Buffing and Metal Polishing SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers buffing and metal polishing work from work-area setup and equipment inspection through polishing, dust control, maintenance and clean-up. It supports planning for rotating equipment, flying particles, chemicals, electrical hazards, dust, noise, vibration and sharp materials.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Review the job and work area
• Set up the work zone
• Prepare chemicals and consumables
• Inspect plant and electrical supply
• Fit wheels and work supports
• Position and secure the workpiece
• Conduct hand-held polishing
• Operate fixed buffing equipment
• Control dust and airborne contaminants
• Manage noise and vibration
• Change consumables and maintain plant
• Clean up and sign off

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out buffing and metal polishing work.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations, including duties to manage risks, provide safe plant, control hazardous chemicals and airborne contaminants, manage hazardous noise, provide information, training, instruction, supervision and suitable PPE.
• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks — guidance on identifying hazards, applying the hierarchy of controls and reviewing controls.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace — guidance on guarding, inspection, maintenance, isolation and safe operation of plant.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace — guidance on SDS, labelling, storage, airborne contaminants, ignition sources and combustible dust. Fine metal dust can present a dust-explosion risk and requires assessment.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work — guidance on eliminating or minimising hazardous noise and providing hearing protection where required.
• Workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants published by Safe Work Australia — ensure worker exposure to contaminants does not exceed applicable exposure standards.
• AS 1788 Abrasive wheels — selection, mounting, balancing, guarding, operation and care of abrasive wheels.
• AS/NZS 1337.1 Personal eye-protection — eye and face protectors for occupational applications.
• AS/NZS 1270 Acoustics — hearing protectors.
• AS/NZS 1715 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment; AS/NZS 1716 Respiratory protective devices.
• AS/NZS 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
• AS/NZS 4745 Code of practice for handling combustible dusts; AS/NZS 60079.10.2 Explosive atmospheres — classification of areas for combustible dust atmospheres.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections