Saw Operations

The Saw Operations SOP (SOP-SAW-001) provides comprehensive guidelines for safely using saws in demolition tasks. It addresses critical hazards such as kickback, blade contact, and silicosis risks, ensuring that operators are aware of necessary safety measures. This document is vital for workers and supervisors in the demolition field to maintain compliance with Australian workplace safety regulations and protect worker health.

• Kickback from blade binding or pinching → loss of control, severe lacerations
• Contact with rotating blade → amputation
• Ejection of cut-offs and debris → struck-by injury
• Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica from concrete/stone cutting → silicosis
• Eye injury from flying chips and dust → blindness
• Strike of underground or in-wall services (water, gas, electrical) → fatality
• Hand-arm vibration from prolonged use → vibration white finger
• Noise exposure exceeding 110 dB(A) on demolition saws → hearing damage
• Fire from sparks igniting flammable materials

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and applicable state/territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth) — Part 3.1 Managing risks of plant; Part 7.1 Hazardous chemicals (silica)
• AS 4024.1 series — Safety of machinery (including specific parts for woodworking and metal-cutting machinery)
• AS/NZS 1337 — Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 1270 — Acoustics — Hearing protectors
• AS/NZS 1716 — Respiratory protective devices
• Safe Work Australia — Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia — Code of Practice: Working with Crystalline Silica and Silica Containing Products
• Safe Work Australia — Guide to Managing Risks of Demolition Work (where demolition saws used)
• Saw Pre-Start Checklist (associated document)