Cold Saw Safe Work Method Statement

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

Cold Saw Safe Work Method Statement

Cold 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 Cold 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 Cold 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. Preparation for cutting
  9. Operation
  10. Maintenance
  11. On completion

The Cold Saw Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Cold 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. Check workspaces to ensure that no slip/trip hazards are present.
  2. Make sure that the saw blade is in good condition, never use a damaged one.
  3. Always wear appropriate PPE; to protect against possible skin irritation from coolants, Eye injuries, sharp edges and burrs, metal splints, as well as noise.

Cold 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 Cold 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 Cold Saw SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks. 

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

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

  • Details of the person(s) responsible for making sure implementation, monitoring and compliance of the Cold Saw SWMS as well as any reviews and modifications. 
  • Any information detailing safety meetings or toolbox talks in relation to cold saw work, scheduled in accordance with legislative requirements to first identify any site hazards where the cold 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 cold saw work being done. 
  • Any changes added to the Cold Saw SWMS after an incident ora near miss.

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

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

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

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

Your Cold 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 Cold Saw SWMS must be reviewed continually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. The Cold Saw SWMS must be reviewed (and revised if necessary) if relevant control measures in relation to cold 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 Cold Saw and their health and safety representatives who represented that work group at the workplace. 

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

  1. All persons involved in the cold saw work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Cold 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 Cold Saw SWMS; and,
  3. Workers that will be involved in the cold saw work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Cold Saw SWMS.

When preparing your Cold 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 Cold Saw.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

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

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

Cold Saw Training and Worker Qualifications

Ensure all workers have the appropriate licenses in conducting Cold Saw as well as any qualifications that may be required for various cold 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 Cold Saw SWMS including all safety and emergency procedures.
  2. Be qualified, knowledgeable and competent in Cold Saw operations and cold saw work as well as all delegated tasks/responsibilities
  3. Be fully aware and understand the scope of work in relation to the Cold Saw SWMS

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

  • Make sure there are no debris, offcuts and spilt coolant in the area around the saw.
  • Check blade for missing, broken or worn teeth.
  • Top up coolant, after checking level.
  • Make sure the mating surfaces of work or vice clamps are clean of swarf.
  • Work area must be kept clear.
  • If found faulty, replace blade.
  • Never dry cut metal.
  • Keep mating surfaces clean.
  • Turn saw off, lower the blade to touch the stock, and measure from blade to end with sample piece or metal rule.
  • Work to be cut must be securely clamped in vice or work clamps.
  • Make sure saw cannot be used when setting.
  • Make sure that stops are securely set.
  • Make sure job is securely held.
  • Turn the saw on, and pull blade down slowly to contact piece to be cut.
  • Use steady pressure to allow the blade to cut through metal at its own rate.
  • If there is blade chatter, stop the machine and inspect blade for damage. Make sure the stock piece is held firmly in work clamps or in vices.
  • Only make minimal contact with coolant.
  • Make sure cut pieces and stock are secure and will not falloff the cutting bench.
  • Never bump the blade on the work.
  • Wearing eye protection is recommended.
  • Wearing gloves and apron is recommended.
  • Wearing Type 1 footwear is recommended.
  • Before carrying out maintenance, unplug the machine.
  • Before reusing machine, make sure blade is fitted in the right direction, is mounted firmly with clean washers and the nut is tightened properly.

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.