Tile Saw Safe Work Method Statement

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

Tile Saw Safe Work Method Statement

Tile Saw Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Whether you need to get on site to start work, looking to create a safe work environment or pitching that next Government Tender, the Tile Saw Safe Work Method Statement is easy to customise, easy to use and easily integrates into your current Safety Management System (if you have one! If not, we need to talk, seriously. Don't take that sort of risk - we can help).

Look, we understand the challenges that many business owners face, let alone having to understand complicated safety documentation written in a language that nobody understands. 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 Tile 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. General precautions
  8. Pre-start checks
  9. Operation
  10. On completion

The Tile Saw Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Tile 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.

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.

Tile Saw Safe Work Method Statement

  • Detailed and pre-filled Tile Saw Safe Work Method Statement.
  • Immediate Download Delivery.
  • Fully editable Safe Work Method Statement Template.
  • Easy to use - no fuss customisation.
  • Referenced to Australian & NZ Standards (AS/NZS) & Legislation. 
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10 SWMS Pack

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20 SWMS Pack

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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 Tile 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 tile saw project as needed, making sure that your Tile Saw SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When preparing your Tile 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 TileSaw. 

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

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

Tile Saw Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • Be sure to unplug the machine before carrying out maintenance.
  • Make sure the tile saw is set up on a level and firm surface and there is good access to allow easy material movement to and from the machine.
  • Make sure all the folding legs are extended properly and are locked into position.
  • Ensure that an authorised person has tested the machine, and that the attached power lead at the plug end has a current inspection tag fitted.
  • Connect the machine to a power circuit only through a tested residue current device (RCD) or a safety switch.
  • Before operating the machine, make sure that all covers and guards are fitted.
  • Provide adequate supply of cooling water for the cutting blade.
  • Keep a receptacle adjacent to the saw for offcuts and waste material.
  • Never use an unstable machine.
  • Connect through a safety switch always.
  • Never operate a machine without guards.
  • Work area must be kept free of debris.
  • Make sure that the blade fitted suits the type of tile to be cut.
  • Make sure that the table can slide freely on its guides for the entire length of the cut.
  • Make sure that the blade and motor unit are able to slide freely along their guides for the entire length.
  • Make sure the saw blade has adequate flow for cooling water before starting to cut.
  • Never use faulty equipment.
  • Preferably, do not dry cut tiles.
  • Be careful of keeping the power lead away from the cutting blade for moving blade machines.
  • Make sure the hands are kept away from the saw blade while cutting tiles.
  • Use a clamp or a tool to hold when cutting small pieces of tile.
  • Most saws generate abrasive slurry and dust when cutting.
  • Never force the tile onto the saw allow the blade to cut at its own speed.
  • All offcuts and foreign material must be kept clear of the blade while cutting.
  • Saws generate harmful noise levels when cutting.
  • Rough surfaces of tiles may cause abrasions to wet hands.Make sure no person is exposed to the risk of injury from moving tiles.
  • Hands must be kept away from the blades.
  • Wearing eye protection is necessary.
  • Always keep the cutting table clear.
  • Wearing hearing protection is recommended.
  • Wearing PVC gloves is recommended.
  • Proper lifting procedures must be followed.

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.