Guillotine (Paper Cutter) Operations SWMS
Programmable guillotine and manual-lever paper cutter operations — two-hand control verification, optical-guard calibration, clamp-pressure tuning, knife-change protocol, and stack-jogging ergonomics.
SWMS variants reference your state’s WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.
Programmable and manual-lever guillotine paper cutter operations including two-hand control verification, optical-guard calibration, clamp-pressure tuning, knife changes and stack-jogging. Triggers WHS Regulation 2025 Chapter 4 Part 4.5 (Plant) duties due to high-force cutting blades, crush-clamp hazards and exposed sharp tooling during maintenance.
Hazards identified
4 hazards covered, sorted by priority.
Severe lacerations or amputation of fingers/hand
Crushed fingers, fractures, soft tissue damage
Deep lacerations to hands, forearms, torso
Lower back strain, shoulder and wrist injuries
Control measures
Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.
- 1Verify two-hand control synchronisation and optical light-curtain function before each shift per AS/NZS 4024.3610.
- 2Use dedicated knife-carrier with sheath and locking screws for all blade removal, transport and installation.
- 3Isolate and lockout/tagout power before clamp adjustment, jam clearance or any guard removal.
- 4Limit stack weights to 15kg per lift; use jogging table and powered lifts for heavier stock.
Applicable Codes of Practice
Mandatory plant risk controls, guarding and isolation duties
Specific guarding, two-hand control and knife-change standards
Who this is for
- →Print shops, binderies and packaging facilities operating powered guillotines
- →Plant maintenance technicians performing knife changes and guard calibration
What you receive
- ✓Editable DOCX SWMS customisable to your guillotine make and model
- ✓State-specific WHS legislation and codes of practice schedule
- ✓Pre-populated hazard register with risk ratings and controls
- ✓Worker sign-on register for SWMS consultation evidence
Worked example
A Melbourne bindery operator bypassed a faulty light curtain to clear a jam, losing two fingers. WorkSafe Victoria issued a $180,000 fine citing failure to maintain plant guarding under WHS Reg Part 4.5. Documented SWMS and pre-start checks would have prevented the incident.
Related legislation
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) s19 primary duty of care
- WHS Regulation 2025 r203 guarding of plant
- Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace