Product Overview

This Floor Sander SWMS is a comprehensive Safe Work Method Statement developed to identify, control, and minimise risks associated with the use of floor sanding equipment on Australian worksites. It provides end-to-end coverage of multiple sanding machines and processes to support WHS compliance and safe operation of powered sanding equipment.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe operation of belt and orbital sanders for floor preparation and finishing
• Set-up, adjustment, and use of belt sanders, including tracking, tensioning, and safe work positioning
• Use of bobbin sanders for detailed sanding of edges, profiles, and tight areas
• Operation of combination belt-disc sanders, including safe switching between modes and guarding checks
• Disc sander operation, including correct disc selection, securing of workpieces, and kickback prevention
• Use of drum sanders for large floor areas, including controlled movement, cable management, and dust control
• Edge sander and floor edger use along skirtings, walls, and corners to minimise contact damage and vibration exposure
• Safe handling and use of metal sanding discs, including inspection, mounting, and speed compatibility checks
• Operation of metal sanding machines, including guarding, clamping, and hot work considerations
• Operating floor sanding machines in occupied or enclosed areas, including noise, dust, and public interface controls
• Operating power sanders of various types with appropriate PPE, electrical safety, and isolation procedures
• Sanding rough patches, high spots, and uneven sections while maintaining balance and preventing loss of control
• Sanding timber subfloors, including nail punching, fixing protrusions, and checking for hidden services
• Use of spindle and bobbin sanders for curved and profiled edges with correct jigs and guarding
• Housekeeping, dust extraction, and safe clean-up of sanding residues to reduce fire, slip, and respiratory risks

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for floor sanders, carpenters, flooring installers, shopfitters, maintenance teams, and site supervisors overseeing works involving powered sanding equipment and floor preparation.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing the Risk of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on the safe use, guarding, and maintenance of sanding machinery and associated plant
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls for sanding operations
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Requirements for controlling noise exposure from sanding machines
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Ventilation, lighting, and housekeeping requirements for dusty sanding environments
• Hazardous Chemicals (including Dusts) Guidance Material: Control measures for airborne wood dust and fine particulates generated by sanding
• AS/NZS 3760: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment used with powered sanders
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices suitable for dust-generating sanding tasks
• AS/NZS 1270: Hearing protectors for workers exposed to sanding machine noise
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves for handling abrasive materials and machine components
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017