BlueSafe
Manual Demolition Jackhammering and Concrete Breaking Risk Assessment

Manual Demolition Jackhammering and Concrete Breaking Risk Assessment

  • • 100% Compliant with Australian WHS Acts & Regulations
  • • Fully Editable MS Word & PDF Formats Included
  • • Pre-filled Content – Ready to Deploy Immediately
  • • Customisable – Easily Add Your Logo & Site Details
  • • Includes 2 Years of Free Compliance Updates

Manual Demolition Jackhammering and Concrete Breaking Risk Assessment

Product Overview

Identify and control organisational risks associated with Manual Demolition Jackhammering and Concrete Breaking at the planning, procurement, and WHS management level using this comprehensive Risk Assessment. This document supports executive Due Diligence, strengthens WHS risk management systems, and helps demonstrate compliance with the WHS Act while reducing operational and legal exposure for your business.

Risk Categories & Hazards Covered

This document assesses risks and outlines management controls for:

  • WHS Management, Roles and Legislative Compliance: Assessment of governance structures, allocation of WHS responsibilities, consultation arrangements, and alignment with statutory obligations for demolition and concrete breaking activities.
  • Project and Demolition Planning Integration: Management of demolition methodology, staging, engineering input, and integration of risk controls into project timelines, work packs, and permit-to-work systems.
  • Plant Procurement, Selection and Engineering Controls: Evaluation of jackhammers and demolition tools for suitability, vibration ratings, dust suppression capability, noise output, and built-in safety features prior to purchase or hire.
  • Plant Inspection, Maintenance and Tagging Systems: Protocols for pre-start checks, scheduled servicing, tagging, defect reporting, and removal from service of non-compliant or damaged equipment.
  • Workforce Competency, Training and Supervision: Oversight of competency requirements, verification of licences and VOCs, task-specific training for manual demolition, and supervision levels for higher-risk work fronts.
  • Site Access, Traffic and Work Area Segregation: Management of exclusion zones, interaction with mobile plant and vehicles, public interface, and secure control of access to demolition zones.
  • Noise and Vibration Exposure Management: Assessment of exposure levels from jackhammering, implementation of engineering and administrative controls, and monitoring of worker health in relation to HAVS and hearing loss.
  • Silica Dust and Airborne Contaminant Control: Systems for dust suppression, ventilation, selection of compliant RPE, air monitoring, and decontamination procedures to manage respirable crystalline silica and other airborne hazards.
  • Hazardous Manual Tasks and Ergonomics Management: Control of repetitive forceful exertion, awkward postures, tool weight and balance, and work-rest regimes to minimise musculoskeletal disorders.
  • Structural Stability, Falling Objects and Collapse Prevention: Engineering review and monitoring of structures, sequencing of demolition, propping and bracing, and controls for debris, falling concrete, and unintended collapse.
  • Electrical, Pneumatic and Energy Isolation Systems: Management of power supplies, cable routing, lockout/tagout procedures, and safe use of compressed air or hydraulic systems associated with demolition tools.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Respiratory Protection Programs: Selection, issue, fit-testing and maintenance of PPE and RPE, including hearing, eye, face, hand, foot and respiratory protection appropriate to jackhammering and concrete breaking.
  • Environmental Conditions, Fatigue and Thermal Stress Management: Planning for hot and cold weather, confined or poorly ventilated spaces, shift length, breaks, and fatigue risks associated with high-vibration manual work.
  • Emergency Preparedness, Incident Response and First Aid: Development of emergency procedures for collapse, entrapment, exposure incidents, and equipment failure, including first aid resources and communication protocols.
  • Contractor, Subcontractor and Labour Hire Management: Controls for pre-qualification, induction, monitoring, and coordination of external parties involved in manual demolition and concrete breaking activities.

Who is this for?

This Risk Assessment is designed for Business Owners, Construction Managers, Demolition Contractors, and Safety Professionals responsible for planning, approving, and overseeing Manual Demolition Jackhammering and Concrete Breaking operations across their organisation.

