Bench Grinder SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers setting up, inspecting, operating and maintaining a bench grinder. It supports work planning and risk management by addressing abrasive wheel hazards, rotating parts, sparks, dust, noise and workpiece handling.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan the task and assess materials before grinding
• Set up the grinder work area
• Complete pre-start inspections of the grinder and safety devices
• Select, inspect and change abrasive wheels
• Test-run replacement wheels
• Prepare and position workpieces for grinding
• Perform bench grinding tasks
• Use wire wheel attachments where required
• Control dust, sparks and noise during work
• Manage wheel wear and dressing
• Shut down, clean and report defects

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out bench grinding work.

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: apply the primary duty of care, worker consultation, risk-management, plant safety, electrical safety, hazardous chemicals, airborne contaminants, noise and PPE duties that apply in the jurisdiction and workplace.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the risks of plant in the workplace — use the risk-management process, hierarchy of controls, maintenance and review requirements as guidance.
• Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks — use as guidance for identifying hazards, implementing controls and reviewing control measures.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work — use as guidance; assess exposure against the applicable noise exposure standard of LAeq,8h 85 dB(A) and LC,peak 140 dB(C).
• Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace — use as guidance where grinding dust, coatings, metal residues or cleaning products may present a health risk.
• AS 1788: Abrasive wheels — selection, use and safety; use as guidance for wheel selection, handling, mounting, guarding and inspection.
• AS/NZS 4024.1 series: Safety of machinery; use as guidance for guarding, emergency stops and prevention of access to dangerous moving parts.
• AS/NZS 3760: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment; use as guidance for inspection and test-and-tag arrangements where applicable.
• AS/NZS 1336 and AS/NZS 1337.1: Eye and face protection; AS/NZS 1270: Hearing protectors; AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective equipment; AS/NZS 2210.3: Safety footwear.

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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