FREE Table Saw SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) Template
Download our free Table Saw SOP Template:
*For internal use only. Not for resale or redistribution. By downloading, you agree to our Free Resources Licensing Agreement.
Purpose of Document
Table Saw SOPs outline a safe operating procedure for table saw use. Table Saw SOPs can also be used as a training and induction document. The primary goal is to protect workers from injury or illness by outlining a safe system of work and providing adequate training and instruction. This form is broadly aligned with AS45001:2018.
How to Use
Table Saw SOPs should be communicated to workers before they complete the task. A hard copy can also be displayed in the workplace or provided at the workface. You can also use Table Saw SOPs during the induction or onboarding process.
NOTE: The above document is a template only and it must be customised for your business. Other aspects that need to be considered include, but are not limited to, ensuring that:
- Relevant legal requirements have been met,
- Workplace specific risks are identified and managed, and
- Workers are consulted with during the customisation / review process.
When to Use
Workers should read and agree to comply with Table Saw SOPs prior to operation within your business. They can also be used for refresher training periodically.
Who Should Use
Table Saw SOPs should be developed by a competent person. The SOP is then read and followed by the worker completing the task. New workers should also read and understand the SOPs during the induction or onboarding process.
Legal Considerations
There is no specific legal requirement to have a documented Safe Operating Procedure (SOP). However, it is best practice, as having SOPs can assist in meeting general legal duties, including:
- s(19)(3)c WHS Act – Duty to Provide Safe Systems of Work
- s(19)(3)d WHS Act – Duty to Ensure Safe Use of Plant
- s(19)(3)f WHS Act – Duty to Provide Adequate Information, Training, Instruction and Supervision
- s(39) WHS Regulations – Duty to Provide Adequate Information, Training, and Instruction
- s(203) WHS Regulations – Management of Risks to Health and Safety (PCBUs with management or control of plant)
The Code of Practice “Managing risks of plant in the workplace” states that employers (PCBUs) must provide workers with information, training, and instruction as necessary to protect them from risks arising from the use of the plant.
FAQ’s
What is a table saw?
A table saw is a woodworking tool equipped with a circular blade mounted on an arbor and driven by an electric motor, used for cutting wood along its grain or across it.
What is a table saw used for?
It’s commonly used in woodworking shops, construction sites, and DIY projects for tasks such as ripping, cross-cutting, and miter cutting wood pieces.
What hazards are involved in using a table saw?
Some hazards that are involved in table saw use include:
- Contact with rotating blade
- Kickback
- Flying debris
- Electric shock
What are some safety controls that can be utilised during table saw use?
Some safety controls that can be utilised include:
- Using a blade guard and riving knife
- Blade alignment
- Wearing PPE
- Operating training
Did you know?
The table saw, a cornerstone in woodworking, boasts a fascinating history spanning centuries. Originating in ancient civilizations, early iterations of saws were handheld tools used for cutting wood. However, it wasn’t until the late 18th century that the modern table saw began to take shape with innovations like the circular saw blade. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, advancements in design and technology propelled the table saw into prominence, revolutionizing woodworking practices. Today, table saws come in various types, including portable, contractor, and cabinet saws, offering precision and power for a wide range of cutting tasks in woodworking shops worldwide.
Article Sources and Further Reading
- Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace (Safe Work Australia) <https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/model-code-practice-managing-risks-plant-workplace>
- Plant (Safe Work Australia) <https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/managing-health-and-safety/plant>
- The Complete Guide to WHS Policies and Procedures in Australia (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/guide-to-whs-policies-and-procedures/>
- What is a PCBU? (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/what-is-a-pcbu/>