Power Tools - Cordless SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers cordless power-tool work, from planning the work area and checking services through to operation, charging, cleaning and storage. It supports workers to identify hazards such as moving accessories, dust, noise, battery faults and interruptions when planning and managing the work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Review the scope, tool choice and surrounding work activities
• Set up a controlled work area and check services or substrates
• Inspect cordless tools, guards, batteries and accessories before use
• Fit blades, discs and other accessories safely
• Manage battery charging and hot or damaged batteries
• Set up controls for dust generated during work
• Carry out drilling, cutting and grinding tasks
• Manage noise, vibration, faults and interruptions
• Clean up dust and waste, then store tools and batteries safely

Who is this for?

For contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out cordless power-tool activities.

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, including duties to consult, manage risks, provide safe plant and systems of work, control electrical risks, hazardous manual tasks, airborne contaminants, hazardous chemicals, noise and PPE.
• Applicable construction-work and SWMS requirements where cordless-tool work forms part of high risk construction work.
• Safe Work Australia model Codes of Practice, as adopted or recognised in the relevant jurisdiction: How to manage work health and safety risks; Work health and safety consultation, co-operation and co-ordination; Managing risks of plant in the workplace; Managing electrical risks in the workplace; Hazardous manual tasks; Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work; Managing the work environment and facilities; Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace; Construction work; Managing the risks of airborne crystalline silica.
• Model Codes are guidance for adoption by Commonwealth, state and territory governments and do not automatically have legal effect in every jurisdiction.
• Guidance standards: AS/NZS 62841 series for electric motor-operated hand-held tools; AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS 1716 for respiratory protective equipment; AS/NZS 1270 for hearing protectors; AS/NZS 1337.1 for eye and face protectors; AS/NZS 2210.3 for safety footwear; AS/NZS 1801 for occupational protective helmets; AS/NZS 4602.1 for high-visibility safety garments; AS ISO 5349.1 for hand-transmitted vibration assessment.
• Noise exposure must be assessed and controlled where exposure may exceed LAeq,8h 85 dB(A); drilling and cutting activities can materially contribute to daily noise exposure.
• Lithium batteries can overheat or enter thermal runaway if damaged, overcharged or exposed to excessive heat; use compatible equipment, inspect batteries and keep charging away from combustible materials.

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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