Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the step-by-step high risk work controls for manual demolition, jackhammering and concrete breaking to help you achieve consistent, documented WHS compliance on site. It is a comprehensive, ready-to-use document that covers planning, set-up, operation and clean-up for a wide range of manual demolition and jackhammering activities.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe operation of jackhammers and demolition hammers for breaking concrete and masonry
• Breaking concrete using pneumatic drills, including secure hose connections and compressed air safety
• Chipping activities for trimming, shaping or removing concrete and brickwork in tight or elevated areas
• Selection, inspection and fitting of appropriate jackhammer bits, chisels and points for the task
• Manual demolition of small structures, plinths, kerbs, slabs and footings using powered hand tools
• Control of vibration exposure and management of hand–arm vibration risks for operators
• Management of noise, flying debris and dust generated by jackhammering and concrete breaking
• Use of water suppression, on-tool extraction and housekeeping to minimise silica and nuisance dust
• Safe handling, lifting and disposal of broken concrete, rubble and reinforcing steel
• Establishment of exclusion zones, barricades and signage to protect other workers and the public
• Electrical safety for corded tools, extension leads and portable RCDs in demolition environments
• Ergonomic work methods, task rotation and rest breaks to reduce fatigue and musculoskeletal strain
• Emergency response procedures for tool failure, flying object injuries and contact with services

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for demolition contractors, concreters, civil construction crews, builders, maintenance teams, and site supervisors overseeing manual demolition, jackhammering and concrete breaking works.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work – guidance on managing risks associated with construction and demolition activities
• Model Code of Practice: Demolition Work – specific requirements and controls for planning and carrying out demolition tasks
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – controls for high noise levels from jackhammers and demolition hammers
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – where jackhammering or concrete breaking is undertaken near edges, penetrations or on elevated surfaces
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace – including exposure to respirable crystalline silica from concrete and masonry dust
• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – risk management framework applied throughout the SWMS
• AS/NZS 3012: Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites – requirements for safe use of electrical equipment on construction and demolition sites
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment – guidance for choosing and maintaining RPE for dust and silica control
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves – selection of hand protection for vibration, cuts and abrasions
• AS/NZS 1270: Acoustics – Hearing protectors – performance and selection of hearing protection for high noise environments
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017