Concrete Cutting Contractor Safety Manual

Concrete Cutting & Drilling Hazards

Concrete cutting contractors may encounter hazards involving:

• Respirable crystalline silica
• Rotating saw blades
• Core drills and bits
• Kickback and binding
• Flying particles
• Falling concrete
• Heavy cut sections
• Structural components
• Embedded utilities
• Reinforcing steel
• Electrical hazards
• Water and wet cutting
• Slurry
• Hydraulic equipment
• Pneumatic equipment
• Carbon monoxide
• Noise
• Vibration
• Manual material handling
• Openings and penetrations
• Falls
• Traffic
• Other contractors
• Occupied facilities

Employees should receive training appropriate to the equipment and work they perform.

Pre-Job Planning

Concrete cutting and drilling work should be planned before equipment is set up.

Planning should consider:

• Material being cut
• Cut location
• Cut dimensions
• Cut depth
• Structural conditions
• Reinforcing steel
• Post-tensioning systems
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing
• Gas lines
• Process piping
• Communication systems
• Other embedded utilities
• Equipment selection
• Blade or bit selection
• Silica controls
• Water supply
• Slurry management
• Electrical power
• Ventilation
• Material removal
• Fall hazards
• Public exposure
• Emergency procedures

Work should not begin until significant hazards have been evaluated and appropriate controls established.

Job Hazard Assessment

Conditions should be evaluated for each project because concrete cutting operations can vary considerably.

The assessment should address hazards associated with:

• Cutting
• Drilling
• Grinding
• Concrete removal
• Silica
• Equipment
• Electricity
• Water
• Structural components
• Material handling
• Falling objects
• Falls
• Traffic
• Ventilation
• Carbon monoxide
• Other contractors

Required controls and PPE should be identified before work begins.

Cutting & Drilling Locations

The area to be cut or drilled should be inspected before work begins.

Employees should determine whether the work could affect:

• Structural components
• Utilities
• Reinforcing steel
• Post-tensioning systems
• Adjacent rooms
• Occupied spaces
• Equipment
• Roadways
• Floors below
• Other workers

Both sides of a wall, floor, ceiling, or other surface should be considered where practical.

Embedded Utilities

Concrete can conceal electrical conduit, plumbing, gas lines, communication systems, process piping, and other utilities.

Before penetrating concrete, available information should be reviewed to determine whether utilities may be present.

Where appropriate, locating methods may include:

• Drawings
• Building records
• Utility information
• Scanning equipment
• Ground-penetrating radar
• Other suitable locating methods

Employees should not assume that concrete is clear simply because no utilities are visible.

Post-Tensioned Concrete

Cutting or drilling into post-tensioned concrete can create serious hazards.

Before work involving potentially post-tensioned construction begins, the contractor should determine whether tendons may be present and obtain appropriate information regarding their location.

Employees should not cut or drill through post-tensioning components unless the work has been specifically evaluated and authorized.

Structural Considerations

Concrete cutting can alter the strength or stability of structural components.

Before cutting structural or potentially load-bearing components, the work should be evaluated by the appropriate responsible party.

Employees should not make unauthorized cuts in:

• Columns
• Beams
• Structural slabs
• Load-bearing walls
• Foundations
• Structural connections
• Other load-supporting components

Required shoring, bracing, sequencing, or engineering controls should be established before cutting begins.

Work Area Control

Concrete cutting areas should be controlled to protect employees and others from:

• Moving equipment
• Flying debris
• Falling materials
• Saw blades
• Dust
• Slurry
• Noise
• Openings
• Electrical hazards

Controls may include:

• Barricades
• Signs
• Cones
• Temporary barriers
• Restricted-access areas
• Spotters

Unauthorized persons should be kept away from active cutting operations.

Concrete Saws

Only trained and authorized employees should operate concrete saws.

Operators should:

• Inspect equipment before use.
• Use the correct blade.
• Verify blade condition.
• Maintain required guards.
• Follow manufacturer instructions.
• Maintain stable footing.
• Keep others clear.
• Control water and slurry.
• Stop equipment before applicable adjustments or servicing.

Equipment should not be operated with required safety devices removed or defeated.

Walk-Behind Saws

Walk-behind saws may be used for cutting:

• Slabs
• Pavement
• Floors
• Roadways
• Trenches
• Control joints

Operators should maintain control of the machine and follow manufacturer instructions for blade installation, cutting depth, travel direction, and operation.

The work area should be maintained to prevent other employees from entering the saw’s operating path.

Handheld Cutoff Saws

Handheld concrete saws can create substantial kickback, silica, noise, and flying-particle hazards.

Operators should:

• Maintain a stable stance.
• Use both hands where required.
• Keep the blade clear before starting.
• Avoid twisting the blade.
• Maintain proper cutting position.
• Keep others outside the cutting area.
• Follow manufacturer limitations.

Employees should not use handheld saws from unstable positions.

Wall Saws

Wall saw systems may involve tracks, hydraulic or electric power units, large blades, and remote controls.

Before operation:

• Tracks should be properly secured.
• Equipment should be inspected.
• Guards should be installed as required.
• The opposite side of the wall should be controlled.
• The cut section should be evaluated.
• Utilities and structural hazards should be addressed.

Employees should remain outside the blade and potential falling-material hazard areas.

Wire Saws

Diamond wire saw systems can create severe hazards because of wire speed, stored energy, and the large cutting areas involved.

Work areas should be established to keep employees away from:

• Moving wire
• Drive components
• Pulleys
• Tensioned sections
• Potential wire-failure paths

Only employees necessary for the operation should remain within controlled areas.

Core Drilling

Core drilling may be performed through floors, walls, ceilings, slabs, foundations, and structural components.

Before drilling, employees should evaluate:

• Utilities
• Reinforcement
• Post-tensioning
• Structural conditions
• The opposite side of the penetration
• Falling cores
• Water
• Electrical hazards

Drilling equipment should be securely positioned.

Core Drill Stands

Drill stands should be installed according to manufacturer instructions.

The mounting method should be appropriate for the surface and equipment.

Employees should verify stability before drilling begins.

Makeshift or inadequately secured mounting arrangements should not be used.

Falling Core Hazards

Concrete cores can be extremely heavy and may fall unexpectedly when drilling is completed.

The area below or behind the core should be controlled before penetration is completed.

Employees should consider:

• Core weight
• Core dimensions
• Drop distance
• Occupied areas
• Equipment below
• Removal method

Large cores may require mechanical lifting or other controlled removal methods.

Horizontal Core Drilling

Horizontal drilling may cause the core to release from the opposite side of a wall.

Employees should barricade or otherwise control the opposite side where exposure exists.

The core should be removed using a method that prevents uncontrolled movement.

Overhead Core Drilling

Overhead drilling can expose employees to:

• Falling cores
• Water
• Slurry
• Debris
• Awkward posture
• Equipment movement

Equipment should be securely mounted, and the work area should be controlled.

Appropriate methods should be used to capture or control the core.

Diamond Blades & Bits

Blades and bits should be:

• Appropriate for the equipment.
• Appropriate for the material.
• Rated for the operating speed.
• Inspected before use.
• Installed correctly.

Damaged, cracked, excessively worn, or incompatible blades and bits should not be used.

Blade Guards

Required blade guards should remain installed and properly adjusted.

Employees should not modify or remove guards simply to obtain additional cutting access.

Alternative equipment or methods should be used when the required cut cannot be safely completed with the guard in place.

Kickback & Binding

Saw blades can bind, pinch, or kick back when:

• Cuts close unexpectedly.
• Material shifts.
• The blade is twisted.
• The wrong blade is used.
• Cutting pressure is excessive.
• The workpiece is inadequately supported.

Operators should understand equipment-specific kickback zones and avoid positioning themselves in the potential path of the saw.

Cutting Sequence

Large or complex cuts should be planned to prevent uncontrolled:

• Material movement
• Collapse
• Blade binding
• Falling sections
• Structural instability

Cutting sequence should account for the support and removal of each section.

Concrete Section Removal

Cut sections may weigh hundreds or thousands of pounds.

Before completing a cut, employees should determine how the material will be:

• Supported
• Secured
• Lifted
• Lowered
• Transported
• Disposed of

Employees should never stand beneath or within the potential movement path of inadequately supported concrete.

Rigging & Hoisting

Large concrete sections may require cranes, hoists, forklifts, excavators, or other lifting equipment.

Rigging should be selected according to the anticipated load.

Employees should:

• Inspect rigging.
• Verify capacity.
• Protect rigging from sharp edges.
• Use appropriate attachment points.
• Keep clear of suspended loads.
• Control loads where necessary.

Only qualified or trained personnel should perform applicable rigging activities.

Openings Created by Cutting

Cutting floors, walls, roofs, or elevated surfaces can create fall and falling-object hazards.

New openings should be protected as work progresses.

Protection may include:

• Covers
• Guardrails
• Barricades
• Personal fall-protection systems
• Controlled access

Floor-hole covers should be capable of performing their intended protective function and should be secured where required.

Fall Protection

Concrete cutting may occur near:

• Floor openings
• Roof edges
• Elevated slabs
• Wall openings
• Excavations
• Platforms
• Scaffolds

Applicable fall-protection requirements should be followed.

Employees should receive training appropriate to the fall-protection systems they use.

Respirable Crystalline Silica

Cutting, sawing, drilling, grinding, and chipping concrete and masonry can generate respirable crystalline silica.

Flanagan Consulting Corporation requires silica-generating activities to be evaluated and controlled according to applicable requirements.

Controls may include:

• Integrated water delivery
• Local exhaust ventilation
• Dust collection
• HEPA filtration
• Restricted work areas
• Work-practice controls
• Respiratory protection where required

Employees should follow the Company’s Silica Exposure Control Program.

Silica Exposure Control Plan

Where required, Flanagan Consulting Corporation will establish and implement a written exposure control plan addressing silica-generating activities.

The plan should identify applicable:

• Tasks
• Engineering controls
• Work practices
• Respiratory protection
• Housekeeping practices
• Access restrictions

A competent person should perform the responsibilities required by the applicable silica standard.

Wet Cutting

Water-delivery systems are commonly used to reduce airborne silica during concrete cutting.

Water should be supplied at a rate sufficient for the intended dust-control method.

Employees should:

• Verify water flow before cutting.
• Maintain water delivery during the task.
• Prevent unnecessary aerosol or spray exposure.
• Control runoff.
• Manage slurry.
• Protect electrical equipment.

Wet cutting does not eliminate other saw hazards.

Dust Collection Systems

Where dust collection is used, equipment should be compatible with the tool and maintained according to manufacturer instructions.

Employees should inspect:

• Hoses
• Shrouds
• Filters
• Connections
• Collection containers

Dust should be removed and disposed of in a manner that minimizes employee exposure.

HEPA Vacuums

HEPA-filtered vacuum systems should be used where required by the applicable exposure-control method.

Vacuum equipment should be maintained and emptied in a manner that minimizes release of collected dust.

Dry Cutting

Dry cutting can produce substantial airborne dust.

Dry cutting should not be used simply for convenience when required dust-control measures cannot be maintained.

Where dry methods are permitted, applicable engineering controls, work practices, exposure assessments, and respiratory protection should be implemented.

Silica Housekeeping

Employees should not use dry sweeping or dry brushing for silica-containing dust where prohibited and feasible alternatives are available.

Appropriate cleaning methods may include:

• HEPA-filtered vacuuming
• Wet sweeping
• Other dust-minimizing methods

Compressed air should not be used to disperse silica-containing dust except where permitted under applicable requirements.

