Concrete Cutting And Drilling Safe Work Method Statement

Concrete Cutting And Drilling Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Concrete Cutting And Drilling Safe Work Method Statement

Concrete Cutting And Drilling Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Looking to start work on site? Or maybe you're just looking to make your workplace safer, or possibly you're going for that next Government Tender - Either way, the Concrete Cutting And Drilling Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is comprehensive, easy to understand and is designed to be implemented into your business with as little fuss as possible.

Look, we understand the challenges that many business owners face, let alone having to understand complicated safety documentation written in a language that nobody understands. That's why every Safe Work Method Statement Template is written in an easy to understand format, while at the same time being some of the highest quality in the industry. Our SWMS documents get you on site, save you loads of time and are easy to use. This way, you can get on with doing what you do best.


The Concrete Cutting And Drilling Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) covers the following Job Steps, including potential hazards, control measures and risk ratings:

  1. Planning and preparation
  2. Training and capabilities
  3. Assess onsite conditions
  4. Set up work area
  5. Temporary Traffic Control (TMP)
  6. Delivery of materials and equipment
  7. Work site conditions
  8. Pre-start checks
  9. Planning and preparation
  10. Respirable Crystalline Silica(RCS)
  11. Operation - road saws
  12. Operation - wall saws
  13. Operation - portable hand-held saws
  14. Operation - core drilling
  15. Environmental protection
  16. Maintenance
  17. On completion

The Concrete Cutting And Drilling Safe Work Method Statement Includes


Risk Assessment Matrix | Hierarchy of Controls | PPE | Emergency Response

Your Concrete Cutting And Drilling Safe Work Method Statement is ready to be used in three easy steps:

  1. Add your company logo and details to the SWMS Template.
  2. Identify site specific risks.
  3. Address any site specific risks and add them to your SWMS Template.

Your SWMS is now read to use, and may also be used as training materials for work related activities such as Workplace Inductions or WHS-OHS Toolbox Meeting Talks.

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View a Safe Work Method Statement Example

See an example of a Safe Work Method Statement Template below. All our SWMS Template documents are comprehensive in nature, easy to use, and are a huge time saver. Our Safe Work Method Statement Templates are quick and easy to customise to your specific business or operation and are perfectly suited for every day use, for larger contracts and tenders right through to qualifying for contractor management platforms such as CM3.

What is a Safe Work Method Statement?

A SWMS is a document that outlines the high-risk construction work activities that will be performed at a workplace, the hazards that will be present as a result of these activities, and the controls that will be implemented to mitigate the risks.

A single SWMS can be utilised for numerous high-risk construction work activities, such as employing powered mobile plant, working at heights of more than 2 metres, and working near to a road that is used by traffic other than pedestrians.

A SWMS is an administrative control that is used to support higher-order controls, such as engineering controls, that are designed to remove or reduce hazards to health and safety.

A SWMS differs from other documentation such as a Job Safety Analysis or a Safe Operating Procedure in that it focuses on specific jobs or processes. A SWMS isn't meant to be a procedure; rather, it's a tool for supervisors and workers to check and monitor the workplace control measures. For high-risk work activities, a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking)  must prepare a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) or check that one has been prepared before starting work. It is important to note that before any work process has started, a SWMS must be prepared.

A PCBU, on the other hand, also must manage health and safety hazards by eliminating or reducing them as much as possible. Before beginning any work on a project, the principal contractor must also obtain a copy of the SWMS.

What information does a Safe Work Method Statement need to contain?

A Safe Work Method Statement should identify high-risk work and any specify hazards related to high-risk construction work as well as any health and safety risks. The SWMS should describe the risk-control measures to be implemented, monitored, and reviewed and also should describe how the risk-control measures will be effective at reducing or eliminating the risk, and how they will be implemented, monitored, and reviewed.

