Milling Machine Safe Work Method Statement

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

Milling Machine Safe Work Method Statement

Milling Machine 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 Milling Machine 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, and 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 Milling Machine 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
  9. Setting up
  10. Operation
  11. Care of milling cutters
  12. On completion

The Milling Machine Safe Work Method Statement, includes;


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

Your Milling Machine 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. Read the owner's manual, warning labels and relevant codes.
  2. Shield eyes and skin from UV light.
  3. Avoid breathing fumes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When preparing your Milling Machine 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 Milling Machine.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

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

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

Milling Machine Training and Worker Qualifications

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

Below are some examples of someControl Measures to be implemented when creating your own Milling Machine Safe Work Method Statement Template:

  • Make sure there is no waste, fluids, or debris on the floor and the work area is clear.
  • Inspect fluid levels of nipples, oil cups, coolant and trans mission.
  • Make sure all moving parts of the machine are free from waste material and swarf.
  • T-slots in table should be cleaned with chip rake or brush.
  • Table, slides, and other mating surfaces, etc., must be free from nicks, chips and burrs.
  • Slides and other mating surfaces must be wiped down and re-oiled lightly.
  • Inspect the operation of controls, table and saddle feeds, cross table and slides.
  • Make sure the coolant pump is functioning, and there is sufficient amount of coolant.
  • De-energise the machine when performing checks, cleaning oroiling, etc.
  • Wearing leather gloves for handling swarf, etc. is recommended.
  • To clean machinery, use only lint-free wipes or wastes.
  • If using air to clean out the slides and slots, wearing eye protection is recommended.
  • Before changing cutters or before setting up work, de-energise the machine.
  • For handling heavy objects, obtain assistance or use mechanical aides.
  • Use timber, ply, etc., to cover and protect table from damage when setting up.
  • Before slings are removed, make sure the larger items are stable.
  • Before cutters are installed, set up the work piece, dividing head, and vice.
  • Cutters have sharp cutting edges. Be careful to avoid being cut.
  • Never drop cutters or bump them.
  • Never tighten arbour nuts with machine power.
  • Make sure the spanners, etc., are of the proper size to avoid damage to bolts, nuts, etc.
  • Proper manual handling procedures must be followed.
  • Wearing Type 1 protective footwear is recommended.
  • For handling sharp or rough objects, wearing leather gloves is recommended.
  • For handling sharp or rough objects, wearing leather gloves is recommended.
  • Only use hand tools.
  • Plan the job making sure that cutting will be achieved without damage to machine or cutter.
  • If clamps are used, make sure the job will be held tightly, and will not vibrate or spring during cutting conditions.
  • Workpieces must be securely held in vices, and protrude no further than necessary.
  • Check the direction of rotation, and use conventional cutting such as rotation in opposite direction to feed in preference climb cutting.
  • Do not use a larger than required diameter cutter than is necessary for the job.
  • The job must be set up as close to the machine spindle as possible.
  • Appropriate feed and speed must be selected based on the type of material being cut, depth and width of cut, type of cutter used, finish required, power and speed of machine, and type and availability of coolant fluid.
  • Make sure the clamps or vice do not interfere with the cutting zones.
  • Before setting up the job, make sure bolts, vice and table are all clean and stable.
  • When handling sharp or rough objects, wearing cut-resistant gloves is recommended.
  • For achieving reduced chatter, better finish and better cutting speeds, keep the cutters sharp.
  • Before commencing cutting, perform a dummy pass over work, to check that the cutting will not be fouling with vices, clamps, etc., and that the full cut can be achieved.
  • Never attempt to carry out heavy cuts on frail, poorly supported, or mounted work.
  • Never operate a cutter backwards. Always stop rotation before returning table.
  • Use a brush to remove chips from the cutting zone.
  • Wearing eye protection is recommended.
  • Hands and fingers must be kept clear.
  • Never wear gloves.
  • Extract cutters from their protective wrapping, only when ready to be used.
  • Never drop cutters on hard surfaces such as machine tables, etc.
  • Cutters must be stored on soft surfaces, such as wood, rubber, etc. Also, prevent contact with other cutters, hard surfaces and edges.
  • Never place damaged or dull cutters back into stock until re-sharpened.
  • Before placing into storage, thoroughly clean and lightly oil cutters.
  • Do not allow cutters to contact hardened metal parts such as vice jaws, chucks, clamping nuts or bolts.
  • Ensure machine speed is correct for the cutter being used.
  • Excessive speed will cause the cutter to overheat and to wear out prematurely.
  • Never operate a cutter backwards.
  • When handling cutters, wearing of cut-resistant gloves is recommended.
  • Wearing Type 1 protective footwear 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.