Product Overview

This Grinder SWMS is a site-ready Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for the safe use of industrial grinding equipment. It provides a comprehensive approach to bench, surface, cylindrical and portable grinders, helping you achieve WHS compliance and manage risks associated with High Risk Construction Work involving metal grinding and cutting.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe setup and operation of bench grinders, including tool rest adjustment and guarding requirements
• Use of centreless grinders with controls for entanglement, ejection of workpieces, and noise exposure
• Selection and safe use of cut off wheels for metal cutting, including RPM compatibility and wheel condition checks
• Operation of cylindrical grinders with correct clamping, alignment, and guarding of rotating components
• Grinding of flat and contoured surfaces while controlling sparks, swarf, and heat build-up
• General grinders and cutters usage, including inspection before use and isolation procedures after use
• Handling of abrasive grinders, including correct lifting, two-handed operation, and prevention of dropped tools
• Ensuring grinder feed movements are controlled to prevent wheel damage, workpiece ejection, and overloading
• Selection and inspection of metal grinding discs for cracks, wear, and correct mounting flanges
• Use of metal grinding wheels with appropriate guarding, tool rests, and personal protective equipment
• Performing emergency stop of grinders, including familiarisation with stop controls and isolation points
• Safe use of grinding tools in confined or restricted areas, including control of fumes, noise, and vibration
• Operation of surface grinders with attention to magnetic chuck security and swarf management
• Managing and reducing kickback from grinders through correct stance, grip, cutting angle, and workpiece support
• Use of tool and cutter grinders for sharpening, including secure clamping and prevention of flying particles
• Housekeeping and control of fire risks from sparks, hot work, and combustible materials in the grinding area
• Lock-out/tag-out procedures for maintenance, wheel changes, and fault rectification on all grinder types

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for metal fabricators, boilermakers, fitters and turners, maintenance technicians, manufacturing workshops, construction contractors, and site supervisors overseeing grinding and cutting operations.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Guidance on the safe use, guarding, and maintenance of grinders and associated plant
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Controls for high noise levels generated by grinding operations
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Relevant where grinding is conducted on elevated work platforms or structures
• Model Code of Practice: Welding Processes – Referenced for associated hot work, sparks, and fire prevention in metal fabrication environments
• AS/NZS 4024 (Safety of machinery) – Referenced for guarding principles, emergency stops, and safe control systems on grinding machinery
• AS 1788 Abrasive Wheels – Referenced for selection, mounting, guarding, and use of abrasive grinding wheels
• AS/NZS 2161 Occupational protective gloves – Guidance on suitable hand protection when handling grinders and hot workpieces
• AS/NZS 1337 Eye protectors for industrial applications – Requirements for eye and face protection against flying particles and sparks
• AS/NZS 1715 & AS/NZS 1716 Respiratory protective devices – Selection and use of RPE where metal dusts and fumes are generated
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017