Product Overview

This Bench Grinder SWMS is a site-ready Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards and implement controls for the safe use, setup, and maintenance of bench and pedestal grinders, supporting strong WHS compliance. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of Bench Grinder operation, including fixed and pedestal-mounted grinding equipment, from pre-start inspections through to shutdown and housekeeping.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe installation and positioning of bench and pedestal grinders to ensure stability, clearance, and safe access
• Selection and fitting of appropriate grinding wheels and accessories for the material and task
• Inspection of grinder components, including guards, tool rests, tongue guards, and emergency stop devices
• Correct adjustment and maintenance of tool rests and spark deflectors to minimise entanglement and ejection risks
• Safe operation of pedestal grinders, including body positioning, grip, and workpiece control
• Control of sparks, flying particles, and hot work risks, including segregation, shielding, and fire prevention measures
• Management of noise, vibration, and dust exposure, including the use of hearing protection and respiratory protection where required
• Use, care, and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as eye, face, hand, and protective clothing
• Procedures for wheel dressing, balancing, and replacement, including checks for cracks and damage before use
• Lock-out/tag-out and isolation procedures for cleaning, maintenance, and fault rectification
• Manual handling controls for lifting, mounting, and changing grinding wheels and heavy workpieces
• Housekeeping, storage, and safe handling of grinding wheels and associated equipment
• Emergency response procedures for eye injuries, burns, entanglement, and equipment malfunction

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for metal fabricators, fitters and turners, maintenance workshops, manufacturing facilities, training organisations, and site supervisors overseeing bench or pedestal grinding activities on Australian worksites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace – Guidance on controlling risks associated with machinery such as bench and pedestal grinders
• Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks – Framework for identifying, assessing, and controlling risks
• Model Code of Practice: Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work – Requirements and controls for noise generated by grinding operations
• AS/NZS 4024 Safety of machinery (series) – Principles for the safe design and guarding of machinery and plant
• AS 1788 Abrasive wheels – Requirements for the safe selection, care, and use of abrasive grinding wheels
• AS/NZS 1337 Eye protectors for industrial applications – Specifications for eye and face protection when grinding
• AS/NZS 2161 Occupational protective gloves – Guidance on appropriate hand protection
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017