Reciprocating Saw Safe Work Method Statement

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

Reciprocating Saw Safe Work Method Statement

Reciprocating Saw  Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Looking to start work on site? Or maybe you're just looking to make your workplace safer, or possibly you're going for that next Government Tender - Either way, the Reciprocating Saw Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is comprehensive, easy to understand and is designed to be implemented into your business with as little fuss as possible.

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 Reciprocating Saw 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. Maintenance and replacement of blades
  9. Work area preparation
  10. Operation
  11. SpecialPrecautions
  12. Storage
  13. On completion

The Reciprocating Saw  Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Reciprocating Saw  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.

Reciprocating Saw Safe Work Method Statement

  • Detailed and pre-filled Reciprocating Saw 
  • Safe Work Method Statement.
  • Instant Delivery.
  • Fully editable Safe Work Method Statement Template.
  • Easy to customise - instructions included.
  • Referenced to Australian and NZ Standards (AS/NZS) and Legislation. 
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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 Reciprocating Saw 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 reciprocating saw project as needed, making sure that your Reciprocating Saw SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When preparing your Reciprocating Saw 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 Reciprocating Saw. 

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when using reciprocating saw and ensure that:

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

Reciprocating Saw Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • Check the casing for any damages, missing screws and cracks.
  • Check the plug and lead wire for damage; make sure the current test tag is attached.
  • Make sure all controls operate properly.
  • The guard must be fitted tightly and working properly.
  • Check if the blade being used is suitable for the work.
  • All grips and handles must be fitted securely and should not be loose.
  • If you locate any damage, out of test or missing parts, arrange for repairs straightaway - DO NOT USE THE MACHINE.
  • NEVER EVER, use a machine without suitable guards.
  • NEVER EVER, use any unsuitable part.
  • Replace the inappropriate or the faulty blade with the right blade suited to the task and the machine.
  • Before starting on maintenance, unplug the machine.
  • For carrying out any maintenance, the machine must always be placed on a stable and firm surface such as a bench.
  • Use proper tools for removing the blade.
  • Clean the machine of all dust and debris, use a brush.
  • Ensure matching of the blade and the saw.
  • Ensure blade is mounted in the proper position in the saw, before tightening with proper tools.
  • All operating surfaces must be clean.
  • Never use an incompatible blade.
  • Screws and nuts must never be over-tightened.
  • The person using the power tool must have a good foothold, and the worktable must be free of debris and rubbish.
  • Sparks must be prevented from affecting or entering adjacent areas of work.
  • The work piece must be secure and must have no accidental movement when being worked.
  • Always work in a manner that directs the cut away from your body.
  • Wear eye protection to avoid getting debris and dust in the eye.
  • Loud noise from power tools can be a hazard, especially in restricted or closed areas.
  • Provide adequate ventilation for areas where dust may be generated because of the process of work, and get lodged in eyes or be breathed in.
  • Grinding of uneven surfaces may cause the grinder to move or vibrate in hands.
  • For excessive vibration, switch off the saw and check the blade for signs of damage.
  • It is advisable to use eye protection.
  • It is essential to wear hearing protection.
  • It is essential to wear a respirator or a suitable mask to filter particulate dust.
  • Heavy gloves can be used to reduce the effects of vibration.
  • Craft wood or medium density fire board (MDF) when cut, can produce toxic dust that must not be inhaled.
  • When working on MDF, restrict entry of people in the work area.
  • Fine sawdust is highly combustible
  • Take precautions to prevent damage to power leads from the work process.
  • Ensure power tools do not shock the operator.
  • Always wear respirator or Type 2 mask for particulate dust.
  • Prevent entry of unauthorised personnel.
  • Ensure no smoking in areas where there may be sawdust.
  • Leads of the power tools must not be allowed to dangle on the floor.
  • Use of RCD and/or safety switch is preferred.
  • Protect power tools from damage by keeping them safe in proper containers or cases built for the purpose.
  • Remove blades from the tool before storing to prevent them from damage. Blades must be stored in their own containers.
  • Ensure adequate supply of personal protective equipment wherever power tools are to be used.

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.