Product Overview

This CNC Machining Centre Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls for the safe setup and operation of CNC machinery in the workplace. It is a comprehensive, consolidated document that covers multiple aspects of CNC machining centre work to support WHS compliance and the safe execution of high risk manufacturing activities.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe operation and guarding requirements for CNC drilling lines and bandsaws used in metal and fabrication work
• Setup, tooling changes, and safe operation of CNC lathe machines for turning operations
• Programming, workpiece clamping, and dust and noise control for 5-axis CNC router operations
• Computer numerical control (CNC) programming, verification, and safe use of control panels and emergency stops
• Conducting CNC milling operations, including tool path verification, coolant management, and chip control
• General manufacturing processes on CNC machines, including loading/unloading stock and managing repetitive production runs
• Safe use of metal CNC milling machines, including spindle speed selection, tool integrity checks, and guarding
• Operation of metal CNC plasma cutting machines, including fume extraction, fire risk controls, and hot work management
• Safe setup and operation of metal CNC punch presses, including pinch point protection and safe feeding of sheet material
• Use of metal CNC routers for cutting, profiling, and nesting, including dust extraction and noise exposure controls
• Operation of metal CNC turning machines for precision components, including swarf management and entanglement controls
• Safe work practices for metal CNC waterjet cutting machines, including high-pressure line integrity and splash containment
• Operation of metal CNC wire EDM machines, including dielectric fluid management and electrical safety controls
• Integration and safe use of robotic machining cells, including safeguarding, interlocks, and exclusion zones
• Housekeeping, manual handling, and storage of raw materials, tooling, and finished components around CNC machining centres

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for metal and timber fabricators, CNC machinists, manufacturing workshops, engineering firms, and site supervisors responsible for CNC machining centre operations.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on managing risks associated with plant, including CNC machinery and robotic cells
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Requirements for controlling noise exposure from CNC machines, routers, and cutting equipment
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Controls for manual handling associated with loading, unloading, and handling stock and tooling
• Safe Work Australia – Welding Processes Code of Practice: Applicable to hot work and thermal cutting processes such as CNC plasma cutting
• AS 4024 Safety of Machinery (series): Australian standard for the design, safeguarding, and safe integration of machinery including CNC equipment and robotic systems
• AS/NZS 3000 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules): Requirements for electrical safety of fixed and portable CNC machinery installations
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017