Business Name:

Business Address: ABN/NZBN:

CONCRETE (SAW-CORE DRILLING) SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT (SWMS)

Business Contact: Phone #: Principal Contractor (PC):
Responsible person (for monitoring SWMS and work): PC Address:
Signature: Date: PC Phone #: Date SWMS provided to PC:
Contact Phone #: Job Site Address:

THIS WORK ACTIVITY INVOLVES THE FOLLOWING HAZARDOUS WORK AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Electrical equipment Elevated levels Slips, trips and falls Hazardous substances Silica dust
Hot Work Hazardous manual tasks Outdoor work Remotely &/or isolated work ?
Noise and vibration Native vegetation & weeds Air quality Waste Vehicle movement
Fuels, oils & chemicals Terrestrial fauna Waterways & soils Cultural heritage ?

THIS WORK ACTIVITY INVOLVES THE FOLLOWING "HIGH-RISK CONSTRUCTION WORK" (HRCW - IDENTIFIED IN THE JOB TASK COLUMN)
Confined spaces Mobile plant movement Demolition of a load-bearing structure Asbestos disturbance
Using explosives Diving work Artificial extremes of temperature Tilt-up or pre-cast concrete
Pressurised gas distribution mains or piping chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines energised electrical installations or services
Structures or buildings involving structural alterations or repairs that require temporary support to prevent collapse
Involves a risk of a person falling from 2m or more, including work on telecommunications towers
Working at depths greater than 1.5 Metres, including tunnels or mines Work in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere
Work carried out adjacent to a road, railway or shipping lane, traffic corridor In or near water or other liquid that involves the risk of drowning
FOOT HEARING HIGH HEAD EYE FACE HAND PROTECTIVE BREATHING SUN SAFETY Rings, watches,
PROTECTION PROTECTION VISIBILITY PROTECTION PROTECTION PROTECTION PROTECTION CLOTHING PROTECTION PROTECTION HARNESS jewellery that may
become entangled
must not be worn.
Long and loose
hair must be tied
back.

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 Liaise with Principal Contractor to identify on-site safety systems and procedures
Planning/Preparation  Establish supervisory and communication arrangements
 Principal contractor to confirm emergency response procedures are in place.
Hold Points  Hold points identified and signed off before continuing work. Specify?
 All workers to have a General Construction Induction Card
 Relevant workers have relevant certificates of competency, licenses, and training. Specify on the SWMS Sign-off for each worker.
Training/Licence  Provide training and instruction concerning the heritage values, historical significance, cultural relevance or sensitivity of the area
 Trained First Aider on site
 All workers trained in site-specific emergency and evacuation procedures, SWMS, safe work procedures, and safety data sheets.
 Fit condition for work, i.e. no signs of fatigue, alcohol or drugs
 Attend all site inductions/briefings
Worker duties and
 Comply with all site requirements, e.g. PPE, Traffic Management Plans (TMP)
responsibilities
 Only carry out work related to the contract
 Inspect completed work and report possible safety, environmental and quality matters to the Supervisor.
 All persons involved in the task must have this SWMS communicated to them before work commences
 SWMS to be reviewed and amended if necessary, in consultation with relevant persons after any near miss or incident
 If additional site hazards identified, review this SWMS and amend control measures to suit
 People, including workers, contractors and sub-contractors, affected by the revisions to this SWMS, must be informed ASAP
Monitor/Review  Give the principal contractor a copy of the revised SWMS
 The site supervisor to monitor works against the controls stated in this SWMS
 SWMS must be kept on-site and made available for inspection or review
 Keep a record of this SWMS until the job is complete or for two years if involved in a notifiable incident
 Regardless of any other factor, the person in control of the workplace must review this SWMS at least annually.
Site-Specific Notes: Act, Regulations, Codes of Practice References:
Refer to your tax invoice for your free download.