A Safe Work Method Statement should be concise and focus on outlining the specific risks identified for the high-risk work to be performed, as well as the control measures to be implemented to ensure that the work is completed safely.

A long and overly complex Safe Work Method Statement which could be difficult to comprehend, implement and monitor or review may be confusing for workers to mentally digest and therefore is not ideal in helping to reduce or eliminate risks in the workplace. It is imperative that workers, and especially those who do not speak English, are able to understand the Safe Work Method Statement. Consider having pictures or diagrams added to the SWMS as a more effective way of presenting information contained within the SWMS.

The SWMS should also contain other regulatory requirements to protect health and safety of all personnel, such as controlling noise exposure and manual job risks. Also, keep in mind that evidence of a completed risk assessment may be required by the regulator or for auditing reasons if the Safe Work Method Statement is based on a workplace-specific risk assessment.

Who's Responsible for creating the Safe Work Method Statement?

In collaboration with workers who will be directly engaged in the activity, the person responsible for carrying out the work is usually best equipped to prepare the SWMS document. In most cases, this means that a Safe Work Method Statement is created by the builder for his or her employees, or by the subcontractor for their employees.

To establish who is in the best position to prepare the Safe Work Method Statement, the principle contractor, builder, and/or subcontractors should decide who will take responsibility for the SWMS.

It's also a requirement that all managers, contractors, supervisors, and workers be involved in the creation of a Safe Work Method Statement. Workers must be consulted so that they understand the SWMS in depth and what they must do to establish and maintain risks and implement control measures to manage the risk. Sharing information and utilising workers' knowledge and experience may also aid in ensuring that the task is completed in accordance with the SWMS.

If your workplace has a Health and Safety Representative, they should also be contacted while creating a Safe Work Method Statement.

What does the principal contractor's responsibility entail?

Before beginning work, a principal contractor must take all reasonable steps to obtain a SWMS from any contractor performing high-risk work. If no SWMS exists, the principal contractor must arrange for one to be created, for example by the contractor or subcontractor.

A general contractor should establish plans to ensure that high-risk work is carried out safely and in compliance with the Safe Work Method Statement. This can be done by keeping an eye on how the SWMS is being implemented on the ground.

The principal contractors' WHS management plan must also include detailed arrangements for collecting, assessing, monitoring, and reviewing the SWMS, according to the WHS Regulations.

How to Write a Safe Work Method Statement 

If you're looking to write your own Concrete Cutting And Drilling Safe Work Method Statement, the first step is to create the document as a Safe Work Method Statement Template. This way, you can use the same SWMS Template and then adjust the document for each different glazing project as needed, making sure that your Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks. 

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own concrete cutting and drilling SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS such as: 

  • Details of the person(s) responsible for making sure implementation, monitoring and compliance of the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS as well as any reviews and modifications.
  • Any information detailing safety meetings or toolbox talks in relation to concrete cutting and drilling work, scheduled in accordance with legislative requirements to first identify any site hazards where the concrete cutting and drilling work is being conducted, secondly, communicate the risks and hazards and then take steps to eliminate or control each hazard in relation to the concrete cutting and drilling work being done. 
  • Any changes added to the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS after an incident or a near miss.

Note: The Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS must be kept and be available for inspection at least until the concrete cutting and drilling work is completed. Where the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS is revised, all versions of the SWMS Template should be kept. If a notifiable incident occurs in relation to the Concrete Cutting And Drilling Safe Work Method Statement, the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS must be kept for a minimum of two years from the date of the incident.

