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.

Demolition

Concrete Saw Cutting — Demolition — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for concrete cutting and saw cutting operations during demolition works, including floor saw cutting, wall saw cutting, and core drilling activities on construction sites.

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Personal Protective Equipment

P2 dust respirator (AS/NZS 1716)Full face shield over safety glasses (AS/NZS 1337)Hearing protection — earmuffs rated to 30 dB SLC80 (AS/NZS 1269)Safety footwear with steel toe cap (AS/NZS 2210)Cut-resistant glovesWet weather gear / water-repellent clothing for wet cuttingHigh-visibility vest (AS/NZS 4602)

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Work involving energised electrical installations
•Demolition of load-bearing elements

Risk Assessment

1.Pre-cutting services identification and marking

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Cutting into live embedded electrical, hydraulic, or gas services	Catastrophic	Before any cutting, scan the full cut line with a calibrated GPR (ground penetrating radar) scanner or service detection tool to identify embedded services. Mark all detected services on the surface in paint. Obtain DBYD response and as-built drawings from the building owner. Engage a licensed electrician to de-energise and lock out all electrical circuits in the cut zone. Where services cannot be positively identified or isolated, do not cut — obtain engineer's written instruction before proceeding.	Moderate	Site Manager / Licensed Electrician
Cutting into post-tensioned or stressed concrete causing violent failure	Catastrophic	Review structural drawings and confirm with structural engineer whether the concrete contains post-tensioned tendons before any cutting. If post-tensioned tendons are present, engage a specialist post-tensioned concrete contractor to develop a safe cut plan — do not cut post-tensioned concrete without a specific engineering method statement. Mark tendon locations on the slab surface and maintain minimum 100 mm clearance from all tendons.	Moderate	Structural Engineer / Specialist Contractor

2.Floor saw cutting operations

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Operator silica dust exposure during floor sawing	Catastrophic	Use only wet-cutting floor saws with a continuous water feed to the blade — maintain water flow at all times during cutting. If wet cutting is not possible (e.g., near live services), use on-tool extraction with HEPA-filtered vacuum and enclose the saw body with a fitted dust shroud. All operators and workers within 6 m to wear P2 respirators. Conduct air monitoring for tasks exceeding 2 hours per day. Rotate operators at 30-minute intervals. Clean up slurry by wet vacuuming — never dry sweep.	Moderate	Operator / Site Supervisor / HSE Manager
Floor saw blade kickback or blade breakage	High	Use only diamond blades rated for the material and cut depth. Inspect blade for cracks, missing segments, or warping before each use — replace immediately if any defect is found. Do not force the saw or exceed the manufacturer's recommended cut depth per pass. Make progressive depth cuts in multiple passes rather than single deep cuts. Keep bystanders outside a 6 m radius exclusion zone during cutting. Operator to stand to the side of the blade travel path — never directly behind.	Low	Operator

3.Wall saw and ring saw cutting

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Saw or cut section falling causing crush injury	High	Calculate the weight of all cut concrete sections before commencing. Attach rated lifting equipment (chain slings, shackles) or mechanical support (acrow props, hydraulic jacks) to the section before completing the final cut — the section must be supported before it becomes free. Use a crane or certified lifting equipment to lower large sections in a controlled manner. Establish an exclusion zone below and within the fall zone of the cut section during and after cutting.	Low	Operator / Dogman / Supervisor

4.Core drilling operations

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Core drill bit seizing and torque reaction injuring operator	High	Always mount core drills to a rated drill stand bolted or vacuum-fixed to the work surface — never hand-hold a core drill over 50 mm diameter. Inspect anchor bolts and vacuum pad grip before commencing. Drill at the manufacturer's recommended speed and water feed for the core diameter. Keep hands away from the rotating barrel at all times. If the drill bit seizes, stop the drill motor immediately — do not attempt to free a seized bit with the motor running.	Low	Operator
Water and slurry creating slip hazard on floor	Moderate	Position vacuum slurry collection ring around the drill entry point before drilling. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove slurry continuously during drilling. Lay non-slip matting around the work area. Post wet floor warning signs beyond the work area. Remove slurry immediately after drilling — do not leave slurry pooled on the floor. Ensure floor drainage path is clear for wet cutting operations.	Low	Operator / Supervisor

5.Post-cut cleanup and waste management

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Silica exposure during cleanup of cutting slurry and debris	High	Collect all cutting slurry and debris by wet vacuuming — never use compressed air or dry sweeping to clean up concrete dust or slurry. Dispose of concrete slurry as liquid concrete waste per the environmental protection requirements of the relevant state. Workers handling wet slurry to wear waterproof gloves and boots — concrete is alkaline and causes chemical burns on prolonged skin contact. Decontaminate all PPE before leaving the site.	Low	Workers / 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: ___________________