Knives and Cutters – Industrial Safe Work Method Statement

Knives and Cutters – Industrial Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Knives and Cutters – Industrial Safe Work Method Statement

Knives and Cutters – Industrial 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 Knives and Cutters (Industrial) 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 Knives and Cutters – Industrial 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. Selection of knives and cutters
  8. Use of knives and cutters
  9. Fixed blade cutters
  10. Retractable blade cutters
  11. Snap-off blade cutters
  12. Spring-loaded cutters
  13. Box and carton cutters
  14. Plastic and paper sheet cutters
  15. On completion

The Knives and Cutters – Industrial Safe Work Method Statement, includes;


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

Your Knives and Cutters – Industrial 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 Types:

  1. Always follow workplace knife and cutters safety and sharpening procedures.
  2. Wear the correct personal protective equipment when handling a knife.
  3. Keep knives and cutters sharp and in good condition.

Knives and Cutters – Industrial 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 Knives and Cutters – Industrial 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 knives and cutters industrial projects as needed, making sure that your Knives and Cutters – Industrial SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Knives and Cutters – Industrial SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own knives and cutters – industrial SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Knives and Cutters – Industrial SWMS such as: 

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

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

Your Knives and Cutters – Industrial Safe Work MethodStatement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as: 

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

Your Knives and Cutters – Industrial Safe Work MethodStatement should also identify any high-risk machinery or equipment in operation near the work site, such as:

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

When the Knives and Cutters – Industrial SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:

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

When preparing your Knives and Cutters – Industrial 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 Knives and Cutters – Industrial. 

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

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

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

Knives and Cutters – Industrial Training and WorkerQualifications

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

Below are some examples of some Control Measures to be implemented when creating your own Knives and Cutters – Industrial Safe Work Method Statement Template: 

  • Make sure that the knife or cutter used is the most appropriate for the task provide a range of cutters to cover all tasks likely to be carried out.
  • Make sure that the blade is sturdy enough to with stand cutting stresses make available spare blades in case of blunting, damage, etc.
  • Select blade type most appropriate for task and posing the least risk of cuts to person using cutter (e.g., hook blade for cutting paper, etc.).
  • Check grips should not be loose or smooth. Use ergonomically shaped handles as these will allow better control with less strain on hands and wrist.
  • Make sure that knife or cutter has been correctly sharpened cutting edge should be smooth (not scored) and not have any nicks. Discard any unserviceable knives cutters, or blades.
  • Make sure that tool is sharp before commencing, and keep sharp during work never extend blade more than necessary for work being done.
  • Always cut away from the body wherever possible wearing protective apron is necessary when knife must be pulled towards the body.
  • Wear cut-resistant gloves to assist in maintaining control of cutter and to protect °∞free°± hand from touching blade and cut edges wearing glove and arm guard is necessary on the non-knife hand.
  • Provide adequate space between work stations to prevent accidental contact of persons during cutting operations.
  • Maintain cutting surfaces in a clean and smooth condition.
  • Provide adequate lighting in work areas where knives and cutters are used.
  • Keep floors and walkways clean and remove any waste wearing on-slip safety footwear is essential.
  • Never attempt to catch a falling knife or cutter watch where it is falling and get feet out of way.
  • Cutting should preferably be carried out at waist height.
  • For disposal of used or broken blades, provide appropriate sharps container.
  • Restrict the use of fixed blade cutters to tasks for which other designs are unsuitable make sure that blade is sharp.
  • Always cut away from the body, and hold cutter body so that thumb is at the blade end of the cutter, but on back of cutter body wearing cut-resistant gloves is essential when using fixed blade cutters.
  • Store cutter so that risk of accidentally touching blade is minimised.
  • Make sure that blade locks securely into place for cutting retract blade after use.
  • Use of retractable blade cutters should be restricted to tasks for which other designs are unsuitable make sure that blade is sharp.
  • Always cut away from the body, and hold cutter body so that thumb is at the blade end of the cutter, but on back of cutter body wearing cut-resistant gloves is necessary when using blade cutters.
  • Make sure that blade locks securely into place for cutting retract blade after use.
  • Restrict the use of retractable blade cutters to light tasks for which other designs are unsuitable use tool provided to snap off dull or used section of blade.
  • Provide appropriate sharps container for disposal of used or broken blades never place blades in bin.
  • Always cut away from the body, and hold cutter body so that thumb is at the blade end of the cutter, but on back of cutter body wearing cut-resistant gloves is essential when using blade cutters.
  • Make sure that blade springs back to safe position when released.
  • Never use if blade does not retract clean or replace cutter.
  • Use spring-loaded blade cutters only for light task situations where excessive effort is not required when cutting.
  • For disposal of used or broken blades, provide appropriate sharps container.
  • Always cut away from the body, and hold cutter body so that thumb is at the blade end of the cutter, but on back of cutter body wearing cut-resistant gloves is necessary when using blade cutters.
  • Make sure that blade guard is intact and blade is not exposed when shield is in position never use if damaged.
  • Make sure that blade is sharp replace blade or discard cutter if worn or blunt never use if faulty.
  • Never use box or carton cutters to cut material other than for which it has been designed use for designed purposes only.
  • Keep cutting edge of blade clear clean off build-ups of paper, glue, etc. use for designed purposes only.
  • Select tool with suitable grip for work, and maintain good grip when cutting never cut material other than or thicker than cutter is designed for.
  • Select tool that allows avoiding over-flexing the wrist when in use.
  • Units are generally disposable and not suitable for recycling dispose of as sharps in landfill.

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.