Panel Saw (Horizontal) Safe Work Method Statement

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

Panel Saw (Horizontal) Safe Work Method Statement

Panel Saw (Horizontal) 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 Panel Saw (Horizontal) 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 Panel Saw (Horizontal) 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-use checks
  8. Changing blade
  9. Operation
  10. Maintenance
  11. Risk of fire
  12. On completion

The Panel Saw (Horizontal) Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Panel Saw (Horizontal) 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. Never remove guard unless authorized by a technician or supervisor.
  2. Never adjust saw or setup while saw is running.
  3. Don't reach across the blade.

Panel Saw (Horizontal) 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 Panel Saw (Horizontal) 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 panel saw (horizontal) project as needed, making sure that your Panel Saw (Horizontal) SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Panel Saw (Horizontal) SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own panel saw (horizontal) SWMS.

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

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

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

Your Panel Saw (Horizontal) Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as:

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

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

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

When the Panel Saw (Horizontal) SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:  

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

When preparing your Panel Saw (Horizontal) 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 Panel Saw (Horizontal).

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

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

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

Panel Saw (Horizontal) Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • Use only the right blade for the work, do not use across-cut blade to rip work or the other way round.
  • The blade must be properly fitted on the spindle.
  • Before turning on the machine, check the blade is not fouling with guards, guides or the table.
  • Check the guard is properly fitted, adjusted and is operating as required.
  • Cover or guard the part of the saw below table, to prevent accidents if reaching under the table.
  • The table slides must be smooth in operation, if necessary, clean the slides.
  • The table must not hamper any operation.
  • The position must be corrected using fences and guides, and tightened firmly in place using the proper size and type of tool.
  • Ensure all nuts, bolts and screws etc. are in position and are properly tightened.
  • Before starting to cut, ensure the dust collector is empty and turned on.
  • For handling sharp and rough objects, wearing cut-resistant gloves is recommended.
  • Before changing blade, ensure the power supply is disconnected.
  • For locking spindle and also for removing the nut from the spindle, use proper tools.
  • Before fitting, ensure saw blade, side washers, thread and spindle are all clean.
  • Fitting the saw blade and washers on to the spindle must be done in proper sequence.
  • After running the nut up to the washer, turn the blade by hand to ensure it is moving straight.
  • Tighten the nut by holding the spindle, use proper tools.
  • If possible, remove the power plug.
  • When handling sharp parts, wearing gloves is recommended.
  • Never over-tighten any nut.
  • When operating, saws usually generate noise with potentially harmful levels.
  • The work area of the saw may have to be converted into a hearing protection area.
  • Particles may be thrown towards the operator as a result of the saw rotation.
  • Fit guards and adjust them to be as close as possible to the work.
  • If cutting MDF or craft wood etc., use dust extraction system for removing the potentially harmful dust.
  • Never let hands or fingers enter the cutting zone. Use block or pusher stick for holding material into saw, do not hold with hands when close to the blade.
  • Never stand in line of blade, always stand to one side.
  • When the saw is operating, allow only people engaged in the work to remain in the work area.
  • Wearing hearing protection is recommended.
  • Wearing eye protection is recommended.
  • Wearing foot protection is recommended.
  • Wearing P1 particulate dust mask is recommended.
  • For handling splintery or rough materials, wearing gloves is recommended.
  • Ensure there is no unauthorised entry.
  • Before starting cleaning or maintenance, make sure the unit is de-energised.
  • Never use compressed air to clean built-up dust, use a brush.
  • Always clean the machine and guards of splinters and chips.
  • Work area around the saw must be kept free of dust by cleaning regularly.
  • Ensure all nuts, bolts and screws etc. are in position an dare properly tightened.
  • Turn the switch OFF, and remove plug from the socket.
  • Wearing P1 particulate dust mask is recommended.
  • Wearing hand protection is recommended.
  • Clean the machine regularly, especially around mechanical areas and motor, where the heat usually builds up.
  • Work area around the saw and where saw-dust collects must have no sources of ignition.
  • Remove dust from the machine by regular cleaning.
  • Do not permit open flames in work areas near the saw.

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.