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Table Saw SWMS

Table saws cause more amputation injuries than any other single machine in Australian manufacturing. Kickback — where the workpiece is violently ejected back toward the operator — is the most common mechanism, followed by direct blade contact during ripping and cross-cutting operations. Wood dust generated during sawing contributes to cumulative carcinogenic exposure when hardwood species are processed. The WHS Regulation 2025 requires specific guarding arrangements, operator competency verification, and dust extraction at the point of generation. This template covers all table saw operations with controls mapped to the binding Managing Risks of Plant code 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 5.1 — Plant; Part 7.1 — Hazardous Chemicals (wood dust)

hrcw category

Work involving powered plant

code of practice

Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace (binding 1 July 2026 under Section 26A)

section 26a binding

Yes — Plant code binding July 2026. Non-compliance is a standalone offence.

Hazards

HazardConsequenceLikelihood
Kickback ejecting workpiece toward operator at high velocityBlunt trauma to chest and abdomen, fatalityPossible
Direct contact with spinning saw bladeFinger and hand amputation, deep lacerationPossible
Wood dust generation during ripping and cross-cuttingNasal cancer (hardwood, IARC Group 1), respiratory diseaseLikely
Noise exposure exceeding 85 dB(A)Noise-induced hearing loss (irreversible)Likely
Ejection of offcuts and small piecesEye injuries, facial lacerationsPossible

Controls (Hierarchy of Controls)

Fit and maintain riving knife positioned within 5 mm of blade and extending above blade height
Install anti-kickback fingers (pawls) on all rip sawing operations
Require push sticks for all cuts where hands would pass within 300 mm of blade
Connect dust extraction to saw blade guard and maintain minimum capture velocity
Verify operator competency before first unsupervised use of each table saw
Conduct daily pre-start checks of blade condition, guard function, and fence alignment
Provide P2 respiratory protection for all hardwood sawing operations

Recent Prosecutions

WorkSafe Victoria v Timber Manufacturer$350,000

Worker's hand amputated after contact with unguarded table saw blade. Riving knife and blade guard had been removed. No push sticks available at the machine.

2024 — WorkSafe Victoria Prosecution Database

What Your SWMS Must Include

✓Riving knife and anti-kickback device verification procedure
✓Push stick usage requirements with minimum distance from blade specified
✓Dust extraction connection and capture velocity verification
✓Operator competency assessment and authorisation process
✓Daily pre-start inspection checklist covering blade, guards, and fence

Need a compliant Table Saw SWMS?

Our WHS consultants develop table saw SWMS with guarding specifications and kickback prevention controls mapped to the binding Plant code.

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