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LIKELIHOOD INSIGNIFICANT MINOR MODERATE MAJOR CATASTROPHIC

SCORE ACTION
ALMOST CERTAIN 3 - HIGH 3 - HIGH 4 - ACUTE 4 - ACUTE 4 - ACUTE
LIKELY 2 - MODERATE 3 - HIGH 3 - HIGH 4 - ACUTE 4 - ACUTE 4A - ACUTE DO NOT PROCEED.
POSSIBLE 1 - LOW 2 - MODERATE 3 - HIGH 4 - ACUTE 4 - ACUTE 3H - HIGH Review before commencing work.
UNLIKELY 1 - LOW 1 - LOW 2 - MODERATE 3 - HIGH 4 - ACUTE 2M - MODERATE Maintain control measures.
RARE 1 - LOW 1 - LOW 2 - MODERATE 3 - HIGH 3 - HIGH 1L - LOW Record and monitor.
MOST LEAST
HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS EFFECTIVE EFFECTIVE

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RESPONSIBLE
JOB TASK HAZARDS RISK CONTROL MEASURES
PERSON
1. Training Inhalation of 3H  Training and information provided to workers on respirable crystalline silica (RCS) should include: Supervisor
dust o Information on the health effects associated with respirable crystalline silica dust (Provide
workers with a copy of ‘Health Monitoring for Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals - Guide for
workers’: Safe Work Australia)
o Identification of RCS dust through Safety Datasheet (SDS) or labels
o Dust   exposure   prevention
o Checking controls are working and using them
o When and how to use any respiratory protective equipment provided and what to do if
something goes wrong (Including worker respirator fit and check processes).
2. Arrival on-site Personal injury, 3H  The vehicle should be positioned in a safe location, clear of traffic/vehicles/pedestrians during Supervisor to
& assess property equipment delivery and materials removal (deploy physical barriers, caution signs as necessary) check the site
onsite damage &/or  Do not park illegally and conduct
conditions environmental  Identify and obey all safety-related signage (check site entry requirements) JSA where
incident  Report to Site Supervisor necessary
 Ensure site-specific induction undertaken
 Assess mobile phone reception
 The worksite is exactly as detailed in Terms of Agreement or contract
 Complete a JSA specifying the control measures for unanticipated hazards.
3. Work area Injury to other 3H  Check that near-by worker are not exposed to hazards that arise Supervisors
set-up workers / public  Keep bystanders away while operating the saw/drill, set up exclusion zones: to check all
safety o Signs clearly stating "concrete cutting operations in progress" are in place. Remember to controls in
ensure the area behind or below the cut is barricaded when cutting through floors or walls. place and
followed
 Roadside 4A  If working roadside develop or work with existing Traffic Management Plan (TMP) in alignment
work with requirements of AS 1742 series and ensure it is applicable to type of work Workers to
 Struck by  Comply with local laws and permits follow controls
vehicle/s  If temporary road traffic control is required (e.g. parking on-road or pedestrian management): and make
o Approvals and permits are sought from the local council and/or state road transport supervisor
 Crush injuries departments where necessary aware of any
 Amputation o Only accredited traffic controllers are to perform traffic control duties issues
 Entanglement o All traffic control measures put in place must be implemented as per Australian Standard AS
 Fatality 1742.3–2009: Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Part 3: Traffic Control for Works on
Roads ('AS 1742.3-2009') or other requirements as per permit conditions
o Traffic controllers must have the required accreditation to perform traffic control duties
o Traffic controllers must have sufficient experience to set-up and control traffic safely

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RESPONSIBLE
JOB TASK HAZARDS RISK CONTROL MEASURES
PERSON
 Include barricades, warning signs, witches hats, high visibility clothing etc.
 Provide and maintain suitable access/egress for pedestrians where required. Include:
o Physical barriers to ensure persons do not enter within 5m of worksite, caution signs and
stop-go baton operators
 Establish a clearance zone for work area (Examples: bollards, caution signs, tape etc.) Ensure
safe travel path when re-directing pedestrians. Keep pedestrians and vehicles separated
 Suitable controls for night-works
 Mobile plant does not enter established "no go zones" for pedestrians
 Safety/warning signs, spotters, traffic barriers etc. must be obeyed
 High visibility clothing worn at all times by all workers:
o Day works: Class D/F o Night works: Class N/R o Combination of day/night: Class D/N.

