Cordless Power Tools Battery Operated Drills and Drivers SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers the use of cordless battery-operated drills, drivers, accessories and battery packs. It supports work planning and risk management by addressing site conditions, service locations, tool checks, drilling tasks, fastener driving, charging, fatigue and storage.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Review the work scope and work conditions
• Set up and control the work area
• Inspect cordless tools, accessories and batteries
• Secure materials before drilling or driving
• Locate and isolate relevant services
• Fit drill bits and accessories
• Drill timber, plastics, metal, masonry and concrete
• Drive screws and fasteners
• Recharge and manage battery packs
• Manage extended tool use and fatigue
• Clean up and store tools and materials

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses using cordless power tools for drilling and driving activities.

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: apply the relevant local duties for consultation, risk management, plant, electricity, hazardous manual tasks, airborne contaminants, PPE, training, supervision and incident management.
• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks — use the hierarchy of controls, consult workers and review controls when conditions change.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace — select suitable plant, maintain it, provide information/training and prevent access to dangerous moving parts.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace — manage electrical risks associated with battery chargers, damaged leads, electrical installations and electrical work.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Hazardous Manual Tasks — control repetitive force, awkward posture, vibration and sustained tool use.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace — apply where chemical anchors, lubricants, cleaners or other hazardous products are used.
• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace — do not disturb suspected asbestos; use non-powered tools where practicable and approved dust controls where authorised work is permitted. The source notes that high-speed drills on asbestos are prohibited except with dust suppression/extraction controls.
• Guidance standards: AS/NZS 62841 series for electric motor-operated hand-held tools; AS/NZS 3760 for in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment; AS/NZS 1337.1 for eye and face protection; AS/NZS 1270 for hearing protectors; AS/NZS 1716 for respiratory protective devices; AS/NZS 2210.3 for safety footwear; AS/NZS 2161.1 for occupational protective gloves.
• Model Codes of Practice are guidance and have legal effect only where adopted or approved in the applicable jurisdiction; equivalent or higher controls may be used where permitted. This reflects the source guidance that Codes assist duty holders but do not replace consideration of all workplace risks.

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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