Respiratory Protection

Where respirators are required, Flanagan Consulting Corporation will maintain an appropriate Respiratory Protection Program.

Required elements may include:

• Respirator selection
• Medical evaluations
• Fit testing
• Employee training
• Inspection
• Cleaning
• Storage
• Program evaluation

Employees should not substitute voluntary respirator use for required engineering controls.

Water & Electricity

Wet cutting creates a significant interaction between electrical equipment and water.

Employees should:

• Inspect electrical equipment.
• Use appropriate grounding or protective systems.
• Use required ground-fault protection.
• Protect connections from water.
• Keep cords and plugs in suitable condition.
• Remove damaged equipment from service.

Employees should not handle energized electrical components while standing in uncontrolled water.

Ground-Fault Protection

Electrical equipment used for construction work should have applicable ground-fault protection.

Ground-fault circuit interrupters should be tested and used as required.

Damaged electrical equipment should be removed from service.

Extension Cords

Extension cords should:

• Be suitable for the environment.
• Be inspected before use.
• Be protected from cutting equipment.
• Be protected from water where necessary.
• Be routed to minimize trip hazards.

Cords should not be repaired or modified using unauthorized methods.

Slurry Management

Wet concrete cutting produces slurry containing fine concrete particles.

Slurry should be controlled to prevent:

• Slips
• Uncontrolled runoff
• Environmental releases
• Equipment damage
• Public exposure

Employees should use appropriate collection, containment, or disposal methods.

Slips, Trips & Falls

Concrete cutting work can create slippery surfaces from:

• Water
• Slurry
• Mud
• Dust
• Cords
• Hoses
• Concrete debris

Work areas should be maintained as orderly as practical.

Slurry and standing water should be controlled promptly.

Hydraulic Equipment

Concrete saws and drills may use hydraulic power.

Employees should inspect:

• Hoses
• Fittings
• Connections
• Couplings
• Guards

Hydraulic leaks should not be checked with bare hands.

Pressure should be relieved before applicable servicing.

Pneumatic Equipment

Pneumatic tools and equipment should be operated within manufacturer specifications.

Employees should:

• Inspect hoses.
• Secure connections.
• Protect hoses from damage.
• Use appropriate pressure.
• Relieve pressure before applicable servicing.

Fuel-Powered Equipment

Gasoline, diesel, or other fuel-powered equipment can create:

• Fire hazards
• Fuel spills
• Carbon monoxide
• Exhaust exposure
• Noise

Equipment should be fueled and operated according to manufacturer instructions.

Carbon Monoxide

Fuel-powered saws and equipment can generate dangerous carbon monoxide concentrations, particularly indoors or in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.

Fuel-powered equipment should not be operated indoors or in enclosed areas unless the work has been evaluated and appropriate controls established.

Controls may include:

• Alternative equipment
• Mechanical ventilation
• Exhaust control
• Atmospheric monitoring

Employees should understand that carbon monoxide cannot be reliably detected by smell.

Ventilation

Indoor concrete cutting can generate:

• Silica
• Exhaust
• Welding fumes
• Dust
• Mist
• Other airborne contaminants

Adequate ventilation should be provided based on the hazards and work being performed.

Confined Spaces

Concrete cutting or drilling may occur in:

• Vaults
• Tanks
• Pits
• Utility structures
• Tunnels
• Other confined spaces

Employees should not enter confined spaces until the space has been evaluated and applicable entry procedures established.

Where permit-required confined-space requirements apply, the Company’s Confined Space Program should be followed.

Noise

Concrete saws, drills, grinders, chipping tools, compressors, and demolition equipment can generate hazardous noise.

Flanagan Consulting Corporation will evaluate employee noise exposure where required.

Controls may include:

• Equipment selection
• Distance
• Barriers
• Work practices
• Hearing protection

Employees covered by applicable requirements should participate in the Company’s Hearing Conservation Program.