 Exposure to a 4A Do not run a diesel/petrol-powered saw/drill/generator inside a building (e.g. shed), or

hazardous where ventilation is limited.
atmosphere  When indoors, use compressed air or hydraulically driven saw/drill if possible
 Always operate in a well-ventilated area free of combustible materials, gasoline, flammable
 Asphyxiation solvents or vapours
 Explosion  Fire protection equipment accessible as required
 Fire  Generator location:
 Burns o Locate generator at least 6m away from work area if spraying flammable materials
 Fatality o Ensure there is a clearance of 600mm (or as per manufacturer's recommendations) on all
sides of the generator to allow sufficient ventilation for cooling vents
o Spark-arrester muffler installed
 Follow manufacturer's manual/recommendations for re-fuelling
 DO NOT smoke during re-fuelling
Diesel: Fire extinguisher – Water, foam, dry chemical powder, CO2
Unleaded petrol: Fire extinguisher – Dry chemical powder, foam, CO2.
Never use water to extinguish an Unleaded Petrol fire.
 Exposure to 4A  Avoid breathing vapours or contact with fuel
fuel  Change clothing immediately if splashed with fuel
 Do not siphon or swallow fuel as this can be fatal
 Inhalation
 Wash hands carefully after handling fuel before eating, drinking or smoking
 Ingestion
 Shower and wash immediately after work
 Eye & skin
 Wash clothes in separate wash from other clothes.
damage
 Dust 3H  Working indoors or in enclosed areas:
o Keep silica exposures low using extra ventilation, i.e. portable exhaust fans and/or other

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RESPONSIBLE
JOB TASK HAZARDS RISK CONTROL MEASURES
PERSON
 Inhalation to means of mechanical ventilation
silica dust o Ensure airflow is not impeded by the movements of workers during work, or by the opening or
closing of doors and windows. Position the ventilation to move contaminated air away from
the workers' breathing zones.
Falls 3H  If working at height, ensure that suitable fall prevention measures are in place and check that any
working platforms can safely support the load.
Never cut/drill while standing on a ladder.
4. Working Extreme 3H  Check weather conditions – do not work in extreme conditions Supervisor to
outdoors weather  Reschedule works to work in more moderate temperatures maintain
awareness of
Hyperthermia 3H  Ensure that workers are trained to recognise the symptoms of hyperthermia and hypothermia weather
 Hot conditions. Ensure:  Cold conditions. Ensure: conditions
Hypothermia o Suitable protective clothing o Schedule warm-up breaks
o Sun brim on hard hats o Hold breaks inside Workers to
o Safety glasses - UV rated o Dress warmly in layers follow controls
o Use 30+ sunscreen on exposed o Stay dry (wet clothing chills the body rapidly)
skin o Workers must get out of the cold as soon as they
o Adequate drinking water can if starting to feel symptoms
o Access to shade on breaks o Alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine and certain
o Adequate breaks. medications increase susceptibility to cold.
5. Environment Environmental 3H  Noise & vibration - Be aware of maximum noise levels at the site Supervisors
impact  The plant is maintained to minimise noise to check all
 No noise produced outside council approved hours of operation controls in
 Dust - Use wet cutting methods where possible place and
 Ensure tools are fitted with local exhaust ventilation (LEV). followed
 Waste - place all wastes and rubbish in bins or other appropriate containers
 Separate recycle waste from general waste Workers to
 Do not mix waste with spoil. follow controls
 Fuels, oils & chemicals - ensure that a spill response kit is available at all times and clean up and make
spills immediately supervisor
 Follow instructions in SDS for clean-up requirements aware of any
 Dispose of chemicals correctly, empty containers/bags in approved waste containers issues
 Triple rinse all empty/unwanted containers and make containers unusable before disposal.
 Waterways & soils - Ensure precautions are taken to prevent slurry residue flowing into

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RESPONSIBLE
JOB TASK HAZARDS RISK CONTROL MEASURES
PERSON
stormwater drains
 Disposal of residue should also be per the current Environment Protection Authority requirements
 Clean up and dispose of any slurry
 Dispose of waste material and dust to skips/bins provided
 Do not wash out tools or containers where residue can enter waterways or drains:
o Excess substances must not be allowed to enter any drain or stormwater system
 Native vegetation & weeds - ensure that plant is washed free of dirt, vegetation, debris before
travelling between sites.
 Vehicle movement - follow the TMP, only travel on established tracks and roads
 Use designated entry and exit points.
 Terrestrial fauna - No domestic animals on-site
 Ensure all food scraps placed in lidded bins.

