Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides step-by-step risk controls for the safe use of reciprocating saws, jigsaws and associated high-speed cutting tools, helping you maintain WHS compliance on site. It is a comprehensive document that covers planning, set-up, operation, maintenance and pack-up for a wide range of power saws in construction and maintenance environments.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe selection and use of high-speed hand-held cutting tools for various materials and applications
• Operation of jigsaws for straight, curved and plunge cuts in timber, sheet products and light metals
• Set-up and operation of cutting disc tools, including inspection, fitting and secure tightening of blades and discs
• Use of reciprocating saws for demolition, cutting through framing, pipework and other building elements
• General use of power saws, including pre-start checks, guarding, trigger control and emergency stop procedures
• Safe operation of rotary saws and jigsaws, including control of kickback, binding and sudden movement
• Management of electrical safety, including leads, RCDs, portable generators and avoiding contact with live services
• Control of dust, noise and vibration when cutting timber, masonry, metal and composite materials
• Selection, fitting and use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for cutting operations
• Manual handling of saws, workpieces and accessories to minimise strain, fatigue and crush injuries
• Securing and supporting workpieces to prevent movement, pinching, kickback and loss of control
• Housekeeping, management of offcuts, sparks and hot fragments to reduce fire and trip hazards
• Inspection, maintenance, tagging-out and reporting of damaged or defective power saws and accessories

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for carpenters, shopfitters, plumbers, electricians, demolition workers, maintenance teams, construction contractors and site supervisors who use or oversee reciprocating saws, jigsaws and other portable power saws.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on the safe use, guarding and maintenance of powered tools and equipment
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Requirements for controlling noise exposure from power saws
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Controls for working with saws on ladders, platforms or elevated areas
• Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Guidance on reducing musculoskeletal risks when handling saws and materials
• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Controls for dust and fumes generated when cutting certain materials
• AS/NZS 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment: Requirements for testing and tagging electrical power tools and leads
• AS/NZS 60745 Hand-held motor-operated electric tools – Safety: Safety requirements for hand-held power tools such as jigsaws and reciprocating saws
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017