Product Overview

This Floor Grinder Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the high-level hazards, risks and control measures required to safely operate floor grinding equipment on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive, task-specific document that supports WHS compliance and effective management of high risk construction work involving concrete surface preparation and finishing.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Selection of appropriate floor grinder type, discs and accessories for the surface and task
• Pre-start inspection of floor grinders, electrical leads, guards, emergency stops and dust extraction systems
• Safe setup of work areas, including barricading, signage and exclusion zones around grinding operations
• Management of electrical safety, including RCD protection, cable routing and prevention of trip hazards
• Control of silica dust and airborne contaminants using on-tool extraction, wet methods and appropriate respiratory protection
• Manual handling techniques for safe lifting, moving and loading of floor grinders and associated equipment
• Operation of floor grinders on different substrates, including concrete, coatings and adhesives, to minimise kickback and loss of control
• Noise and vibration risk management, including hearing protection and exposure minimisation strategies
• Slips, trips and falls prevention around slurry, debris, off-cuts, hoses and power leads
• Safe use, storage and change-out of grinding discs, cup wheels and other rotating components
• Management of fumes, dust and ventilation when grinding in enclosed or partially enclosed areas
• Housekeeping, clean-up, and safe disposal of concrete dust, slurry and removed coatings
• Emergency response procedures for electric shock, eye injuries, entanglement and other grinding-related incidents

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for concreters, floor preparation contractors, construction and fit-out trades, demolition and refurbishment crews, and site supervisors overseeing floor grinding and surface preparation 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 activities, including floor grinding and surface preparation.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Requirements for controlling slip, trip and fall risks around floor grinding operations.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Controls for noise exposure from powered floor grinders and associated equipment.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace – Guidance for managing risks from concrete dust, silica and any chemical coatings or adhesives removed during grinding.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Airborne Contaminants in the Workplace – Requirements for dust control, ventilation and respiratory protection.
• AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites – Requirements for safe use of electrical equipment, leads and RCDs with floor grinders.
• AS/NZS 1715 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment – Guidance for selecting and maintaining RPE for silica and dust exposure.
• AS/NZS 1716 Respiratory protective devices – Performance requirements for respirators used during floor grinding.
• AS/NZS 2161 Occupational protective gloves – Selection and use of hand protection when operating grinding equipment.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017