Product Overview

This Concrete Cutting and Drilling Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks and implement controls for all concrete cutting, drilling and grinding activities on Australian worksites, supporting strong WHS compliance. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of concrete saws, drills and grinders to help manage high risk construction work and protect workers and contractors.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and set-up of concrete cutting and drilling work areas, including exclusion zones and pedestrian/traffic separation
• Concrete chasing for services, including safe use of chase saws and control of dust, noise and vibration
• Operation of concrete gangsaws for large slab and pavement cutting with appropriate guarding and operator positioning
• Use of concrete paver saws for cutting pavers, kerbs and blocks with correct clamping, support and cutting techniques
• Safe operation of quick cut concrete saws, including starting, handling, refuelling and hot work precautions
• Cutting channels in concrete for electrical, plumbing and other services while protecting existing services and structures
• Cutting or grinding concrete surfaces, including edge grinding, surface preparation and trip hazard removal
• Use of diamond saws and blades, including selection, inspection, mounting and speed/pressure control
• Early entry saw-cutting of green concrete slabs, including timing of cuts and management of slab curling and cracking risks
• Grinding concrete surfaces with walk-behind or hand-held grinders, including cable management and ergonomic controls
• Operating demolition saws or grinders for cutting and removal tasks in demolition or refurbishment environments
• Operating masonry power cutters for bricks, blocks and masonry units with appropriate guarding and dust suppression
• Slab penetration activities, including coring, drilling and cutting openings through suspended or ground slabs
• Use of wet cutting and wet grinding methods to minimise respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust exposure
• Management of dust, noise, vibration and manual handling risks associated with concrete cutting and drilling equipment

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for concreters, civil contractors, demolition contractors, plumbers, electricians, construction builders, and site supervisors overseeing concrete cutting, drilling and grinding activities.

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 cutting and drilling concrete
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Respirable Crystalline Silica from Engineered Stone in the Workplace – relevant principles for controlling silica dust when cutting, drilling and grinding concrete
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – controls for high-noise concrete cutting and grinding plant
• Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – guidance on reducing musculoskeletal risks from handling saws, grinders and concrete products
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – safe use, inspection and maintenance of concrete cutting and drilling equipment
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment – selection and maintenance of RPE for silica dust control
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory Protective Devices – performance requirements for respirators used during cutting and grinding
• AS/NZS 2161 series: Occupational Protective Gloves – guidance on hand protection when operating cutting and grinding tools
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal Eye Protection – requirements for eye and face protection against flying particles and fragments
• AS/NZS 1801: Occupational Protective Helmets – head protection for construction and demolition environments
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017