Product Overview

This Circular Saw Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the mandatory safety controls, step-by-step procedures, and PPE requirements for the safe use of circular, chop, docking and rotary saws on site, helping you achieve WHS compliance and reduce the risk of serious injury. It is a comprehensive, ready-to-use document that covers multiple aspects of Circular Saw SWMS activities, from portable hand saws to large fixed chop saws and aluminium cutting operations.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe selection and operation of aluminium saws, including appropriate blades, clamping methods, and guarding for non-ferrous metals
• Use of portable circular saws, with controls for kickback, blade binding, safe stance, and cutting techniques
• Cutting various materials using saws or circular blades, including timber, sheet products, and metal, with controls for sparks, offcuts, and flying debris
• Operation of docking saws for repetitive cutting, including correct setting of stops, guarding, and safe hand positioning
• Operating large chop saws and drop saws, including secure workpiece support, trigger control, and controlled lowering and raising of the blade
• Safe use of portable electric hand saws, including pre-start inspections, cable management, and use of residual current devices (RCDs)
• Use of rotary saws for demolition or cutting of dense materials, with controls for dust, noise, vibration, and potential hidden services
• Prevention and management of saw kickback incidents and cuts, including blade selection, correct feed rate, and emergency stop procedures
• General use of circular saws on construction sites, including exclusion zones, housekeeping, and supervision of less experienced workers
• Utilising chop saws for angle and mitre cuts, including correct adjustment, locking mechanisms, and verification of cut accuracy before production runs
• Inspection, maintenance, and replacement of saw blades, guards, and safety features to ensure ongoing safe operation
• Control of dust, noise, and vibration exposure when cutting, including use of dust extraction, water suppression, hearing protection, and task rotation
• Electrical safety management for powered saws, including tagging and testing, use of appropriate extension leads, and protection from wet conditions

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for carpenters, shopfitters, metal fabricators, formworkers, maintenance teams, construction contractors, and site supervisors responsible for any work involving circular, chop, docking, or rotary saws.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on safe use, guarding, and maintenance of powered saws as plant
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Requirements for controlling noise from circular, chop, and rotary saws
• Managing the Risk of Falls in Housing Construction Code of Practice: Relevant where saws are used on elevated work platforms, roofs, or scaffolds
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for hazard identification, risk assessment, and control implementation
• Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Controls for manual handling risks when lifting, positioning, and supporting materials for cutting
• AS/NZS 3760: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment used to power portable saws