Vibration

Frequent use of handheld saws, drills, grinders, and chipping equipment can expose employees to vibration.

Employees should:

• Use properly maintained equipment.
• Avoid unnecessary force.
• Use appropriate handles.
• Rotate tasks where practical.
• Report unusual numbness, tingling, or discomfort.

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE should be selected according to the hazards of the task.

PPE may include:

• Hard hats
• Safety glasses
• Goggles
• Face shields
• Hearing protection
• Work gloves
• Cut-resistant gloves
• Safety footwear
• High-visibility apparel
• Protective clothing
• Fall protection
• Respiratory protection

Eye & Face Protection

Concrete cutting can generate high-speed particles and slurry.

Appropriate eye protection should be worn.

Face shields may be necessary during operations with significant flying-particle or splash hazards but should be used with appropriate primary eye protection where required.

Hand Protection

Gloves should be selected for hazards involving:

• Sharp concrete
• Abrasive materials
• Slurry
• Handling blades
• Rigging
• Concrete sections

Employees should avoid placing hands near moving blades or bits regardless of glove use.

Foot Protection

Safety footwear should be appropriate for:

• Heavy concrete
• Slippery surfaces
• Uneven construction sites
• Material handling

Additional protection may be necessary where substantial crushing hazards exist.

Hand & Power Tools

Concrete cutting contractors may use:

• Grinders
• Rotary hammers
• Chipping hammers
• Drills
• Breakers
• Saws
• Impact tools
• Hand tools

Tools should be inspected before use and maintained in safe condition.

Defective tools should be removed from service.

Grinding

Grinding concrete can generate silica, sparks, debris, and noise.

Employees should use:

• Required guards
• Appropriate wheels
• Dust controls
• Eye and face protection
• Hearing protection

Grinding wheels should be compatible with the tool and rated for its operating speed.

Chipping & Breaking

Chipping hammers, breakers, and similar equipment can create:

• Silica
• Flying debris
• Noise
• Vibration
• Falling material

Employees should establish controlled work areas and use appropriate exposure controls.

Machine Guarding

Required guards should be maintained on saws, grinders, and other equipment.

Employees should not:

• Remove required guards.
• Bypass safety devices.
• Operate equipment with damaged guards.
• Modify equipment without authorization.

Lockout/Tagout

Employees performing servicing or maintenance where unexpected startup or release of hazardous energy could cause injury should follow applicable energy-control procedures.

Energy sources may include:

• Electrical
• Hydraulic
• Pneumatic
• Mechanical
• Stored energy

Only authorized employees should perform covered lockout/tagout activities.

Equipment Inspection

Cutting and drilling equipment should be inspected before use.

Inspections may include:

• Blades
• Bits
• Guards
• Switches
• Emergency controls
• Cords
• Hydraulic hoses
• Water systems
• Mounting equipment
• Wheels
• Handles
• Fasteners

Defective equipment should be removed from service until repaired.

Equipment Maintenance

Preventive maintenance should be performed according to manufacturer recommendations and company procedures.

Only qualified or authorized employees should perform maintenance requiring specialized knowledge.

Equipment should be appropriately isolated before servicing.

Material Handling

Concrete cores, cut sections, equipment, blades, hoses, and other materials may be heavy or awkward.

Employees should use:

• Mechanical lifting equipment
• Carts
• Dollies
• Hoists
• Team lifting

where practical.

Employees should avoid uncontrolled lifting of loads that exceed their safe capabilities.

Ergonomics

Concrete cutting can involve:

• Forceful exertion
• Awkward posture
• Kneeling
• Repetitive work
• Heavy equipment
• Overhead drilling

Work should be planned to reduce unnecessary physical strain.

Mechanical positioning equipment should be used where practical.

Cranes & Hoisting Equipment

Large concrete sections may require crane or hoisting operations.

