SAFE WORK PROCEDURES

CONCRETE CUTTING AND DRILLING

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
1.
Only those persons who have been instructed in the safe use of and are authorised to do so are to operate concrete and masonry cutting and drilling machines.
2.
Concrete and masonry cutting and drilling machines must only be used in accordance with the manufacturers operating instructions.
3.
Methods of controlling and collecting residue from cutting operations as required by any local environmental protection authority must be followed.
Task sequence
1. Work site conditions

Identified hazards in task

Safety of work site
Ventilation of work site
Asbestos
Lighting
Security of work site
Condition of machinery

2. Pre-start checks

Blades and drills

3. Planning and preparation

Coolant/water supply
Electrical, etc, hazards
Safety of other persons
Public safety

4(a). Operation Road

saws

SWP207 Version 1.2

Traffic safety
Flying objects

Key processes to be followed

Ensure that work area or platform is safe and adequate for the proposed
work, and that load capacity of floors or platforms will not be exceeded.
Ensure that adequate ventilation is available to prevent build-up of dust and
exhaust fumes.
Check for any presence of asbestos in or on existing structures to be cut.
Ensure that adequate lighting to safely carry out task is provided.
Provide appropriate barricading and warning signs to restrict entry to area.
Check controls for correct operation, inspect for loose parts, check all fluid
levels (oil, fuel, battery, hydraulics), transmissions and drives, belts, etc.
Blade speed must be matched to recommended drive speed.
Ensure that shaft and flanges are clean and undamaged.
Ensure blade is fitted correctly, and that shaft nut is tightened securely.
Ensure that adequate supply of water is available and used for wet cutting.
Check for presence of electrical or data cables, gas or air lines, water pipes,
etc, in area to be cut before cutting or drilling commences.
Ensure that area behind or below the cut is secured to prevent entry of
persons into risk area when cutting or drilling through floors or walls.
Provide barricades and screens at safe distance from work to protect public.
Provide access past work areas, and maintain path ways in safe condition.
Ensure that a safe traffic path is available clear of working areas.
Ensure that blade guard is in the lowered position for cutting.
Operator must stand outside the path of the blade when starting machine.
If machine stalls during cutting, raise blade and check outside flange and nut
for tightness. Ensure that blade is correctly aligned with previous cut when
restarting. Do not start machine with blade in cut always raise blade to
restart.
Machine will generate hazardous noise levels during operation.
Concrete and asphalt dust contains silica wet cut whenever possible.
Ensure that an adequate supply of water is available for cutting.

ASSA Pty Ltd

ThisSafeWorkProcedurewasgeneratedon29/11/2013byASSAPtyLtdforuseonlybyCityofDarwin.

Precautions / PPE required

Do not overload floors or work
platforms.
Provide fans for forced ventilation
in enclosed areas.
Check asbestos register.
Provide artificial lighting.
Prevent unauthorised entry.
Correct faults before use.
Tighten belts if loose.
Use recommended blades only.
Clean all mating faces before
fitting blade. Use correct tools.
Avoid dry cutting of concrete.
Call 1100 before commencing if
unsure of presence and location.
Provide suitable barricades and
warning signs.
Provide warning and directional
signs before and at work site.
Use barriers and signs for traffic.
Operator must wear
Safety footwear, eye protection.
Wear gloves when handling rough
or sharp objects.
Turn engine off before touching
blade with hands.
Wear hearing protection.
Wear dust mask if dust present.

www.assaohs.com.au

Page 1 of 2

SAFE WORK PROCEDURES

CONCRETE CUTTING AND DRILLING
Task sequence
4(b). Operation Wall
saws

Identified hazards in task

Stability and operation
Flying objects

4(c). Operation Portable

hand-held saws

4(d). Operation Core

drilling

Noise
Dust
Flying objects
Noise
Dust
Over-exertion/strain injury
Electrical hazard
Contact with moving blade
Electrical hazard
Over-exertion/strain injury

5. Environmental protection

Pollution risk

6. Maintenance

Blade damage

Key processes to be followed

Two operators should be used to carry out hydraulic and compressed air
wall sawing in situations where the power pack is not easily accessible or
the machine is not remotely controlled at the working head.
Ensure that blade guard is in the lowered position for cutting.
Operator must stand outside the path of the blade when starting machine.
If machine stalls, raise blade and check outside flange and nut for tightness.
Ensure that blade is correctly aligned with previous cut when restarting.
Do not start machine with blade in cut always raise blade to restart.
Machine will generate hazardous noise levels during operation.
Concrete and asphalt dust contains silica wet cut whenever possible.
Ensure that guard is fitted correctly and provides adequate protection.
Machine will generate hazardous noise levels during operation.
Concrete and asphalt dust contains silica wet cut whenever possible.
Operators should adopt safe work postures and movements.
Use safety switch when using electrically powered hand-held saws.
Portable hand-held saws should only be used with blade rotating in opposite
direction to cut; at or below shoulder height; and not for inverted sawing.
Use safety switch when using electrically powered core drilling machines.
Drill must be securely fastened to the work surface to prevent movement.
Hydraulic, compressed air or flexible drive units should be used for inverted
drilling. A drill stand should be used to support the machine.
Drills used for hand drilling should be fitted with a clutch.
Prevent entry of dust and residue into drains, streams and watercourses. Use
bunding to contain water until residue settles. Remove residue to landfill.
Ensure that blades are protected from accidental damage during transport.
Store blades on a flat, even surface with protective covering between blades.
Unplug electric powered machines before carrying out maintenance.

Precautions / PPE required

Both operators need to be familiar
with all controls and operation of
the machine.
Operators must wear safety
footwear, eye protection and
gloves to handle sharp objects.
Turn engine off before touching
blade with hands.
Wear hearing protection.
Wear dust mask if dust present.
Operators must wear hearing and
eye protection, safety footwear
and gloves; dust mask if dust is
present during cutting.
Use work practices that minimise
risk of kick back.
Operators must wear hearing and
eye protection, safety footwear
and gloves; dust mask if dust is
present during cutting.
Check with local authority
regarding pollution controls.
Maintain machines according to
manufacturers instructions.

PRECAUTIONS:
The following precautions are to be observed in areas where
concrete cutting or drilling are carried out.

SWP207 Version 1.2

ASSA Pty Ltd

ThisSafeWorkProcedurewasgeneratedon29/11/2013byASSAPtyLtdforuseonlybyCityofDarwin.

www.assaohs.com.au

Page 2 of 2