Placement and finishing of approximately 85 cubic metres of 30 MPa structural concrete for a 400m2 ground-floor slab on grade (200mm thick with SL82 mesh reinforcement and 665 mesh at thickenings). Concrete delivered by truck-and-pump method using a 36m boom pump. Work includes concrete placement via pump boom, vibration, screeding to level, bull floating, and power trowel finishing the following day. Slab has 12 construction joints and 150mm step-down at loading dock.
This SWMS does not cover formwork construction, reinforcement placement, post-tensioning (if applicable), or structural concrete testing (cube testing performed by independent lab).
| Hazard | Inherent Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical burns (wet concrete) Prolonged skin contact with wet concrete causes alkali burns (pH ~13) — knees, ankles, and hands most at risk during placement and finishing |
4 x 4 = 16 High |
Isolation Minimise direct contact — use long-handled tools (rakes, screeds, floats) to spread and finish concrete where possible Engineering Wash-down station with clean water available within 10m of pour area for immediate skin decontamination Administrative Toolbox talk on concrete burn risks; any skin contact to be washed immediately with clean water — do not wait for symptoms PPE Waterproof concrete boots (over-the-calf height), alkali-resistant gloves, long-sleeved shirt, and safety glasses |
2 x 4 = 8 Medium |
| Manual handling Repetitive bending, kneeling, and heavy exertion during concrete spreading, vibrating, and hand finishing over extended pour duration (6+ hours) |
4 x 3 = 12 High |
Substitution Laser screed machine used for primary levelling — eliminates manual screeding over large areas Engineering Power float and ride-on trowel for finishing — reduces hand trowelling to edges and details only Administrative Rotate tasks among concreters (vibrating, screeding, floating) to distribute physical load; 15-minute break between truck loads PPE Knee pads for hand finishing work at slab edges |
2 x 3 = 6 Medium |
| Concrete pump line whip Sudden uncontrolled movement of pump boom or delivery hose due to blockage release, coupling failure, or boom hydraulic malfunction |
3 x 5 = 15 High |
Engineering Pump and boom inspected and serviced per manufacturer schedule; safety chains on all hose couplings as secondary restraint Engineering Pump fitted with concrete pressure relief valve and boom anti-two-block system Administrative Only qualified pump operator to operate boom; clear communication protocol between pump operator and placing crew Administrative All workers to stay clear of the hose end during pump startup, shutdown, and blockage clearing; exclusion zone under boom during slewing |
2 x 5 = 10 High |
| Slips, trips, and falls Wet concrete, hoses, reinforcement, and formwork creating multiple trip hazards; wet surfaces extremely slippery |
4 x 3 = 12 High |
Engineering Designated walkways on formwork with non-slip strips; hoses routed to minimise crossing points Engineering Mesh chairs and reinforcement covered or flagged where walkways cross; stable working platforms at step-downs Administrative Housekeeping maintained throughout pour — spilled concrete cleaned from walkways immediately PPE Gumboots with aggressive tread pattern for grip on wet surfaces |
2 x 3 = 6 Medium |
| Silica dust Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) generated during concrete cutting (control joints) and power trowelling of cured concrete on Day 2 |
4 x 4 = 16 High |
Engineering Wet cutting method for all control joints — concrete saw fitted with integrated water supply to suppress dust at source Engineering Floor grinder fitted with vacuum dust extraction system (HEPA filter) for any grinding or trowelling of cured surfaces Administrative No dry cutting or dry grinding permitted on site; silica exposure monitoring for workers performing cutting tasks PPE P2 respirator for all concrete cutting and grinding operations |
2 x 4 = 8 Medium |
If wet concrete contacts skin, remove contaminated clothing immediately and flush the affected area with clean water for at least 20 minutes. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners. Concrete burns may not be immediately painful — monitor affected area. If burns cover a large area or involve eyes, call 111 and transport to hospital. Report to supervisor.
If the pump hose separates or whips, all personnel to move clear immediately. The pump operator to shut down the pump. Do not approach the hose end until concrete pressure has been fully relieved. Check for injuries and administer first aid. The pump must be inspected and repaired before resuming operations.
All workers must read and understand this SWMS before commencing work. By signing below, each worker confirms they have been briefed on the hazards, controls, and emergency procedures, and agree to follow them.
Describe your concrete placement project and get a complete SWMS with chemical burn and pump safety controls in under 60 seconds.
Get Started Free