6. House Slips, trips & 3H  Maintain housekeeping throughout the shift & clean-up Supervisor
keeping falls  Ensure sufficient lighting to detect changes in level (using temporary lighting as required) and workers
 Do not jump from elevated edges >180mm, step carefully and use prepared access areas to ensure
 The work area is clean and uncluttered as possible control
 Locate equipment where it will not become a tripping hazard measures
 Check for stored items, corners or other obstructions that could cause tripping followed
 Ensure there is room to manoeuvre and no obstacles in the way
 Check the end destination is prepared correctly for placement of the materials/equipment
 Clean up spills immediately
 Ensure footwear is suitable. Snug-fitting shoes/boots with flat, non-slip soles, no loose soles, long
laces, oily soles, or caked with mud or other contaminants
7. Manual tasks Musculoskeletal 3H  Ensure shock-absorbing gloves are worn Supervisors
(MSD) injuries  Use drill stands for heavy equipment/longer duration activities to check all
 Materials/equipment placed as close to the work area as possible controls in
 Weight of an object should be known; avoid lifting loads more than 1/4 of your body weight place and
 Do not use extreme force to move items followed
 Lifted items should be held close to the body whenever possible: Workers to
o Keeping knees bent and back straight and lift, unload keeping knees bent follow controls
 Use team lifts and mechanical means for heavy items and make
 Schedule regular breaks and practice job rotation supervisor
 Avoid overreaching, long periods of repetitive movements, awkward and sustained positions, aware of any
twisting and side-bending. issues

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RESPONSIBLE
JOB TASK HAZARDS RISK CONTROL MEASURES
PERSON
8. HRCW  Dust 4A  Remove non-essential persons from the area Supervisors
Cutting/  Ensure all persons that remain in the area are provided with respiratory protection to check all
drilling  Inhalation to  Cover sensitive areas (power outlets, food storages) controls in
silica dust  Wear eye and respiratory protection, e.g. P1/P2 face mask minimum with the correct cartridge for place and
 Lung cancer contaminant (see SDS for flammable vapour / concrete dust) followed
 Silicosis  Wear disposable or washable protective clothing
 Chronic  Wet cut where possible: Workers to
obstructive o Make sure there is sufficient water to reduce dust follow controls
pulmonary o Work only with a connected water system and make
disease o Ensure that your water system always works correctly supervisor
 Fatality o Clean up any slurry produced to prevent the slurry from drying and releasing silica dust into aware of any
the air. Use shovels or a wet vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter issues
 Dry cutting:
o Ensure the dust collection bag is fitted properly to the machine
o Never dry cut materials unless an extraction system is used to capture all generated dust
o Ensure that all settings of the dust collection equipment are made following the instruction
manuals of the tool and extraction unit
o Visually check the tool and extraction unit for signs of damage before use
 Drilling:
o Ensure that all settings of the dust collection equipment are made following the instruction
manuals of the tool and extraction unit
o Visually check the tool and extraction unit for signs of damage before use
o Always remove dust from the penetration using an HVAC, do not blow out with a compressor
 Ensure tools are fitted with local exhaust ventilation (LEV):
o If it is not self-cleaning turn the vacuum off and on regularly to reduce dust buildup on the
filter. For best results, use a vacuum with an actuator switch that allows the vacuum to be
powered on and off using the tool
o Change vacuum-collection bags at least as often as the manufacturer recommends
o Avoid exposure to dust when changing vacuum bags and cleaning or replacing air filters
 Wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking or applying cosmetics in areas where crystalline
silica is present.
Struck by a 3H  Perform cuts in a straight line. Fractured blades can be caused by twisting the blade
projectile  That core drill bit is securely positioned
 Should the engine stall while cutting, raise blade out of cut before restarting
 Stay alert – concentrate on what you are doing at all times and be aware of kickback

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RESPONSIBLE
JOB TASK HAZARDS RISK CONTROL MEASURES
PERSON
 Kickback occurs more often with small workpieces
 Check to make sure the tool is functioning properly
 Never attempt to use the tool one-handed
 Wear eye protection.