Hazards & Risks Covered

Hazard Risk Description
1. WHS Management, Roles and Legislative Compliance
  • • Lack of clear WHS responsibilities for demolition and concrete breaking activities under WHS Act 2011
  • • Inadequate understanding of duties of PCBUs, officers and workers regarding jackhammering and concrete breaking
  • • Absence of documented WHS policy specific to demolition, pneumatic drilling and chipping activities
  • • Failure to apply relevant Codes of Practice (Demolition work, Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work, Hazardous manual tasks, Construction work)
  • • Inadequate consultation with workers and Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) on high-risk demolition tasks
  • • No formal process to verify and monitor contractor compliance with WHS legislative requirements
2. Project and Demolition Planning Integration
  • • Demolition and concrete breaking works not adequately scoped during project planning
  • • Inadequate structural assessment prior to using jackhammers and demolition hammers on slabs, beams or walls
  • • Failure to identify underground or embedded services (electricity, gas, water, post-tension cables) before breaking concrete
  • • Poor scheduling leading to overlapping high-risk activities (e.g. simultaneous hot works, crane operations, or mobile plant) in same area
  • • No formal change management process when demolition methodology or equipment is varied
  • • Insufficient planning for restricted access areas, confined spaces, or working at heights during concrete breaking
3. Plant Procurement, Selection and Engineering Controls
  • • Procurement of jackhammers, demolition hammers and pneumatic drills that are not fit for purpose or non-compliant with Australian Standards
  • • Lack of vibration-dampened tools leading to excessive hand–arm vibration exposure
  • • Inadequate dust suppression capability for concrete and masonry breaking equipment
  • • Use of non-insulated or inappropriate tools in wet environments creating electric shock risk
  • • Absence of integrated safety features such as dead-man triggers, noise reduction shrouds, or anti-kickback systems
  • • Incompatibility between compressors, hoses, couplings and pneumatic tools creating risk of hose whip or plant failure
4. Plant Inspection, Maintenance and Tagging Systems
  • • Lack of scheduled maintenance leading to unserviceable jackhammers or pneumatic drills
  • • Failure to detect damaged hoses, couplings or power leads leading to hose whip or electric shock
  • • Inadequate test and tag regime for electrical demolition equipment
  • • Use of bypassed safety devices (e.g. taped-down triggers, removed guards or mufflers)
  • • No formal pre-start inspection process for demolition hammers and compressors
  • • Poor record keeping resulting in unknown maintenance history and increased likelihood of plant failure
5. Workforce Competency, Training and Supervision
  • • Workers operating jackhammers or pneumatic drills without adequate competency or verification of skills
  • • Insufficient understanding of vibration, noise and silica dust health risks by workforce and supervisors
  • • Lack of familiarisation training for specific models of demolition hammers or pneumatic drills
  • • Inadequate supervision of new starters, labour hire workers or contractors on demolition tasks
  • • No formal assessment of literacy, language and communication barriers affecting understanding of procedures
  • • Failure to provide refresher training, leading to outdated knowledge of safe work procedures and controls
6. Site Access, Traffic and Work Area Segregation
  • • Uncontrolled access of pedestrians into demolition and concrete breaking zones
  • • Interaction between jackhammer operators and mobile plant such as excavators, skid steers or forklifts
  • • Inadequate exclusion zones leading to exposure of other workers to flying debris, noise and dust
  • • Poorly defined material drop zones for broken concrete and rubble removal
  • • Insufficient management of public interface where works occur near roads, footpaths or occupied buildings
  • • Lack of clear signage indicating high-noise and demolition areas
7. Noise and Vibration Exposure Management
  • • Chronic exposure to high noise levels from jackhammers, pneumatic drills and compressors leading to noise-induced hearing loss
  • • Prolonged hand–arm vibration exposure causing long-term musculoskeletal and circulatory disorders
  • • Whole-body vibration exposure where workers operate tools from mobile plant platforms or elevated surfaces
  • • Inadequate monitoring of cumulative exposure time to noisy and vibrating tools
  • • Lack of engineering controls leading to over-reliance on PPE
  • • Neighbouring occupied premises subjected to excessive noise levels causing complaints and regulatory breaches
8. Silica Dust and Airborne Contaminant Control
  • • Generation of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) from concrete breaking, chipping and drilling
  • • Inadequate dust suppression systems leading to excessive airborne dust concentrations
  • • Failure to identify and manage other airborne contaminants such as lead-based paint, asbestos or contaminated concrete
  • • Lack of exposure monitoring resulting in unknown worker RCS exposure levels
  • • Poor housekeeping leading to re-suspension of settled dust by wind or traffic
  • • Inadequate ventilation in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces where demolition hammering occurs
9. Hazardous Manual Tasks and Ergonomics Management
  • • Repetitive and sustained holding of heavy jackhammers leading to musculoskeletal disorders
  • • Poor posture from overhead or awkward angle concrete chipping activities
  • • Manual handling of broken concrete and rubble without mechanical aids
  • • Inadequate task design causing fatigue and increased risk of acute strains and sprains
  • • Lack of systems to limit duration of high-force tasks for individual workers
  • • Insufficient planning for safe access and working platforms to maintain ergonomic positions
10. Structural Stability, Falling Objects and Collapse Prevention
  • • Uncontrolled weakening of structural elements due to localised jackhammering
  • • Falling concrete pieces or debris striking workers or the public
  • • Unexpected release of pre-tensioned or post-tensioned elements during concrete breaking
  • • Progressive collapse of adjacent slabs, beams or walls due to poorly planned demolition sequence
  • • Inadequate overhead protection in multi-level demolition environments
  • • Failure to secure or brace partially demolished structures before continuing pneumatic drilling or chipping
11. Electrical, Pneumatic and Energy Isolation Systems
  • • Contact with live electrical services embedded in concrete or within demolition area
  • • Failure of RCD protection for electric demolition equipment
  • • Uncontrolled release of pneumatic energy causing hose whip or tool ejection
  • • Inadequate lock-out/tag-out for compressors and associated plant during maintenance or fault rectification
  • • Use of unauthorised adaptors, splitters or daisy-chained leads for powering demolition tools
  • • Lack of verification of isolation before commencing concrete breaking near known services
12. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Respiratory Protection Programs
  • • Over-reliance on PPE in lieu of higher-order controls for noise, dust and vibration
  • • Incorrect selection of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) for silica dust generated by concrete breaking
  • • Inadequate fit-testing and maintenance of tight-fitting respirators
  • • Non-compliance with PPE requirements due to poor supervision or lack of replacement stock
  • • Inadequate eye and face protection for high-velocity chipping and demolition hammer tasks
  • • No system to manage PPE hygiene, replacement and storage
13. Environmental Conditions, Fatigue and Thermal Stress Management
  • • High physical exertion from sustained jackhammering leading to heat stress in hot or humid environments
  • • Worker fatigue from repetitive, high-force demolition tasks and extended shifts
  • • Slips, trips and falls due to poor underfoot conditions from slurry, rubble and hoses
  • • Work conducted in adverse weather (heat, cold, rain, wind) without appropriate controls
  • • Inadequate planning for hydration, rest areas and scheduling for physically demanding tasks
  • • No system to identify and manage individual health factors increasing vulnerability to thermal stress or fatigue
14. Emergency Preparedness, Incident Response and First Aid
  • • Inadequate preparedness for serious injury arising from flying debris, crush injuries or structural collapse
  • • Lack of site-specific emergency procedures for demolition and concrete breaking zones
  • • Insufficient first aid coverage and equipment for likely injury types (eye injuries, lacerations, fractures, hearing trauma, dust inhalation)
  • • Poor communication systems for summoning assistance in noisy environments
  • • No structured incident reporting and investigation process leading to repeat events
  • • Failure to coordinate emergency arrangements with building owners, neighbours or principal contractors
15. Contractor, Subcontractor and Labour Hire Management
  • • Inconsistent WHS standards between principal contractor and subcontractors conducting concrete breaking
  • • Labour hire workers deployed without verification of training or competency in jackhammer use
  • • Gaps in communication of site-specific risks and control measures to subcontractors and short-term workers
  • • Failure to manage overlapping duties under WHS Act 2011 between PCBUs involved in demolition work
  • • Inadequate monitoring of contractor compliance with agreed WHS requirements
  • • Subcontractors introducing unapproved plant or alternative demolition methods with unknown risk profiles
16. Documentation, Communication and Continuous Improvement
  • • Outdated or inaccessible procedures for jackhammering and concrete breaking
  • • Critical risk information not effectively communicated to supervisors and workers
  • • Lessons from incidents and near misses not captured or used to improve systems
  • • Poor version control leading to multiple conflicting demolition work instructions in circulation
  • • Insufficient record keeping for training, inspections, exposure monitoring and maintenance
  • • Failure to review WHS performance data to identify emerging trends relating to demolition activities

