Brick, Block Cutting & Tilers Silica SWMS
Brick, block, paver, and tile cutting using angle grinders and bench saws — wet cutting, RPE programme, task rotation, bystander exclusion zones.
SWMS variants reference your state’s WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.
Cutting bricks, blocks, pavers, and tiles with angle grinders or bench saws generates respirable crystalline silica (RCS), triggering WHS Regulation Chapter 7 silica dust controls, mandatory air monitoring, health surveillance, and a documented SWMS under section 38 as High Risk Construction Work Category 19.
Hazards identified
3 hazards covered, sorted by priority.
Silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Severe lacerations, amputations, eye penetration injuries
Vibration white finger, permanent hearing loss
Control measures
Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.
- 1Wet-cut with on-tool water suppression or H-class HEPA on-tool extraction; never dry cut.
- 2P2/P3 RPE with fit-testing per AS/NZS 1715, plus task rotation and 5m exclusion zones.
- 3Air monitoring against 0.05 mg/m³ WES and health surveillance per WHS Reg 529CA.
Applicable Codes of Practice
Mandatory dust controls, RPE, monitoring for silica cutting tasks
Selection, fit-testing, and maintenance of P2/P3 respirators
High-Risk Construction Work triggered
Cutting bricks, blocks, pavers, tiles releases RCS above the 0.05 mg/m³ workplace exposure standard.
SWMS mandatory before work starts; on-site, accessible, reviewed; penalties to $36,540.
What you receive
- ✓Editable DOCX SWMS template
- ✓State-specific WHS legislation schedule
- ✓Silica hazard register
- ✓Worker sign-on register
Related legislation
- WHS Act 2011 s.19 Primary Duty of Care
- WHS Regulation 2017 Chapter 7 Part 7.1 Hazardous Chemicals
- WHS Regulation r.529CA Crystalline Silica Health Monitoring