Product Overview

This Concrete Core Drilling and Scanning Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, implement controls, and support safe, compliant operation of drilling and scanning equipment on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of concrete core drilling, concrete scanning and associated masonry cutting tasks to support WHS compliance and the safe management of High Risk Construction Work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and preparation for concrete core drilling and scanning works, including service location and permit requirements
• Concrete core drilling in slabs, walls and beams using electric or hydraulic core drills
• Safe concrete drilling processes, including bit selection, speed control and managing kickback
• Concrete scanning to locate reinforcement, post-tension cables and embedded services before drilling or cutting
• Selection, setup and operation of core drills, including securing rigs and stands to prevent movement
• Diamond core drilling through reinforced concrete, managing heat, slurry and vibration
• Drilling into concrete roof decks, with controls for work at height, edge protection and fall prevention
• Drilling holes into bricks, blockwork and other masonry while minimising cracking and structural damage
• Drilling in concrete or metals, including controls for noise, flying particles and hot swarf
• Drilling through hard materials such as high-strength concrete, stone and dense masonry
• Masonry cutting and core drilling operations, including dust suppression and exclusion zones
• Pavement core drilling for roads, footpaths and slabs, including traffic and pedestrian management
• Use of core cutters and accessories, including inspection, maintenance and change-out procedures
• Manual handling of core drilling equipment, cores and consumables to reduce musculoskeletal risks
• Electrical safety, including use of RCDs, cable management and wet-environment controls for powered drills

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for concrete cutters, drilling and sawing contractors, civil and pavement contractors, builders, electricians, plumbers, and site supervisors responsible for overseeing concrete core drilling and scanning activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Construction Work – Managing risks associated with building and civil construction activities
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Controls for drilling into roof decks and elevated locations
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Requirements for noisy drilling and cutting operations
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals – Guidance for handling slurry, wet cutting agents and cleaning products
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Safe use, inspection and maintenance of core drills and associated equipment
• AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites – Electrical safety for powered drilling equipment on construction sites
• AS/NZS 1715 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment – Requirements for RPE when controlling concrete and masonry dust
• AS/NZS 1801 Occupational protective helmets – Head protection for drilling and cutting operations
• AS/NZS 2161 Occupational protective gloves – Hand protection for handling drills, bits and cores
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017