Grinder Safe Work Method Statement

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

Grinder Safe Work Method Statement

Grinder 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 big contract or government tender - the Grinder Safe Work Method Statement is easy to customise, easy to use and 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 Grinder 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. Replacing discs
  9. Work area preparation
  10. Operation
  11. On completion

The Grinder Safe Work Method Statement, includes;


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

Your Grinder 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.
  2. Use the safety guards properly and as designed.
  3. Use the proper wheel size and match the RPMs with your wheel's allowance.

Grinder 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 Grinder 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 grinder project as needed, making sure that your Grinder SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When preparing your Grinder 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 Grinder.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when working with grinder and ensure that:

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

Grinder Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • Check the casing for any damages, missing screws and cracks.
  • Check the plug and lead wire for damage; make sure the current test tag is attached.
  • Make sure all controls operate properly.
  • Inspect the disc for uneven or excessive wear, damage or cracks.
  • Check if the disc being used is suitable for the work.
  • The guard must be fitted tightly and should not be loose.
  • All grips and handles must be fitted securely and should not be loose.
  • If you locate any damage, out of test or missing parts, arrange for repairs straightaway - DO NOT USE THE MACHINE.
  • Replace the inappropriate or the faulty disc with the right disc suited to the task and the machine. (Refer below)
  • NEVER EVER use a machine without suitable guards.
  • Before starting on maintenance, unplug the machine.
  • For carrying out any maintenance, the machine must always be placed on a stable and firm surface such as a bench.
  • Loosen the spindle nut using the correct tools / spanners supplied.
  • Clean the backing plate, spindle and guard using a brush.
  • Check the backing plate is able to sit flush and the spindle thread is undamaged.
  • Ensure the replacement disc is compatible, is of the right type for grinding the material, has the proper matching speed, the right hole diameter for the spindle, and the right outer diameter.
  • After mounting the disc, washers and nut in the proper order, use the right tools/spanners to tighten firmly.
  • Whenever handling sharp or rough parts, protect your hands by wearing leather gloves.
  • When cleaning with compressed air wear eye protection.
  • Never use a disc which is incompatible, or does not meet the requirements suited for the grinder.
  • Ensure all surfaces are clean.
  • The person using the power tool must have a good foothold, and the work table must be free of debris and rubbish.
  • There must be no readily ignited material or flammable liquids in the work area, or ensure they are covered to protect from sparks when grinding.
  • Observe restrictions.
  • Sparks must be prevented from affecting or entering adjacent areas of work. Restrict the area where grinding is being carried out.
  • The work piece must be secure and must have no accidental movement when being worked upon.
  • Sweep the floor of the work area to keep it clear of debris and rubbish.
  • Ensure the presence of suitable fire extinguishers.
  • Cover with fire blankets.
  • Prevent with the use of welding curtains or similar.
  • Prevent entry to restricted area by using barricades.
  • Type 1 footwear must be used.
  • Always grind in a manner that directs the sparks away from your body.
  • Never direct the sparks towards another person.
  • Wear eye protection to avoid getting debris and dust in the eye.
  • Use additional protection to eyes and face when working in restricted areas where the sparks can get reflected back towards the user.
  • Loud noise can be a hazard, especially in restricted or closed areas.
  • Provide adequate ventilation for areas where grinding of rusted surfaces or previously painted surfaces, and where dust may be generated because of the process of grinding.
  • Grinding of uneven surfaces may cause the grinder to move or vibrate in hands.
  • For excessive vibration, switch off the grinder and check the disc for signs of damage.
  • Always use protective clothing such as trousers, long sleeves, overalls and apron.
  • Advisable to use safety goggles.
  • Use face shield together with other eye protections.
  • It is essential to wear hearing protection.
  • It is essential to wear a respirator or a suitable mask to filter particulate dust.
  • Gauntlets or heavy gloves can be used to reduce the effects of vibration.

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.