Employees involved in lifting should understand:

• Load weights
• Rigging methods
• Communication
• Exclusion zones
• Suspended-load hazards

Employees should not work beneath suspended loads.

Forklifts & Material-Handling Equipment

Only trained and authorized employees should operate powered industrial trucks.

Operators should:

• Inspect equipment.
• Maintain visibility.
• Observe capacity limitations.
• Control loads.
• Watch for pedestrians.
• Follow site traffic rules.

Aerial Lifts

Concrete cutting may require work from aerial lifts.

Only trained and authorized employees should operate applicable equipment.

Employees should follow manufacturer instructions and applicable fall-protection requirements.

Scaffolds

Where scaffolds are used, they should be erected, inspected, and used according to applicable requirements.

Employees should not overload scaffold platforms with heavy equipment or concrete sections.

Ladders

Ladders should generally be used for access and light work rather than as platforms for heavy concrete cutting equipment.

Employees should:

• Inspect ladders.
• Maintain stable placement.
• Avoid overreaching.
• Maintain appropriate contact.
• Keep ladders away from electrical hazards.

Roadway & Pavement Cutting

Concrete cutting contractors may work on:

• Streets
• Highways
• Parking lots
• Sidewalks
• Airport surfaces
• Industrial roads

Traffic-control measures should be established where employees are exposed to vehicles or mobile equipment.

Traffic Control

Appropriate traffic controls may include:

• Signs
• Cones
• Barricades
• Channelizing devices
• Flaggers
• High-visibility apparel
• Work vehicles

Employees should remain within established work areas whenever practical.

Mobile Equipment

Employees may work around:

• Excavators
• Skid steers
• Loaders
• Forklifts
• Trucks
• Cranes

Employees should remain outside equipment blind spots and operating zones unless their work requires entry and appropriate communication has been established.

Vehicle Safety

Employees operating company vehicles should:

• Wear seat belts.
• Follow traffic laws.
• Avoid distracted driving.
• Inspect vehicles.
• Secure equipment.
• Adjust driving for road and weather conditions.

Trailers

Concrete saws, compressors, water tanks, generators, and other equipment may be transported on trailers.

Employees should inspect:

• Couplers
• Safety chains
• Tires
• Wheels
• Lights
• Brakes
• Ramps
• Tie-downs

Loads should be properly distributed and secured.

Loading & Unloading

Heavy equipment should be loaded and unloaded on suitable surfaces.

Employees should:

• Keep unnecessary personnel clear.
• Use appropriate ramps.
• Control equipment movement.
• Maintain safe positioning.
• Verify trailer stability.

Work in Occupied Buildings

Concrete cutting may be performed in:

• Hospitals
• Offices
• Schools
• Stores
• Apartments
• Industrial facilities
• Other occupied buildings

Additional controls may be needed for:

• Dust
• Noise
• Slurry
• Public access
• Ventilation
• Utilities
• Falling debris

Work should be coordinated with the customer or controlling employer.

Working Around the Public

Work areas should be controlled to prevent members of the public from entering cutting, drilling, slurry, or equipment hazard zones.

Barricades and temporary barriers should be maintained where necessary.

Tools and equipment should be secured when unattended.

Other Contractors

Concrete cutting frequently occurs alongside:

• Electricians
• Plumbers
• General contractors
• Demolition contractors
• Concrete contractors
• Mechanical contractors
• Utility contractors

Work should be coordinated to prevent one employer’s activities from exposing another employer’s employees to uncontrolled hazards.

Housekeeping

Concrete debris, cores, slurry, hoses, cords, blades, and equipment can create significant hazards.

Employees should:

• Remove debris regularly.
• Control slurry.
• Route hoses and cords safely.
• Maintain access routes.
• Secure blades and tools.
• Protect openings.

Waste & Slurry Disposal

Concrete debris and slurry should be disposed of according to applicable project and environmental requirements.

