Stump Grinder Safe Work Method Statement

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

Stump Grinder Safe Work Method Statement

Stump 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 Stump 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 Stump 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. General precautions
  8. Pre-start checks
  9. Preparation for work
  10. Operation
  11. Transport
  12. Cleaning and maintenance
  13. On completion

The Stump Grinder Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Stump 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When preparing your Stump 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 Stump Grinder.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when excavating and ensure that:

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

Stump Grinder Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • Areas where the machines are to be used must be secured from unauthorised entry.
  • Before starting to use the grinder, make sure all guards and shields over its moving and hot parts are properly installed and are securely fastened.
  • If the work area is near public areas, use barricades.
  • Never use the machine if the guards are not fitted.
  • Inspect the machine for any missing, worn or loose fasteners and parts.
  • Check the cutter wheel for cracks and damage. Also check the bolts and the teeth on the cutter.
  • Make sure all tyres are inflated to the proper pressure of350 kPa in cold conditions.
  • Inspect the rims of tyres for damage, and for missing or loose wheel nuts.
  • Inspect the hydraulic fluid level, engine oil level, fuel level and top up it necessary.
  • Never use faulty equipment.
  • Before using the machine, make sure all faults have been rectified.
  • For handling sharp objects or objects with rough edges, and for handling fuel and oil, use of hand protection is necessary.
  • Make sure the work area is free of rubbish, wire, loose timber, rocks, etc., as these could get caught in the cutter wheel or could be flung up.
  • Make sure the machine can move about freely while grinding, and it is stable.
  • Never grind stump with other persons are present in the work area.
  • Make sure the work area is safe and clear. Also identify services under the ground.
  • Remove all obstacles and fill up all holes.
  • Do not allow other persons near the grinder.
  • At all times when grinding, the operator must remain in his position.
  • During grinding never allow other persons to enter the danger work area.
  • Never cut across roots, as this can lead to the machine pulling and throwing debris.
  • Stump grinding machines generate noise at harmful levels when grinding timber.
  • Stop the machine before starting to clear away debris from the cutter wheel.
  • Before the operator leaves his controls, he must stop the machine.
  • If another person has entered the work area, stop the machine.
  • Always avoid the roots, as the cutter wheel may get caught in them.
  • When operating a grinder, make sure of wearing foot, hearing and eye protection.
  • Before the machine is loaded onto the trailer, always raise the centre cutting wheel.
  • Follow the specific instructions in the operator's manual for preparing the machine before transporting.
  • Make sure that the machine is attached securely to the trailer before transporting.
  • Make sure there are no loose parts which can fall off the machine or the trailer.
  • Always select level ground for loading and unloading the machine.
  • For loading or transporting, always follow the procedures in the operator's manual.
  • Secure the machine using the tie-down points.
  • Never leave any loose items on the machine.
  • Before starting to work on the machine, disengage the drive and stop the engine.
  • For handling any hot, sharp or rough parts, always use suitable cut-resistant gloves.
  • Make sure all guards are fitted and secured before the machine is returned to service.
  • Never touch any moving part of the machine.
  • Wearing hand protection is recommended.
  • Never use the machine if there are no guards or they are not fitted.

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.