 

When writing your Circular Saw SWMS, establish any policies, procedures and systems for working with Circular Saws in consultation with the Principal Contractor and workers while being sure to establish: 

  • Health and Safety guidelines for circular saw work
  • Emergency plans and evacuation procedures for the Circular Saw SWMS
  • Worker inductions for Circular Saw
  • Toolbox talks (safety meetings) added to the Circular Saw SWMS
  • Outline details of supervision of the site and workers on the Circular Saw SWMS
  • Check all workers qualifications, permits and competencies for Circular Saw operations
  • Ensure the Circular Saw and any related equipment is functioning correctly
  • Hazard reporting procedures in place and added to the Circular Saw SWMS
  • Incident reporting procedures in place and added to the Circular Saw SWMS
  • Exclusion zones when conducting circular saw work
  • Risk Assessment for TASK completed and noted on the Circular Saw SWMS
  • Electrical NO GO ZONES identified, discussed and documented. 

Assessment of Site Conditions 

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when using circular saw and ensure that:

  1. A risk assessment of the circular saw work is conducted
  2. Suitable access and adequate space to conduct circular saw work safely
  3. Consult with all stakeholders on potential hazards and risks when conducting circular saw work
  4. Consultation with all relevant workers and personnel for Circular Saw SWMS details
  5. If conducting Circular Saw at night, ensure there is adequate lighting
  6. Check that the work environment is suitable for circular saw work

Circular Saw Training and Worker Qualifications

Ensure all workers have the appropriate licenses in conducting Circular Saw as well as any qualifications that may be required for various circular saw projects before starting work. If White Cards are required, retain copies of all cards, licenses and qualifications of personnel.

All personnel must: 

  1. Be trained and/or have received instructions on the Circular Saw SWMS including all safety and emergency procedures.
  2. Be qualified, knowledgeable and competent in Circular Saw operations and circular saw work as well as all delegated tasks/responsibilities
  3. Be fully aware and understand the scope of work in relation to the Circular Saw SWMS

Below are some examples of some Control Measures to be implemented when creating your own Circular Saw Safe Work Method Statement Template:

  • Check the casing of the saw for missing screws, cracks and damages.
  • Ensure smooth operation of all controls.
  • Ensure fitting of guard and its correct operation. The guard must move easily and should spring back when released.
  • Ensure correct blade is being used for the work.
  • If fibre blade is being used for metal cutting, the blade must be inspected for damage, cracks and uneven or excessive wear.
  • Make sure grips and handles are fitted firmly and are not moving.
  • Never use the machine if there are missing parts, damages or out of test. Arrange for immediate repairs before use.
  • If machine is without guard, lock or tie guard in open position, do not use the machine.
  • Unsuitable blade must not be used.
  • If the blade has missing, broken or chipped teeth, replace before use.
  • Before carrying out any maintenance, make sure to unplug the machine.
  • For carrying out maintenance, the machine must be placed on a stable and firm surface, or a bench.
  • For undoing the spindle nut, use proper or supplied tools and spanners.
  • The backing plate, spindle and guard must be cleaned of debris and dust. Use a brush for the cleaning.
  • Ensure the backing plate sits flush and the threads of the spindle are undamaged.
  • For metal cutting with fibre blades, ensure correct matching of spindle hole to the spindle, and the blade speed to the saw.
  • The blade washer and nut must be mounted in proper order, and tightened firmly with proper tools and spanners.
  • For handling sharp and rough parts, wearing leather gloves is recommended.
  • If using compressed air for cleaning, always wear eye protection.
  • Never use incompatible blade, or a blade that does not meet all the criteria listed on the left.
  • All surfaces must be maintained clean.
  • Nuts must not be over tightened.
  • The working surface and the floor must be free of debris and rubbish. The person operating the circular saw must have a firm foothold.
  • The work piece must be secure and have not accidental movement while working.
  • Work areas must be maintained clean.
  • For handling sharp and rough parts, wearing leather gloves is recommended.
  • The process of sawing generates copious amounts of fine dust, which may hang in the air and be lodged in eyes as well as breathed in.
  • Circular saws in operation generate high noise levels. This is enhanced in enclosed or restricted areas.
  • Never attempt to cut towards your body always cut away.
  • Support work pieces to prevent them from falling.
  • Wearing dust mask is recommended.
  • Wearing eye protection is recommended.
  • Wearing hearing protection is recommended.
  • Wearing of Type 1 footwear is recommended.
  • Craft wood or medium density fibreboard (MDF) may generate toxic dust, which must not be inhaled.
  • When working on MDF, restrict entry of persons in work area.
  • Circular saws fitted with fibre blades generates dust, which must not be inhaled.
  • Fine saw dust could be readily combustible.
  • Wearing of respirator or type P2 particulate dust mask is recommended.
  • Prevent unauthorised access.
  • Wearing of dust mask is recommended.
  • Do not allow smoking or flames near work area.

National: View the Model Codes of Practice for Excavation Work on Safe Work Australia's website here.
Victoria: Victoria's Code of Practice for Excavation Work may be viewed on Work Safe Victoria's website here.