Your Concrete Cutting And Drilling Safe Work MethodStatement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as:

  • Does the concrete cutting and drilling work outlined in the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS involve a risk of a person falling more than 2meters?
  • Is the concrete cutting and drilling work outlined in the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS carried out on or near pressurised gas mains or piping?
  • Is the concrete cutting and drilling work outlined in the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS carried out on a telecommunication tower?
  • Is the concrete cutting and drilling work outlined in the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines?
  • Does the concrete cutting and drilling work outlined in the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS involve demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing?
  • Is the concrete cutting and drilling work outlined in the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services?
  • Does the concrete cutting and drilling work outlined in the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS involve demolition of an element related to the physical integrity of a structure?
  • Is the concrete cutting and drilling work outlined in the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere?
  • Does the concrete cutting and drilling work outlined in the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS involve, or is likely to involve, disturbing asbestos?
  • Does the concrete cutting and drilling work outlined in the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS involve tilt-up or precast concrete?
  • Does the concrete cutting and drilling work outlined in the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS involve structural alteration or repair that requires temporary support to prevent collapse?
  • Is the concrete cutting and drilling work outlined in the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor?
  • Is the concrete cutting and drilling work outlined in the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS carried out in or near a confined space?
  • Is the concrete cutting and drilling work outlined in the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS carried out in an area of a workplace where there is any movement of powered mobile plant?
  • Is the concrete cutting and drilling work outlined in the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS carried out in/near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5 m or tunnel involving use of explosives?
  • Is the concrete cutting and drilling work outlined in the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS carried out in areas with artificial extremes of temperature?
  • Is the concrete cutting and drilling work outlined in the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning?
  • Does the concrete cutting and drilling work outlined in the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS involve diving work?

Your Concrete Cutting And Drilling Safe Work Method Statement should also identify any high-risk machinery or equipment in operation near the work site, such as:

Your Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS should also list any Personal Protective Equipment such as:

  • Foot Protection - Boots or closed in shoes
  • Hand Protection - Gloves
  • Head Protection - Hard hat or helmet
  • Hearing Protection - Ear plugs or ear muffs
  • Eye Protection - Safety glasses, goggles or face shields
  • Respiratory Protection - Face masks etc
  • Face Protection - Face shield, welding mask etc
  • High Visual Clothing
  • Protective Clothing - Overalls etc
  • Fall Protection - Safety harness, edge protection etc
  • Sun Protection - Sunscreen, hat etc
  • Hair and Jewellery Secured - Hair Net, etc

The Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS must be reviewed continually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. The Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS must be reviewed (and revised if necessary) if relevant control measures in relation to concrete cutting and drilling work are revised.The review process should be carried out in consultation with workers (including contractors and subcontractors) who may be affected by the Concrete Cutting And Drilling and their health and safety representatives who represented that work group at the workplace.

When the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:

  1. All persons involved in the concrete cutting and drilling work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS;
  2. Persons who will need to change a work procedure or system as a result of the review are advised of the changes in a way that will enable them to implement their duties consistently with the revised Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS; and,
  3. Workers that will be involved in the concrete cutting and drilling work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS.

When preparing your Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS, here are some topics you might want to also include to ensure you have covered as many risks and hazards as possible.  

Planning and Preparation When Working With and Around Concrete Cutting And Drilling. 

When writing your Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS, establish any policies, procedures and systems for working with Concrete Cutting And Drillings in consultation with the Principal Contractor and workers while being sure to establish: 

  • Health and Safety guidelines for concrete cutting and drilling work
  • Emergency plans and evacuation procedures for the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS
  • Worker inductions for Concrete Cutting And Drilling
  • Toolbox talks (safety meetings) added to the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS
  • Outline details of supervision of the site and workers on the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS
  • Check all workers qualifications, permits and competencies for Concrete Cutting And Drilling operations
  • Ensure the Concrete Cutting And Drilling and any related equipment is functioning correctly
  • Hazard reporting procedures in place and added to the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS
  • Incident reporting procedures in place and added to the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS
  • Exclusion zones when conducting concrete cutting and drilling work
  • Risk Assessment for TASK completed and noted on the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS
  • Electrical NO GO ZONES identified, discussed and documented. 

