Important: This SWMS template is provided as a starting point only. It must be reviewed and customised to reflect the specific conditions, hazards, and controls for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the specific work. This template does not constitute legal advice. Refer to your state or territory WHS regulator for compliance requirements.

Concrete, Masonry & Roofing

Concrete Cutting — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for concrete cutting operations including slab sawing, core drilling, and wall sawing, with specific controls for crystalline silica dust management in compliance with Australian WHS legislation and the Crystalline Silica Dust Code of Practice.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Half-face respirator with P2/P3 filters or powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR)Safety glasses or gogglesSteel-capped safety bootsCut-resistant glovesHearing protection (SLC80 25 minimum)High-visibility vest or shirtAnti-vibration gloves for prolonged use

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Work involving the disturbance of a structure or part of a structure that contains or is likely to contain asbestos
•Work involving demolition of a structure
•Work in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere

Risk Assessment

1.Pre-work planning and service location

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Striking buried electrical, gas, water, or hydraulic services during cutting	Catastrophic	Before any cutting commences, obtain and review current as-built drawings for the structure. Conduct a scan of the cutting zone using a calibrated GPR (ground penetrating radar), electromagnetic cable detector, or similar buried service locator. Mark all identified services on the surface using paint or chalk. Establish a minimum no-cut buffer of 150 mm from any identified service. Liaise with the facility manager to identify any services not shown on drawings. If services are suspected but cannot be confirmed, handcut the initial slot before using powered saws.	Moderate	Site Supervisor / Licensed Excavator
Asbestos-containing material (ACM) disturbed during concrete cutting	Catastrophic	Before commencing, obtain an asbestos register or asbestos assessment report for the structure. If ACM is identified in or adjacent to the cutting zone, the work must be rescheduled and an appropriately licensed asbestos removalist engaged. Do not proceed if ACM is suspected and cannot be positively excluded. Treat all pre-1990 buildings as presumed to contain asbestos until proven otherwise. If ACM is unexpectedly encountered during cutting, immediately cease operations, isolate the area, and contact the principal contractor and an asbestos assessor.	Low	Site Supervisor / Asbestos Assessor

2.Concrete saw setup and diamond blade inspection

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Diamond blade disintegration causing projectile injury	Catastrophic	Inspect the diamond blade before fitment for cracking, missing segments, warping, or damage to the blade core. Verify the blade's maximum RPM rating equals or exceeds the saw's rated speed. Check that the blade is rated for the application (wet cutting, dry cutting, or specified material). Ensure the blade is mounted correctly with the rotation direction arrow aligned, central flange fitted, and arbour nut tightened to the torque specified by the manufacturer. Confirm the blade guard is in place and all locking mechanisms are engaged before powering on.	Moderate	Operator

3.Wet concrete cutting operations

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Silica dust inhalation causing silicosis	Catastrophic	Wet cutting is the primary control measure and must be used whenever practicable. Ensure a continuous and adequate water supply (minimum 1 L/min) is maintained to the blade throughout cutting. Do not reduce the water flow to speed up the cut. Monitor the slurry at the blade to confirm water suppression is effective. Where wet cutting is not practicable, connect a HEPA-filtered vacuum extraction system to the blade guard. All workers within the dust exclusion zone must wear a minimum half-face P2 respirator. Prohibit dry sweeping of concrete dust slurry — use wet vacuum or wet mopping. Air quality monitoring is required for prolonged concrete cutting operations to ensure respirable crystalline silica (RCS) levels remain below 0.05 mg/m³ TWA.	Moderate	Operator / Safety Officer
Operator fatigue and loss of control from vibration and noise	High	Limit continuous saw operation to 30-minute intervals; rotate operators for cuts exceeding one hour. Use anti-vibration gloves rated to EN ISO 10819 standard. Hearing protection (minimum SLC80 25) is mandatory for all personnel within 5 metres — concrete saws generate 100–115 dB(A). Mark and enforce an exclusion zone around the cutting area. Ensure the saw has a dead-man switch and that the operator maintains a balanced two-handed grip. Do not operate when fatigued.	Low	Operator / Site Supervisor

4.Core drilling operations

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Core drill kickback causing shoulder or wrist injury	High	Anchor the core drill rig to the substrate using the manufacturer's approved anchor bolt and base plate system before commencing drilling. Never handheld a core drill larger than 50 mm diameter for vertical drilling. Ensure the rig is levelled and all locking handles are fully tightened. Check that the core barrel is not bent or damaged. Apply consistent downward feed pressure — do not force the drill. If the drill stalls or binds, release feed pressure before attempting to free it. Wear anti-vibration gloves for prolonged drilling.	Low	Operator

5.Cleanup and slurry disposal

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Environmental contamination and slip hazard from concrete slurry	Moderate	Contain concrete cutting slurry using a containment bund or vacuum recovery system. Do not allow slurry to enter drains, waterways, or stormwater systems — this is an environmental regulatory requirement. Collect slurry using a wet vacuum and dispose of in accordance with local council waste requirements. Apply wet-floor warning signs immediately. Once slurry is collected, clean residual dust using a HEPA vacuum — never dry sweep. Ensure all workers wear non-slip footwear in the work area while slurry is present.	Low	Operator / Site Supervisor

Relevant Codes of Practice

Worker Acknowledgement

By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.

Name: ___________________Date: ___________________