Product Overview

This Waterjet Cutter Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify, control, and minimise the risks associated with operating waterjet cutting equipment on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document that supports WHS compliance and provides end-to-end coverage of planning, set-up, operation, maintenance, and emergency response for waterjet cutting operations.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and job setup for waterjet cutting operations, including site assessment and task-specific risk evaluation
• Selection, inspection, and safe use of high-pressure pumps, hoses, fittings, and cutting heads
• Safe operation of CNC-controlled and manually operated waterjet cutting machines
• Management of high-pressure water and abrasive media hazards, including jet containment and guarding
• Control of noise, vibration, and flying particle risks during cutting activities
• Handling, storage, and disposal of abrasive media, sludge, and wastewater in an environmentally responsible manner
• Electrical safety for fixed and portable waterjet cutting equipment, including lockout/tagout procedures
• Manual handling and ergonomics for loading and unloading workpieces, fixtures, and materials
• Use, care, and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE) for waterjet operators and nearby workers
• Emergency shutdown, isolation, and spill response procedures for waterjet cutting systems
• Housekeeping, slip and trip prevention around wet work areas and equipment
• Training, competency requirements, and supervision of personnel operating waterjet cutters
• Coordination of works when operating waterjet cutters near other trades or in shared workplaces

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for fabrication workshops, metal and stone cutting businesses, manufacturing facilities, maintenance teams, and site supervisors responsible for managing or overseeing waterjet cutting operations.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on identifying and controlling risks associated with plant such as waterjet cutters
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Requirements and controls for noise generated by cutting operations
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Risk management for manual handling associated with loading and unloading materials
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for risk management applied throughout the SWMS
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Requirements for safe, clean, and adequately controlled work areas around waterjet equipment
• AS/NZS 4024 Safety of Machinery (series): Principles for guarding, emergency stops, and safe control systems for machinery such as waterjet cutters
• AS/NZS 1270 Acoustics – Hearing protectors: Selection and use of hearing protection in noisy cutting environments
• AS/NZS 2210 Safety, protective and occupational footwear: Foot protection requirements for workshop and cutting areas
• AS/NZS 1337 Personal eye protection: Eye and face protection against flying particles and high-pressure spray
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017