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when doing concrete cutting and drilling and ensure that: 

  1. A risk assessment of the concrete cutting and drilling work is conducted
  2. Suitable access and adequate space to conduct concrete cutting and drilling work safely
  3. Consult with all stakeholders on potential hazards and risks when conducting concrete cutting and drilling work
  4. Consultation with all relevant workers and personnel for Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS details
  5. If conducting Concrete Cutting And Drilling at night, ensure there is adequate lighting
  6. Check that the work environment is suitable for concrete cutting and drilling work

Concrete Cutting And Drilling Training and Worker Qualifications

Ensure all workers have the appropriate licenses in conducting Concrete Cutting And Drilling as well as any qualifications that maybe required for various concrete cutting and drilling projects before starting work. If White Cards are required, retain copies of all cards, licenses and qualifications of personnel.

All personnel must: 

  1. Be trained and/or have received instructions on the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS including all safety and emergency procedures.
  2. Be qualified, knowledgeable and competent in Concrete Cutting And Drilling operations and concrete cutting and drilling work as well as all delegated tasks/responsibilities
  3. Be fully aware and understand the scope of work in relation to the Concrete Cutting And Drilling SWMS

Below are some examples of some Control Measures to be implemented when creating your own Concrete Cutting And Drilling Safe Work Method Statement Template: 

