Disc Sander Safe Work Method Statement

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

Disc Sander Safe Work Method Statement

Disc Sander 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 Disc Sander 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 Disc Sander 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. Operation
  9. Cleaning and maintenance
  10. On completion

The Disc Sander Safe Work Method Statement, includes;


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

Your Disc Sander 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. Always wear proper PPE; safety goggles and ear protection, and a dust mask.
  2. Never reach over the disc or behind it while it's running.
  3. Always sand on the downward motion side of the disc.

Disc Sander 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 Disc Sander 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 Disc Sander SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks. 

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Disc Sander SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own disc sander SWMS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When preparing your Disc Sander 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 Disc Sander.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when using disc sander and ensure that:

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

Disc Sander Training and Worker Qualifications 

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

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

  • Make sure the power outlet is safe and the leads and plugs are not worn or damaged.
  • Make sure all nuts, bolts and screws are secured.
  • Before use, Inspect the sanding disc for damage, wear and tear.
  • The gap between the disc and the table must not exceed 1.5 mm.
  • Make sure all dust is removed from floor around the machine by sweeping.
  • Never use faulty equipment.
  • Replace or tighten parts that are loose.
  • If damaged or worn, replace disc.
  • If gap is too wide, adjust the table.
  • Keeping work area clean is recommended.
  • For sanding small items, use holding tools or aids. Always keep fingers and hands clear of the sanding disc, when sanding.
  • For preventing unwanted movements, always maintain control of the item being sanded.
  • Carry out sanding on the side of disc that is running downward. Do not attempt sanding on the upward running side of the disc.
  • Asses if the material to be sanded has any risk of generating toxic dust while sanding.
  • If toxic dust may be generated, exhaust dust collector must be used.
  • Never wear gloves during sanding. Use push stick or push block.
  • Wearing eye protection is recommended.
  • Wearing dust mask is recommended, when sanding craft wood or MDF.
  • Before attempting to clean or maintain the sander, ensure power to the machine is switched off.
  • For removing buildup of sanding residue, use a brush or a tool.
  • For removing adhesive residue, always use suitable solvent cleaner and scraper.
  • Before fitting disc, make sure the backing plate is free of old adhesive and clean.
  • Before cleaning or maintenance, ensure the machine is de-energised.
  • When cleaning sander, wearing eye protection and dust mask is recommended.
  • When cleaning, wearing gloves is recommended.
  • When replacing, following disc manufacturer's instructions is recommended.

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.