Employees should not discharge slurry into storm drains or other locations unless permitted.

Fire Prevention

Fire hazards may arise from:

• Fuel
• Generators
• Cutting metal
• Grinding
• Hot work
• Electrical equipment

Combustible materials should be controlled and appropriate fire extinguishers maintained where required.

Hazard Communication

Employees should receive Hazard Communication training appropriate to workplace chemicals.

Products may include:

• Fuels
• Lubricants
• Hydraulic fluids
• Adhesives
• Anchoring compounds
• Cleaning products
• Concrete-treatment chemicals

Labels and Safety Data Sheets should be maintained as required.

Heat Stress

Concrete cutting frequently involves strenuous work in hot environments.

Employees should have appropriate access to:

• Drinking water
• Rest
• Shade or cooling
• Acclimatization practices

Employees should be trained to recognize symptoms of heat illness.

Cold Stress

Cold weather can increase hazards associated with:

• Wet cutting
• Icy surfaces
• Equipment handling
• Reduced dexterity

Appropriate clothing and warming practices should be used.

Emergency Action Plan

Employees should understand applicable emergency procedures for:

• Severe injuries
• Electrical contact
• Utility strikes
• Structural incidents
• Equipment failures
• Fires
• Falls
• Chemical releases
• Medical emergencies
• Severe weather

Employees working at customer sites should become familiar with applicable site emergency procedures.

First Aid

Appropriate first-aid supplies should be accessible.

Employees should promptly report and obtain appropriate care for:

• Cuts
• Eye injuries
• Burns
• Strains
• Crush injuries
• Electrical incidents
• Other injuries

Working Alone

Certain concrete cutting tasks should not be performed alone when equipment, lifting requirements, confined spaces, structural hazards, or emergency-response considerations require additional personnel.

Where employees perform appropriate work alone, communication and emergency procedures should be established.

Incident Reporting

Employees should promptly report:

• Injuries
• Near misses
• Equipment failures
• Utility contacts
• Structural concerns
• Vehicle incidents
• Property damage
• Public incidents
• Unsafe conditions

Incident Investigation

Significant incidents and near misses should be investigated to identify contributing causes.

Investigations may consider:

• Work planning
• Equipment selection
• Blade or bit selection
• Silica controls
• Structural conditions
• Utility identification
• Material support
• Employee positioning
• PPE
• Training
• Communication
• Supervision

Corrective actions should address identified causes where practical.

Concrete Cutting Contractor Safety Training

Employee training should correspond to assigned duties and may include:

• Concrete cutting hazards
• Concrete saw operation
• Walk-behind saws
• Handheld saws
• Wall saws
• Wire saws
• Core drilling
• Blade and bit safety
• Kickback prevention
• Embedded utility identification
• Post-tensioned concrete
• Structural hazards
• Concrete section removal
• Rigging and hoisting
• Silica exposure control
• Wet cutting
• Dust collection
• Slurry management
• Respiratory protection
• Hearing conservation
• Electrical safety
• Ground-fault protection
• Hydraulic equipment
• Pneumatic equipment
• Carbon monoxide
• PPE
• Hand and power tools
• Machine guarding
• Lockout/Tagout
• Fall protection
• Traffic control
• Material handling
• Equipment inspection
• Emergency procedures
• Incident reporting

Training should be updated when employees are assigned new equipment, tasks, cutting methods, or workplace hazards.

Customized Concrete Cutting Contractor Safety Manuals

Concrete cutting contractors vary considerably in the services they provide. Some primarily perform slab sawing and core drilling, while others specialize in wall sawing, wire sawing, roadway cutting, structural modifications, demolition cutting, industrial work, or large-scale concrete removal.

A customized Concrete Cutting Contractor Safety Manual can be developed around your concrete sawing and drilling services, equipment, silica exposures, wet-cutting methods, structural work, rigging, material removal, vehicles, customer sites, construction projects, and employee hazards.