Product Overview

This Bench Drill Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a site-ready safety document designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for the safe use of bench and pedestal drills. It is a comprehensive guide that supports WHS compliance and safe operation across all aspects of Bench Drill work on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe setup, positioning, and securing of bench drills and pedestal drills in the workshop or on site
• Selection, inspection, and fitting of appropriate drill bits, chucks, and accessories for the task
• Correct clamping and securing of workpieces to prevent movement, kickback, or ejection
• Pre-start checks on guards, emergency stops, electrical leads, and isolation switches
• Operation of bench drilling equipment at correct speeds for different materials to minimise overheating and bit failure
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye, hearing, and hand protection when drilling
• Control of entanglement risks from loose clothing, gloves, jewellery, and long hair around rotating parts
• Management of noise, dust, metal swarf, and flying particles during drilling operations
• Safe clearing of swarf and debris using appropriate tools rather than hands
• Lock-out/tag-out and isolation procedures for cleaning, maintenance, and drill bit changes
• Manual handling techniques for lifting, carrying, and positioning heavy workpieces on the drill table
• Housekeeping, storage, and safe access/egress around bench and pedestal drill work areas
• Emergency response procedures for incidents such as entanglement, eye injuries, cuts, or electrical faults

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for metal fabricators, carpenters, maintenance fitters, manufacturing workers, engineering workshops, and site supervisors overseeing bench or pedestal drilling activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on the safe use, guarding, and maintenance of powered plant such as bench and pedestal drills
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Requirements and controls for noise generated by drilling operations
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls
• Safe Work Australia – First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for first aid facilities and response to injuries such as cuts and eye injuries
• AS/NZS 4024 (Safety of machinery – Series): General principles for the design and guarding of machinery including rotating plant
• AS/NZS 3000 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules): Requirements for safe electrical supply and connection of fixed and portable plant
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017