Table Saw Safe Work Method Statement

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

Table Saw Safe Work Method Statement

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

The Table Saw Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Table 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.

Table Saw Safe Work Method Statement

  • High quality and ready to use Table Saw Safe Work Method Statement.
  • Immediate Download Delivery.
  • Fully editable Safe Work Method Statement Template.
  • Easy to use - no fuss customisation.
  • Referenced to AS/NZS (Standards) 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 Table 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 table saw project as needed, making sure that your Table Saw SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When preparing your Table 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 TableSaw. 

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

  • Health and Safety guidelines for table saw work
  • Emergency plans and evacuation procedures for the Table Saw SWMS
  • Worker inductions for Table Saw
  • Toolbox talks (safety meetings) added to the Table Saw SWMS
  • Outline details of supervision of the site and workers on the Table Saw SWMS
  • Check all workers qualifications, permits and competencies for Table Saw operations
  • Ensure the Table Saw and any related equipment is functioning correctly
  • Hazard reporting procedures in place and added to the Table Saw SWMS
  • Incident reporting procedures in place and added to the Table Saw SWMS
  • Exclusion zones when conducting table saw work
  • Risk Assessment for TASK completed and noted on the Table Saw 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 table saw work is conducted
  2. Suitable access and adequate space to conduct table saw work safely
  3. Consult with all stakeholders on potential hazards and risks when conducting table saw work
  4. Consultation with all relevant workers and personnel for Table Saw SWMS details
  5. If conducting Table Saw at night, ensure there is adequate lighting
  6. Check that the work environment is suitable for table saw work 

Table Saw Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • Use only the right blade for the work; do not use a cross cut blade to rip work or the other way round.
  • The blade must be properly fitted on the spindle.
  • 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.
  • Ensure all nuts, bolts and screws, etc. are in position and are properly tightened.
  • For handling sharp and rough objects, wearing cut-resistant gloves is recommended.
  • Before maintenance, ensure the power supply is disconnected.
  • For locking spindle and for removing the nut from the spindle, use proper tools.
  • Before fitting, ensure saw blade, side washers, thread and spindle, all are 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 because of the saw rotation.
  • Fit guards and adjust them to be as close as possible to the work.
  • Remove potentially harmful dust by using dust extraction systems, if cutting MDF or craftwood etc.
  • 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.
  • When ripping, always fit anti-kickback fingers and spreaders.
  • Ensure only authorised 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.
  • If harmful dust is present, suitable respiratory protection must be worn.
  • Always clean the machine and guards of splinters and chips.
  • Ensure all nuts, bolts and screws, etc. are in position and are properly tightened.
  • Turn the switch OFF, and remove plug from the socket.
  • Wearing P1 particulate dust mask is recommended.
  • 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 sawdust collects must have no sources of ignition.
  • Wearing P1 particulate dust mask is recommended.
  • Never use compressed air to blow dust from parts.
  • 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.