SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT

TASK/OPERATION Hand Tools

Operating Procedure Developed By: Civil Maintenance Approved By: Civil Maintenance Date: 01/06/2015
Developed by:
Review Completed by: Reviewed By: Civil Maintenance Approved By: GM Operations Date: 01/03/2022
Expiry: 01/03/2024
Person responsible for Tradesperson
compliance of SWMS:
High Risk Construction Task Nil – Task not to be performed outside of the workshop
Training/Licence Required for Qualified Tradesperson, on the job training
Task
HEARING EYE PROTECTION FOOT PROTECTIVE HEAD HAND
PROTECTION PROTECTION CLOTHING PROTECTION PROTECTION

What are the Potential Uncontrolled How will the Hazard / Risk be controlled Controlled References
task involved Hazards/Risks Risk Risk
Arrive at site. Traffic M5 • Complete Site Specific Assessment with all workers on site M4 Form – Site
Assess access Hazards • Put on required PPE for task and site. Specific Risk
and hazards. Unidentified Assessment
Hazards
Moving
Plant,
Vehicles
Trips, slips
and falls.
Snakes,
bees, wasps,
spider bites
& stings.

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What are the Potential Uncontrolled How will the Hazard / Risk be controlled Controlled References
task involved Hazards/Risks Risk Risk
Excessive
exposure to
UV
Exposure to
farm or
industrial
chemicals
Working on
or near
water

Using Hand Sharp Tools M6 Hammers M5 WHS Procedure:

tools Cuts, • Keep clean and free from oil which might cause the handle to slip or Plant, Workshop,
bruising Tools and
the face to glance from the object being struck.
Equipment Safety
• Make sure the head is wedged securely and that the head and
handle are not chipped or broken
• Hammer must be in good, useable condition.
• Grasp handle firmly near the end and keep your eye on the point
to be struck.
• Reduce the strain when pulling nails by the placing a piece of wood
under the hammer to increase leverage.

M5 Hand Saws L3
• When crosscutting, start the cut with two long slow pulls
UPWARDS.
• When ripping, start the cut with the finer teeth at the end of the
blade.
• Secure material to ensure material does not slip

M4 Wrench L2
• Use a wrench that is the right size and type for the job.
• Never use a piece of pipe on the handle to get leverage.
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What are the Potential Uncontrolled How will the Hazard / Risk be controlled Controlled References
task involved Hazards/Risks Risk Risk
• Keep jaws sharp and clean.
• Place the wrench so that the pull on the handle tends to force the
jaws further into the nut (lower jaw leads).
• Pulling on a wrench is safer than pushing.
• Do not weaken wrenches by using a hammer.

M5 Chisel M4
• Never use a chisel with a mushroomed head or a hammer with a
damaged face.
• A cold chisel should not be held with the fist, but between thumb
and forefinger, with palm of hand facing person and point of chisel
directed away.

M5 Screwdrivers L3
• Do not use a screwdriver as a punch, wedge, pinch bar or pry.
• Keep the tip clean and sharp to permit a solid grip on the tip of the
screw.
• Keep the handle of the screwdriver clean and intact to allow for a
solid grip.
• Never hold the piece you are working on in your hand.
• Carry screwdrivers in toolboxes or work belts – never in your
pocket.
• Never use a screwdriver during electrical work unless it is properly
insulated.

M6 Pliers L3
• Use safety glasses when cutting wire
• Pliers should not be used for cutting hardened wire unless
specifically designed for this purpose
• Never expose pliers to excessive heat
• Always cut at right angles
• Never use pliers as a hammer
• Pliers should not be used on bolts or nut (use a wrench)
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 What are the Potential Uncontrolled How will the Hazard / Risk be controlled Controlled References
task involved Hazards/Risks Risk Risk
Other Tools
• Refer to any manufacturers specific safety advice for any other
tools and use only in accordance with that advice – including any
identified training / PPE other requirements.

Maintenance M6 • Report any obvious damage of equipment to team lead L3 WHS Procedure:
• If is to be out of service for a period of time, Place a Yellow OUT OF Plant, Workshop,
Tools and
SERVICE tags on tool. This tag can be removed by the person who placed Equipment Safety
the tag or by another authorised person.
• Store equipment in appropriate location WHS Procedure –
Isolation of Plant

NAMES OF PEOPLE INVOLVED IN DEVELOPING/UPDATING THE SWMS - CONSULTATION INDICATION

SIGNATURE
WORKER NAME WORKGROUP (I have been consulted in and understand DATE
this SWMS)

ADAM VALANCE HEAVY PLANT TEAM 1/3/2022

JADE HODGE 1/3/2022

ALAN SHEA 1/3/2022

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