Product Overview

Summary: This Slab Jacking Guidelines Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step framework for safely lifting, levelling and stabilising concrete slabs on Australian worksites. It focuses on controlling high-risk activities such as working around pressurised grout systems, unstable slabs and underground services, while supporting compliance with WHS duties and relevant construction standards.

Slab jacking (also known as slab lifting or concrete levelling) involves injecting grout or resins beneath existing concrete slabs to correct settlement, voids or uneven surfaces. While it is often a cost‑effective alternative to full slab replacement, it introduces a range of critical safety risks, including uncontrolled slab movement, pressurised line failures, exposure to chemical grouts, and accidental damage to underground services. This Safe Operating Procedure translates complex technical and WHS requirements into a practical, field-ready document tailored to Australian construction and maintenance environments.

The SOP sets out a structured process from pre‑start assessment and service locating, through equipment set‑up, drilling and injection, to monitoring slab movement and post‑work inspections. It clarifies roles and responsibilities, specifies required competencies and PPE, and embeds risk controls aligned with Australian WHS legislation and industry standards. By implementing this procedure, businesses can reduce the likelihood of slab failures, personal injury, property damage and costly rework, while demonstrating due diligence and a systematic approach to managing high‑risk slab jacking activities.

Key Benefits

• Ensure slab jacking works are planned and executed in line with Australian WHS legislation and industry best practice.
• Reduce the risk of worker injury from uncontrolled slab movement, pressurised systems and manual handling.
• Improve quality and consistency of slab jacking outcomes through a clear, repeatable work method.
• Minimise damage to underground services, adjacent structures and existing finishes by enforcing robust pre‑start checks.
• Support faster onboarding and competency development for new technicians through documented, step‑by‑step guidance.

Who is this for?

• Construction Site Supervisors
• Concrete Contractors
• Slab Jacking Technicians
• Civil and Structural Engineers
• WHS Advisors and Safety Officers
• Project Managers – Civil and Construction
• Facilities and Asset Managers
• Maintenance Team Leaders

Hazards Addressed

• Uncontrolled lifting, cracking or collapse of concrete slabs during jacking operations
• Failure or rupture of pressurised grout or resin injection lines and equipment
• Exposure to cementitious or chemical grouts, including skin and eye irritation and inhalation risks
• Struck‑by and crush injuries from moving slabs, plant or equipment
• Damage to, or contact with, underground services (electrical, gas, water, communications)
• Slip, trip and fall hazards around hoses, drilled holes and uneven work areas
• Manual handling injuries from handling bags of grout, hoses, pumps and drilling equipment
• Noise and vibration exposure from drilling and pumping equipment
• Environmental contamination from spills, wash‑out water and waste materials

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (Slab Jacking, Grout Types, Void Filling, etc.)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Required Competencies
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Pre‑Start Planning and Risk Assessment (SWMS/JSA)
• 6.0 Site Assessment and Underground Service Location
• 7.0 Required Plant, Tools and Materials
• 8.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 9.0 Equipment Inspection, Maintenance and Tagging
• 10.0 Slab Jacking Methodology – Step‑by‑Step Procedure
• 10.1 Marking Injection Points and Drilling Holes
• 10.2 Setting Up Pumps, Hoses and Injection Ports
• 10.3 Mixing and Handling Grout or Resin
• 10.4 Controlled Lifting and Monitoring Slab Movement
• 10.5 Stabilisation, Void Filling and Finishing Works
• 11.0 Hazard Identification and Control Measures
• 11.1 Pressurised Systems and Line Failure Controls
• 11.2 Structural Stability and Slab Movement Controls
• 11.3 Chemical Handling and Exposure Controls
• 11.4 Manual Handling and Ergonomics Controls
• 11.5 Noise, Vibration and Environmental Controls
• 12.0 Traffic, Pedestrian and Public Safety Management
• 13.0 Emergency Preparedness and Response Procedures
• 13.1 Equipment Failure and Loss of Control
• 13.2 Structural Distress or Slab Collapse
• 13.3 Chemical Spills, Exposure and First Aid
• 14.0 Environmental Management (Waste, Wash‑Out and Spill Control)
• 15.0 Post‑Work Inspection, Clean‑Up and Handover
• 16.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 17.0 Documentation, Recordkeeping and Review
• 18.0 Continuous Improvement and SOP Review Schedule

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Construction Work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks
• AS 3600: Concrete structures
• AS 2550 series: Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use (for associated lifting operations where relevant)
• AS/NZS 1576: Scaffolding (where access platforms or edge protection are used)
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems (ISO 45001)