French Polishing SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers French polishing work, including surface preparation, shellac and pad preparation, application, drying and clean-up. It supports planning and risk management by addressing solvent, dust, fire, manual handling and work-area hazards throughout the process.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Review the work scope, materials and existing surface coatings
• Set up a controlled work area with suitable access and ventilation
• Inspect tools, equipment and ventilation arrangements
• Prepare and handle flammable liquids
• Position and support the workpiece
• Clean, prepare, sand and abrade surfaces
• Prepare shellac and the polishing pad
• Apply French polish and level coats or fill pores
• Dry and protect the finished surface
• Clean tools, manage waste and complete final inspection

Who is this for?

For contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out French polishing 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, including duties to provide and maintain a safe workplace, manage risks, consult workers, provide information/training/supervision, manage hazardous chemicals, hazardous manual tasks, plant, electricity, PPE and emergency arrangements.
• Safe Work Australia, Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace, as adopted or applied in the relevant jurisdiction. It identifies methylated spirits, mineral turpentine, shellac, timber products and fine wood dust as relevant flammable or combustible materials in woodworking.
• Safe Work Australia, Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks; Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks; and Model Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities, as adopted or applied in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Safe Work Australia, Model Code of Practice: Spray Painting and Powder Coating, as guidance for solvent-vapour, ventilation, ignition-source, flammable-waste and PPE controls; model codes require jurisdictional adoption before having legal effect.
• Guidance standards: AS/NZS 1715 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment; AS/NZS 1716 Respiratory protective devices; AS/NZS 1337.1 Personal eye-protection; AS/NZS 2161 Occupational protective gloves; AS/NZS 2210.3 Safety footwear; AS/NZS 1270 Hearing protectors; AS/NZS 60079.10.1 Explosive atmospheres—classification of areas; AS/NZS 3000 Electrical installations.

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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