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Grinding & Sanding SWMS

Grinding and sanding are among the most frequently performed tasks in auto body workshops, generating respirable dust, noise levels exceeding 85 dB(A), and hand-arm vibration that can cause permanent nerve and vascular damage. Dust composition varies with the substrate being worked — sanding cured two-pack paint releases isocyanate particles, grinding welds produces metal fume and particulates, and sanding legacy coatings may liberate lead and chromium dust. This template covers all grinding and sanding operations with controls mapped to the binding codes of practice effective 1 July 2026.

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SWMS variants reference your state's WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.

Legal Requirements

regulation

WHS Regulation 2025 Part 7.1 — Hazardous Chemicals; Part 3.1 — Noise; Part 3.2 — Hazardous Manual Tasks

hrcw category

General workshop operations (dust, noise, vibration generating)

code of practice

Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss; Hazardous Manual Tasks (binding 1 July 2026 under Section 26A)

section 26a binding

Yes — Noise and Hazardous Manual Tasks codes binding July 2026.

Hazards

HazardConsequenceLikelihood
Respirable dust from grinding and sanding paint, filler, and metalRespiratory disease, occupational asthma from isocyanate dustLikely
Noise exposure exceeding 85 dB(A) from angle grinders and air toolsNoise-induced hearing loss (irreversible)Likely
Hand-arm vibration from sustained power tool useHand-arm vibration syndrome, white finger, nerve damagePossible
Eye injuries from flying particles, disc fragments, and sparksCorneal abrasion, penetrating eye injuryLikely
Disc burst or shatter from damaged or incorrectly fitted grinding discLacerations, facial injuries, fatalityUnlikely

Controls (Hierarchy of Controls)

Use dust extraction-equipped sanders and grinders (on-tool LEV) for all operations
Provide P2 respiratory protection for all grinding and sanding tasks
Issue Class 5 hearing protection and enforce mandatory use during grinding
Limit continuous grinding time to manufacturer vibration exposure limits with scheduled breaks
Inspect grinding discs before use and ensure guards are fitted and adjusted correctly
Require safety glasses with side shields at all times in grinding and sanding zones
Provide anti-vibration gloves for extended grinding operations

Recent Prosecutions

WorkSafe Victoria v Panel Shop$60,000

Worker suffered noise-induced hearing loss after years of grinding without hearing protection. Workshop had no noise assessment, no audiometric testing, and no hearing protection program.

2023 — WorkSafe Victoria Prosecution Database

What Your SWMS Must Include

✓Dust extraction requirements for each grinding and sanding tool
✓Noise assessment results and hearing protection selection for each task
✓Vibration exposure limits and task rotation schedule
✓Grinding disc inspection and guard adjustment procedure
✓RPE selection based on substrate being ground or sanded

Need a compliant Grinding & Sanding SWMS?

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