Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the high-level hazards, controls, and safe work procedures for the use of cordless power tools, helping your business achieve and demonstrate WHS compliance on site. It is a comprehensive, ready-to-use document covering multiple aspects of cordless power tool safety, from pre-start checks through to maintenance and storage.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Selection of appropriate cordless power tools and accessories for the task and work environment
• Pre-start inspection of cordless tools, guards, safety switches, batteries, and leads for visible damage or defects
• Safe operation of cordless drills, impact drivers, grinders, saws, and other handheld tools
• Management of kickback, entanglement, and contact with moving or rotating parts
• Control of dust, noise, vibration, and flying particles generated by cordless tool use
• Use of cordless tools in elevated areas, on ladders, platforms, and scaffolds to prevent dropped objects
• Battery charging, storage, and handling, including lithium-ion battery fire and explosion risk controls
• Housekeeping around work areas to minimise trip hazards, offcuts, and debris from cutting and grinding
• Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including eye, hearing, respiratory, and hand protection
• Isolation, lock-out, and tag-out procedures when tools are defective or unsafe for use
• Manual handling of tools, toolboxes, and associated materials to reduce strain and musculoskeletal injuries
• Emergency response procedures for injuries, electric shock, fire, and exposure to hazardous dusts
• Ongoing inspection, maintenance, and documentation of cordless tools to ensure ongoing safe operation

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for carpenters, electricians, plumbers, maintenance teams, construction trades, workshop personnel, and site supervisors who manage or use cordless power tools on Australian worksites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on controlling risks associated with plant, including powered hand tools
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Requirements for controlling noise from cordless tools
• Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Risk management for manual handling of tools and materials
• Managing the Risk of Falls in Housing Construction Code of Practice: Controls for using cordless tools at height and on temporary work platforms
• Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants: Reference for managing dust and airborne particles generated by cutting and grinding
• AS/NZS 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment: Guidance for inspection and testing of battery chargers and associated electrical equipment