Pedestal Grinder Safe Work Method Statement

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

Pedestal Grinder Safe Work Method Statement

Pedestal Grinder Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Whether you need to start work on site, looking to make your workplace safer or going for a Local Council Tender, the Pedestal Grinder (Sandblasting) Safe Work Method Statement is completely comprehensive, easy to use and easy to implement into your business.

Look, we understand business can be hard enough as it is without all the red tape, often written in language only a martian would understand. That's why every Safe Work Method Statement Template is written in an easy to understand format, while at the same time being some of the highest quality in the industry. Our SWMS documents get you on site, save you loads of time and are easy to use. This way, you can get on with doing what you do best.


The Pedestal 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. Wheel dressing
  9. Replacing Wheels
  10. Using grinders
  11. Wire brush wheels
  12. On completion

The Pedestal Grinder Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Pedestal 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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Pedestal 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 Pedestal Grinder SWMS must be reviewed continually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. The Pedestal Grinder SWMS must be reviewed (and revised if necessary) if relevant control measures in relation to pedestal 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 Pedestal Grinder and their health and safety representatives who represented that work group at the workplace.

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

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

When preparing your Pedestal 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 Pedestal Grinder.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when using pedestal grinder and ensure that:

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

Pedestal Grinder Training - Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • Inspect the wheels for any signs of damage, cracks or other abnormal wear.
  • Make sure the side guards are fitted and secured (there must be no missing nuts or bolts).
  • Wheels, which are deeply grooved, will allow objects to be caught between the wheel and rest.
  • Ensure the distance between work rest and wheel is not greater than 1-2mm.
  • If vibrations are present, it indicates damage or an uneven wheel. Check for the damage.
  • For persisting vibrations, check wheel for damaged washers, mounting and proper fit on the spindle. Inspect also for worn bearings.
  • Never use damaged wheels. Have them replaced.
  • Before using again, dress the wheels.
  • Adjust the rest to be 1-2mm from the wheel.
  • Before using again, dress the wheels.
  • If necessary, replace dressing discs after inspection.
  • Switch grinder off, loosen rest and make adjustments for tangs of the dressing tool to fit between rest and wheel, with the dressing discs able to touch grinder wheel when the handle of dresser is lifted upwards.Remove tool.
  • Switch on grinder, re-insert the dresser and bring the discs into contact with the wheel.
  • Apply gentle pressure on the wheel face and using transverse back and forth motion, continue dressing the wheel, until its surface becomes smooth.
  • Switch the grinder off, remove tool and re-adjust the rest.
  • When dressing grinding wheels face shield and eye protection must be worn.
  • When dressing wheels, wearing leather gloves is recommended.
  • Keep hands well clear of the moving wheels.
  • Wearing leather apron is recommended.
  • Make sure the replacement wheels is the proper size of outer diameter, spindle diameter, width and within the speed range of the grinder.
  • Make sure that grit size chosen is appropriate for the task. Generally, roughing work needs a coarse grit wheel, and for finishing work, a fine grit wheel is chosen. Other grinders may have wheels specifically designed for the type of work to be performed.
  • Suspend the wheel carefully through its center hole, and with a wooden bar, gently tap around the sides near the edge of the wheel. A clear 'ring' from all points, indicates a sound wheel. A 'dull' sound indicates the wheel may be faulty. Do not use a faulty wheel.
  • Remove any burs from side washers after inspection.
  • Ensure paper labels or paper washers are present to prevent direct contact of side washers with the wheel.
  • Machines may have different threads on either side of the machine. These may be left hand and right-hand threads. Do not try to force a nut on a wrong thread.
  • Before carrying out maintenance, always unplug the machine.
  • Pedestal grinders usually have heavy grinding wheels. Proper manual handling practices must be observed when handling large wheels.
  • For tightening nuts, always use the proper size of ring spanners.
  • Never over-tighten nuts.
  • Use only light pressure against the wheel, and grind over the full width of the wheel. For a faster cut, or for roughing work, use a coarser grit wheel.
  • Never use wheels meant for grinding steel for grindings ofter non-ferrous metals such as brass, aluminium, etc. Dress the wheel if blocked.
  • Always grind on the face of the wheel. The side of the wheel is not meant for grinding.
  • When grinding, gloves may be caught between rest and wheel.
  • Never force the job onto the wheel.
  • Always support the job on the tool rest.
  • While grinding, wearing eye protection is necessary.
  • For protecting face from grit particles when dressing, use of face shield is recommended.
  • Never wear gloves when grinding.
  • During use, brass and steel wire wheels lose wires, which may be flung from the wheel at very high velocity.
  • Stand to one side of the wheel for minimising the chance of being struck by flying wires.
  • When using wire wheels, wear eye and face shield protection.
  • Never wear gloves, if a rest is fitted to wire brush wheel.

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.