Drop Saw Safe Work Method Statement

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

Drop Saw Safe Work Method Statement

Drop 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 Drop 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 Drop 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. Operation
  9. Replacement of blades
  10. On completion

The Drop Saw Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Drop 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.

Your SWMS is now read to use, and may also be used as training materials for work related activities such as Workplace Inductions or WHS-OHS Toolbox Meeting Talks.

Bluesafe Quick Tips:

  1. Wear proper PPE; safety goggles or eye protection, protective hearing and ideally a face shield. Gloves can also be useful, to handle hot metals and from sparks, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
  2. Always make sure the piece of metal is fastened tightly and to the cutting angle you want.
  3. If work is dusty, use a dust extraction system, and/or respirator or dust mask.

Drop 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 Drop 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 drop saw project as needed, making sure that your Drop Saw SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When preparing your Drop 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 Drop Saw.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions 

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

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

Drop Saw Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • Inspect the casing for missing screws, damages and cracks.
  • Verify the current test tag is attached. Check for damage to lead and plug.
  • Ensure pivot and controls are operating smoothly.
  • Check and make sure all grips and handles are operating smoothly.
  • Make sure the guard is fitted and it operates properly.
  • The guard must move easily and must spring back to its original position when released.
  • Ensure the blade is suitable to the work to be performed.
  • Never use faulty equipment
  • Use RCD or safety switch protected circuits for operating the saw.
  • Never use the saw if the tie guard, lock or guards are in open position.
  • If teeth are found missing, broken or chipped, replace blade.
  • Keep work area free of debris, scrap and sawdust.
  • Suitable hand protection must be used when handling sharp or rough objects.
  • When using saw, never wear jewellery, gloves, loose clothing, etc.
  • Make sure that material to be cut is not able to move accidentally.
  • When cutting, prevent movement of work pieces by clamping and supporting them firmly.
  • Saws generate fine dust in quantities, and this hangs in the air.
  • Sawdust can be breathed in and are lodged in eyes.
  • During operation, circular saws generate noise in harmful levels.
  • Fine saw dust is readily and extremely susceptible to combustion.
  • Work area must be kept clear.
  • When using saw, never wear loose clothing or gloves.
  • Wearing of Type 1 footwear is recommended.
  • Wearing eye protection, hearing protection and P1 particulate dust mask is recommended.
  • Ensure no ignition sources and no smoking in the workplace.
  • Before carrying out maintenance, ensure that machine is unplugged.
  • For carrying out maintenance, always place machine on stable, firm bench or surface.
  • For undoing the spindle nut, always use the supplied or proper spanners and tools.
  • For cleaning debris and dust from backing plate, spindle and guard, use a brush.
  • Make sure the backing plate sits flush, and the spindle thread is not damaged.
  • Mount the blade, washers and nut in the right order.
  • Tighten firmly using proper spanners and tools.
  • For handling sharp or rough parts, wearing leather gloves is recommended.
  • If using compressed air for cleaning, wearing eye protection is recommended.
  • Make sure all surfaces are kept clean.
  • Never over-tighten nuts.

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.