  • The work platform or area must be adequate and safe for the proposed work. Make sure the load capacity of the platform or floors will not be exceeded.
  • Make sure that sufficient ventilation is available and there is no build-up of exhaust fumes and dust.
  • In or on the existing structures to be cut, check for any presence of asbestos.
  • Make sure to provide adequate lighting for carrying out the task safely.
  • Restrict entry to the area with warning signs and proper barricading.
  • Never go beyond the capacity of the platform or floors.
  • For enclosed areas, provide forced ventilation using fans.
  • Check register for asbestos.
  • Artificial lighting may have to be provided.
  • Do not allow unauthorized entry.
  • Check the transmissions and drives, belts, all fluid levels of oil, hydraulics, battery, fuel, inspect for loose parts, and controls for proper operation.
  • Use blades of speed matching the drive speed.
  • Shaft and flanges must be clean and undamaged.
  • Make sure the blades are fitted properly and the shaft nut is securely tightened.
  • Make sure the supply of water is adequate for wet cutting.
  • Before use, correct all faults.
  • If belts are loose, tighten them.
  • Only recommended blades must be used.
  • Before fitting blades, clean all the mating faces. Proper tools must only be used.
  • Preferably, do not dry cut concrete.
  • Before commencing cutting or drilling, check for the presence of water pipes, air or gas lines, data cables, etc., in the area.
  • When drilling or cutting through walls or floors, make sure the area below or behind the cut is secured to prevent the entry of unauthorized persons into risk areas.
  • To protect public, put up screens and barricades at safe distance from work.
  • Maintain pathways in safe condition, and provide access past the work area.
  • Make sure that a safe traffic path is available that is clear of the work areas.
  • If unsure of location and presence, call 1100 before commencing.
  • Suitable warning signs and proper barricades must be provided.
  • Before and at work site, put up warning and directional signs.
  • Barriers and signs for traffic must be used.
  • Identify tasks that use or generate RCS.
  • Silica containing materials supplied and brought into workplaces need to be accompanied by both the safety data sheet (SDS) and the product label.
  • Follow instructions and controls outlined in safety data sheets and product labels.
  • Workers must pass a respirator fit-test before they first start wearing a tight-fitting respirator. Fit-testing measures the effectiveness of the seal between the respirator and the wearer's face. It is required for all tight-fitting respirators.
  • All fit-testing must be carried out by a competent in house person, manufacturer, supplier or consultant:
  • ? before wearing a tight-fitting respirator for the first time
  • ? each time a new make or model of respirator is issued
  • ? whenever there is a change in the wearer's facial characteristics or features which may affect the facial seal (e.g. large weight loss or gain).
  • Fit-testing should be repeated on a regular basis based upon risk assessment.
  • Use exhaust ventilation systems to capture and remove dust at the source.
  • Use dust capture systems on portable tools.
  • Apply water suppression systems to reduce dust generation.
  • Use well maintained and appropriate respiratory protective equipment (fit-tested respirator).
  • Use water or an approved vacuum cleaner (class M or H) to clean up dust and avoid using compressed air or sweeping.
  • Conduct regular air monitoring to confirm everyone at your workplace is working within safe levels of exposure.
  • For cutting, make sure the blade guard is in the lowered position.
  • When starting machine, the operator must stand outside the path of the blade.
  • While cutting, if the machine stalls, raise the blade, inspect the outside flange, and nut for tightness. When restarting, make sure the blade is aligned with the previous cut. Never start the machine with the blade inside the cut; raise blade to restart.
  • During operation, the machine will generate hazardous levels of noise.
  • Whenever possible, wet cut concrete and asphalt; they contain silica.
  • Make sure there is adequate supply of water for cutting.
  • The operator must wear safety footwear and eye protection.
  • For handling rough and sharp objects, wearing gloves is necessary.
  • Before touching blade with hands, make sure the engine is off.
  • Wearing hearing protection is necessary.
  • If dust is present, wearing a dust mask is recommended.
  • In situations where the machine is not remotely controlled at the working head, or the power pack is not easily accessible, two operators will be required to carry out the compressed air and hydraulic wall sawing.
  • For cutting, make sure the blade guard is in the lowered position.
  • When starting machine, the operator must stand outside the path of the blade.
  • While cutting, if the machine stalls, raise the blade, inspect the outside flange, and nut for tightness.
  • When restarting, make sure the blade is aligned with the previous cut.
  • Never start the machine with the blade inside the cut; raise blade to restart.
  • During operation, the machine will generate hazardous levels of noise.
  • Whenever possible, wet cut concrete and asphalt; they contain silica.
  • Both the operators must be familiar with the operation and all controls of the machine.
  • Operators must wear eye protection, safety footwear and gloves for handling sharp objects.
  • Before touching blade with hands, make sure the engine is off.
  • Wearing hearing protection is necessary.
  • If dust is present, wearing a dust mask is recommended.
  • Make sure the guard was properly fitted and offered adequate protection.
  • During operation, the machine will generate hazardous levels of noise.
  • Whenever possible, wet cut concrete and asphalt; they contain silica.
  • All operators must follow safe work postures and movements.
  • For using hand-held saws that are electrically powered, use through a safety switch.
  • Never use portable hand-held saws for inverted cutting; use at or below shoulder height, and use only with blades rotating in opposite direction to cut.
  • During cutting, operators must wear eye protection, safety footwear and gloves for handling sharp objects; dust mask if dust is present.
  • Use proper work practices that minimize the risk of kickback.
  • For using core drilling machines that are electrically powered, use through a safety switch.
  • Securely fasten the drill to the work surface to prevent movement.
  • For inverted drilling, use flexible drive units, compressed air or hydraulics. Support the machine using the drill stand.
  • Drills used for hand drilling should be fitted with aclutch.
  • During drilling, operators must wear eye protection, safety footwear and gloves for handling sharp objects; dust mask if dust is present.
  • Do not allow dust and residue to enter into watercourses, streams and drains. Until the residue settles, use bunding to contain the water. The residue could be removed to landfill.
  • The local authorities should be consulted regarding pollution controls.
  • During transport, take care that blades are not damaged.
  • Blades must be stored on even, flat surfaces, with protective covering in between.
  • Before carrying out maintenance, make sure electric powered machines are unplugged.
  • Machines maintenance must follow instructions of the manufacturer.

National: View the Model Codes of Practice for Excavation Work on Safe Work Australia's website here.
Victoria: Victoria's Code of Practice for Excavation Work may be viewed on Work Safe Victoria's website here.