Need to add specific hazards for your workplace?

Don't worry if a specific hazard isn't listed above. Once you purchase, simply log in to your Client Portal and add your own custom hazards at no extra cost. We take care of the hard work—creating the risk ratings and control measures for free—to ensure your document is compliant within minutes.

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

  • Work Health and Safety Act 2011
  • Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
  • Code of Practice – Demolition Work: Guidance on planning, sequencing, and controlling risks associated with demolition activities.
  • Code of Practice – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces: Requirements for preventing falls and falling objects during elevated or overhead demolition tasks.
  • Code of Practice – Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work: Guidance on assessing and controlling noise exposure from jackhammers and demolition plant.
  • Code of Practice – Hazardous Manual Tasks: Requirements for identifying and controlling musculoskeletal risks from high-force, repetitive demolition work.
  • Code of Practice – Managing the Risks of Respirable Crystalline Silica from Engineered Stone in the Workplace: Referenced for silica dust control principles applicable to concrete breaking and cutting.
  • AS/NZS ISO 31000:2018: Risk management — Guidelines.
  • AS/NZS 4801 / ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems — Requirements for systematic WHS management.
  • AS/NZS 1715 & 1716: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment, and performance requirements for RPE.
  • AS/NZS 1270: Acoustics — Hearing protectors.
  • AS 2601: The demolition of structures — Guidance on safe demolition methods and structural stability considerations.
Standard Risk Assessment Features (Click to Expand)
  • Comprehensive hazard identification for all activities
  • Risk rating matrix with likelihood and consequence analysis
  • Existing control measures evaluation
  • Residual risk assessment after controls
  • Hierarchy of controls recommendations
  • Action priority rankings
  • Review and monitoring requirements
  • Consultation and communication records
  • Legal compliance references
  • Sign-off and approval sections

$79.5

Safe Work Australia Aligned