Is a SWMS required for all concreting work in Australia?
A SWMS is required for concreting work when it involves high-risk construction work as defined under the WHS Regulation 2011. This includes concreting work that is structural in nature, involves working at height (including on elevated slabs), uses plant such as concrete pumps, or involves work in confined spaces. For residential house slabs and simple ground-level concrete work, while a SWMS may not be legally mandated, it represents best practice and is increasingly required by principal contractors. The determination of whether specific concreting work is high-risk should consider the structural significance of the work, the equipment being used, and the work environment. Many builders and principal contractors require SWMS for all concreting activities regardless of risk classification to ensure consistent safety standards across their projects.
What are the main hazards I need to control in my concreting SWMS?
Concreting SWMS must address manual handling risks from moving and placing concrete, formwork, and steel reinforcement materials weighing up to 40kg per piece. Struck-by hazards from concrete pump booms and delivery trucks require exclusion zones and traffic management. Chemical hazards from cement contact causing burns and dermatitis need skin protection programs including waterproof gloves and washing facilities. When sawing or grinding concrete, respirable crystalline silica dust exposure requires water suppression systems or on-tool dust extraction plus respiratory protection. Formwork collapse risks demand engineered designs with load calculations and inspection protocols. Environmental hazards including heat stress during sustained concrete pours, noise from pumps and power trowels exceeding 85dB, and poor lighting during early morning or evening pours must all be systematically addressed in your SWMS documentation.
Do concrete pump operators need specific qualifications?
Yes, concrete pump operators require specific high-risk work licenses under Australian WHS regulations. Boom-type concrete pump operators must hold a CN (Concrete Placing) high-risk work license, which requires completion of approved training and passing both written and practical assessments. The license covers boom pump setup, stabilization, operation, and emergency procedures. Line pumps (ground-line pumps) don't require a specific license but operators must be trained in safe pump operation, concrete placement techniques, and hazard recognition. All pump operators should complete site-specific inductions covering overhead services, exclusion zones, communication protocols with concrete placement crews, and emergency shutdown procedures. Your SWMS should specify that only licensed and competent operators will perform concrete pumping operations and include verification procedures for checking licenses before work commences.
How do I control silica dust when sawing concrete?
Crystalline silica dust from concrete cutting must be controlled using the hierarchy of control approach. The primary engineering control is water suppression, using sufficient water flow to prevent visible dust generation during cutting operations. Modern concrete saws include integrated water delivery systems that must be maintained and operated correctly. On-tool dust extraction systems using HEPA-filtered vacuums provide an alternative or additional control measure, particularly for indoor cutting. Wet cutting and dust extraction are mandatory engineering controls under Australian WHS regulations, with respiratory protective equipment (P2 or P3 respirators) required as a secondary control measure, not a replacement for engineering controls. Your SWMS must specify the water flow rates or extraction requirements for different equipment, inspection procedures to ensure controls are functioning, and clear protocols if controls fail during work. Air monitoring may be required for extended cutting operations to verify that exposure levels remain below the workplace exposure standard of 0.05mg/m³.
What weather conditions prevent concrete placement?
Weather conditions significantly impact concrete quality and worker safety, requiring clear decision-making protocols in your SWMS. Concrete should not be placed when air temperatures exceed 35°C without specialized hot weather concreting procedures including concrete cooling, windbreaks, fog sprayers, and extended curing measures, as high temperatures cause rapid water loss and can result in cracking and reduced strength. Cold weather below 5°C requires protection measures to prevent concrete freezing during initial curing. Heavy rain during or immediately after placement washes cement from the surface and dilutes the mix, compromising strength and finish quality. High winds above 40 km/h accelerate moisture loss and can create unsafe conditions for boom pump operation and working at height. Your SWMS should reference Bureau of Meteorology forecasts for pour scheduling, establish clear stop-work triggers for weather conditions, and document contingency procedures if adverse weather develops during placement including surface protection methods and extended curing requirements.
