Product Overview

This Cut Off Wheel Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a comprehensive safety management document designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls when using cut off wheels and associated equipment. It provides detailed, task-specific guidance to support WHS compliance and safe operation of cut off saws and metal cutting discs across a wide range of construction and workshop environments.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Selection of appropriate cut off wheels and metal cutting discs for the material and tool being used
• Inspection of cut off wheels, discs, flanges and guards prior to use to identify damage or defects
• Safe operation of handheld and bench-mounted cut off saws for metal cutting tasks
• Correct fitting, tightening and alignment of metal cutting discs to prevent disc failure or ejection
• Establishing exclusion zones and safe work areas to protect other workers from sparks and flying particles
• Control of fire and explosion risks from sparks, hot metal and nearby flammable or combustible materials
• Management of dust, fumes and noise generated during cutting operations, including use of extraction and hearing protection
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face shields, eye protection, gloves, respiratory protection and protective clothing
• Safe handling, transport and storage of cut off wheels and metal cutting discs to minimise damage and degradation
• Correct body positioning, grip and cutting techniques to reduce kickback, loss of control and musculoskeletal strain
• Isolation, lock-out and tagging procedures when maintaining or changing discs on cut off saws
• Emergency response procedures for disc failure, eye injuries, burns, fire and other incidents

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for metal fabricators, boilermakers, construction contractors, maintenance personnel, workshop operators and site supervisors who manage or undertake work involving cut off wheels and metal cutting discs.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – guidance on risk management principles and processes
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – controls for noise from cutting operations
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – requirements for the safe use of powered cut off saws and accessories
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – where cut off wheels are used on elevated work platforms or raised areas
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Eye and face protectors for occupational applications – selection of suitable eye and face protection
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment – guidance for respiratory protection during cutting
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices – performance requirements for respirators
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves – selection of hand protection for metal cutting tasks
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017