Orchard Cutter Bars Safe Work Method Statement

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

Orchard Cutter Bars Safe Work Method Statement

Orchard Cutter Bars 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 Orchard Cutter Bars 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 Orchard Cutter Bars 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. Tractor Safety
  8. Hydraulic system
  9. Inspection and adjustment of attachment
  10. Operation
  11. Maintenance
  12. Traveland transport
  13. On completion

The Orchard Cutter Bars Safe Work Method Statement, includes;


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

Your Orchard Cutter Bars 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. Stop and disengage the PTO and raise the cutter bar and back up when removing trash.
  2. Always check the cutter bar for broken or damaged components.
  3. Return safety curtain or cover to their proper operating position.

Orchard Cutter Bars 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 Orchard Cutter Bars 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 orchard cutter bars project as needed, making sure that your Orchard Cutter Bars SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks. 

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Orchard Cutter Bars SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own orchard cutter bars SWMS.

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

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

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

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

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

Your Orchard Cutter Bars Safe Work Method Statement should also identify any high-risk machinery or equipment in operation near the worksite, such as:

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

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

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

When preparing your Orchard Cutter Bars 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 Orchard Cutter Bars.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions 

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when working with orchid cutter bars and ensure that: 

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

Orchard Cutter Bars Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • Inspect all horn, brakes, reflectors, lights & mirrors are in working order prior to starting.  
  • Refuel in a well-ventilated area only.
  • Replace or rectify faulty parts promptly.
  • Inspect wheel nuts are secure and that tyres are properly inflated do not allow smoking when refuelling.
  • Drive at a safe speed where you have full control at all times reduce speed when turning.
  • Never exceed a speed of 5 -10 km ph depending on the conditions always descend slopes in low gear.
  • Check hydraulic system before starting (oil level) and to pup with proper oil if necessary, wearing eye and hand protection is necessary.
  • Check hoses, rams and fittings after starting for leaks do not touch hydraulic oil under pressure never use faulty equipment.
  • Never remove power pack lid under any circumstances wearing PVC or heavy-duty gloves is necessary.
  • Disengage drive to hydraulic pump and set controls to OFF position before commencing work on attachment never work on machinery that could be set in motion.
  • Ensure the foliage wire cages are free of any debris at all times check all bolts and blade screws daily
  • Make sure that blades are in good working condition and that all nuts and bolts are secure wearing eye & hand protection is necessary.
  • Make sure that all guards are in place before operating machine never remove any guards.
  • Avoid touching sharp edges when changing or adjusting blades wearing cut-resistant gloves is necessary.
  • Obtain assistance when necessary to remove or replace components ensure proper handling practices are followed.
  • Make sure that all switches in the pruner control panel are in the OFF position before starting tractor sound horn before starting.
  • Keep people well clear from machinery whilst in operation keep persons away from work areas.
  • Erect warning signs around boundaries of work site before starting pruning.
  • Wearing eye and hearing protection is necessary if operating without enclosed cabin.
  • If cutting blades jam, seize or malfunction, remain at controls and immediately turn hydraulic control to NEUTRAL and the place control into REVERSE to dislodge the obstruction.
  • If this fails to remove the obstruction, completely turn the machine off and manually remove the object with a suitable implement.
  • Never attempt to clear jam when machine is running wearing eye and hand protection is necessary when removing obstruction.
  • Use suitable footwear to maintain a good grip on steps and ladders wearing industrial footwear is necessary.
  • Exit the machine only when it is in Neutral or park and the hand brake is on.
  • Before re-configuring the head set-up make sure of de-powering all hydraulics.
  • Before changing cutting blade always lower the operating heads to the ground.
  • Use only the cap screws and blades supplied by the manufacturer.
  • Always follow the operator’s manual to perform all maintenance and service checks.
  • Make sure that all bolts and blade screws are securely tightened before returning machine to service.
  • Make sure that the head and blade configuration being used does not exceed the minimum clearances heights of overhead electric wires in the work area be careful when moving machine under power lines.
  • Use hazard warning lamps and signs as required by local road authority when transporting the pruner on public roads never exceed safe speed of 5 -10 km ph depending on road conditions.
  • Lower and centre attachments for stability when travelling.
  • When transporting by truck, make sure that machine is securely anchored to the vehicle.
  • Always follow safe procedures for loading and unloading machine from truck.
  • Always check all parts of machine after transporting and before use.

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.