 Electric units 3H  Use tools only for the purpose specified by the manufacturer
 Pre-inspect and operate tools following the manufacturer's instructions
 Electrocution  Ensure operations manual is available, read and understood
 Injury  All power tools and leads are Tested and Tagged and are current
 Tool  Use electrical sockets protected by RCD (safety-switches) or use portable RCD devices
malfunction  Ensure switchboards have appropriately rated circuit breaker
 Fire  Always ensure that the tool is switched off and power isolated before a pre-start check, adjusting,
changing set-ups or repairing
 If damaged or unsuitable for the task do not use. Take out of service immediately and apply
LOTO procedures.
 Do not use electric saw/drill in rain or wet conditions
 Do not abuse the cord, never use the cord to carry the tool or pull the plug from the outlet
 Do not drill inverted holes (cutting the underside of a slab, floor or overhang) using an electric
drill unless the drill is modified with a water collection ring – Consider us hydraulically driven
equipment for this task.
Hearing loss 3H  Ensure hearing protection is worn, ensure it is worn by all persons throughout exposure to noise.

9. HRCW Unauthorised 3H  If acceptable, remove or add barricades Supervisor to

On access  Ensure machine is parked in a safe, level area, clear of unstable or sloping ground confirm all
completion  Store the key in a safe place (restrict unauthorised access). workers have
signed out
Electric shock 3H  Disconnect power tool/extension leads from power point before winding up so that you don't get a
shock if the lead is damaged Workers to
 Inspect leads and power equipment for damage. comply with
 Dust 4A  Respiratory protective equipment should be used until all contaminated disposable coveralls and controls
clothing has been removed and bagged for disposal, and personal washing has been completed
 Inhalation to  Use damp rags to wipe down RCS-contaminated areas and equipment
silica dust  If possible, fully dismantle tools and decontaminate using an appropriate method in a controlled
environment
 Personal hygiene:
o Use HEPA vacuum cleaner to remove obvious signs of contaminated material
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RESPONSIBLE
JOB TASK HAZARDS RISK CONTROL MEASURES
PERSON
o Wipe coveralls, shoes, eye protection with a damp cloth
o Wipe respirator with a damp cloth – but do not remove
o Remove coveralls, shoes and any other PPE
o Remove respirator
o Wash face and hands with soapy water. Pay attention to under the fingernails.

Security breach 3H  All personnel sign-out on Site Register.

Vehicle/people 4A  Stay to designated access and egress routes
impact  Maintain awareness of surroundings at all times.
10. HRCW  Injury 4A  For police, fire or ambulance call '000.'  Refer to your SWMS Supervisors
Emergency  Fatality  Follow site emergency and evacuation procedures implementing and workers
response  Environmenta  A communication system is available, e.g. a mobile phone or radio instructions for further ensure
l damage  Check for dangers to self before helping others specific emergency controls
 Maintain control of the area and stabilise the situation responses. followed
 Apply first aid to the injured worker
 Complete an incident report.
OVERALL RISK RATING AFTER CONTROLS 1 - LOW 2 - MODERATE 3 - HIGH 4 - ACUTE
PERMITS Not applicable Hot Work Confined Space Local council ? ?
If yes – This SWMS must align with requirements of the Site
SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN Is the work associated with a Construction Project? Yes No Management Plan in place for the Construction Project.
PLANT & EQUIPMENT HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES SUPERVISORY ARRANGEMENTS
Electrical tools and leads Tested and tagged quarterly List hazardous substances taken on-site Audits
and have the SDS onsite. Spot Checks
Hand tools - Meet AS/NZS Regular visual inspection 1. Reporting systems 
Ladders - Meet AS/NZS Inspected and tagged out if damaged 2. Suitably qualified supervisors for job
3.
Mobile plant-specify Inspected and tagged out if damaged Direct on-site supervision
4.
Remote site: communication
? 5.
systems/schedule
6.
? 7.

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This SWMS developed in consultation and cooperation with workers and relevant organisation representatives. I have read the above SWMS, and
SWMS SIGN-OFF I understand its contents. I confirm that I have the skills and training, including relevant certification, to conduct the task as described.
I agree to comply with safety requirements within this SWMS, including risk control measures, safe work instructions and PPE described.
JOB ROLE / POSITION LICENCES, COMPETENCIES & QUALIFICATIONS (add as applicable)
WORKERS’ NAME DATE SIGNATURE
E.G. SUPERVISOR, WORKER, TRAINEE TYPE / DESCRIPTION CLASS NUMBER
Construction Card

Construction Card

Construction Card

Construction Card

Construction Card

Construction Card

Construction Card

Construction Card

Construction Card

Construction Card

Construction Card

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