Diamond

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Code
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Code of Safe Working Practices
The Drilling & Sawing Association
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Preface
This Code of Practice is published by the to the reference section for useful
Drilling and Sawing Association on behalf information, the HSE website or by seeking
of its members, who are employed: - competent health and safety advice from
a health and safety consultant.
As specialist sub-contractors within the
construction industry engaged in the The Association would like to
drilling, sawing and cutting of concrete acknowledge the considerable assistance
and other building materials. in compiling and updating this Code of
Practice provided by other organisations,
As suppliers of equipment, tools and companies and individuals. Their help has
accessories to firms engaged in this been invaluable.
specialist work.
Finally, it is emphasised that ACCIDENTS
The members of The Drilling and Sawing AND INJURIES ARE PREVENTABLE if
Association recognise their responsibilities everybody is health and safety conscious.
about the promotion of safe working Accidents are typically the result of
practices and have compiled this Code HUMAN ERROR or MECHANICAL FAILURE.
as a guide to all persons involved in the We can all take steps to prevent these
above activities. situations arising and improve health and
The Code has been issued to member safety standards in the industry.
companies and to other organisations Apart from the human suffering caused
concerned with health and safety within by accidents, employers are often
the construction industry. Further copies unaware of the high cost of accidents as
are available on application to the Head a result of lost time, reduced productivity,
Office of the Association. fines, increased insurance premiums and
Although it is hoped that this Code will general disruption to work. It is therefore
make a positive contribution towards up to everybody to make a positive
the improvement of health and safety contribution towards a healthier and safer
standards, it is recognised that everyone working environment.
associated with the Drilling and Sawing
industry has a personal responsibility
to ensure that its recommendations
are followed. The Association also
acknowledges that this Code cannot
cover every risk that is likely to occur
in the workplace, and therefore
encourages individuals to come
forward with suggestions for alterations
or improvements which could result in
additional safeguards.
This Code has been prepared in good
faith and is based on our understanding
of relevant legislation at the time. It is
updated periodically, but it must be
stressed that the Association cannot
be held responsible for any errors or
discrepancies, particularly arising from
changes to legislation. The Association is
also unable to accept any responsibility
for claims resulting from compliance
or otherwise with the Code. Where
appropriate, users should seek more
detailed legal guidance by referring

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 1

 Contents
Introduction................................... 4
Contents
1.1 The Scope Of the Code............... 5
1.2 Working Practices.............................5
1.3 Company Responsibilities................6
1.4 Operator Certification......................6
1.5 Apprenticeship Training...................7
1.6 Reference Sources............................7
General Operating
Requirements................................ 8
2.1 Personnel............................................9
2.2 Welfare...............................................13
2.3 Mechanical & Electrical...................14
2.4 Storage...............................................19
2.5 Gas Cylinders....................................20
2.6 Fire Precautions.................................21
2.7 Transport.............................................21
2.8 Asbestos.............................................22
2.9 Ventilation..........................................24
2.10 Access..............................................24
2.11 Statutory Documents......................26
2.12 Environment/ Pollution/ Waste......27
2.13 Tolerances........................................27
2.14 Temporary Fixation of Diamond
Cutting and Coring Equipment.....27
2.15 Air Monitoring..................................28
Site Setting Up............................... 29
3.1 Site Appraisal.....................................30
3.2 Site Working Conditions....................30
3.3 Special Risks.......................................31
Operating Procedures................. 42
4.1 Drilling - Core Drills.............................43
4.2 Sawing - Floor Saws...........................46
4.3 Sawing - Wall Saws
(Rail Mounted)..................................50
4.4 Sawing – Hand-held Saws...............52
4.5 Sawing - Wire Saws...........................54
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
4.6 Controlled Demolition
- Bursting.............................................55
4.7 Controlled Demolition
- Crushing...........................................56
4.8 Thermic Lancing................................57
4.9 Hydraulic Power Packs.....................59
4.10 Portable Electric Tools....................60
4.11 Diamond Chain Saws.....................60
4.12 Demolition Plant-360 Pedestrian for
Crushing & Breaking.......................62
4.13 Stability and Moving of The Remote
Controlled 360 Pedestrian Operated
Machine...........................................64
Core Drill Bits & Cutting Blades.... 67
5.1 Drill Bits................................................68
5.2 Cutting Blades...................................68
5.3 Diamond Blades ...............................70
Core Drill Bits & Cutting Blades.... 72
6.1 The Health and Safety at Work Etc.
Act. 1974..................................................73
6.2 Regulations......................................77
6.3 EU “Six Pack”.....................................83
6.4 Legal Publications.............................86
Policies.......................................... 87
Policies .....................................................88
The Drilling & Sawing Industry & .
The Cost Benefits of Diamond
Cutting........................................... 89
8.1 The Drilling & Sawing Association....90
8.2 DSA Information Services.................90
8.3 The Benefits of Diamond Cutting
Techniques........................................92
Appendices.................................. 93
Appendix1.................................... 94
Sources of Information...........................94
2
Appendix 2................................... 96

Contents
9.1 Recommended Blade Speeds &
Cutting Depths For Segmented
Diamond Saw Blades.......................96

9.2 Wet Cutting.......................................97

9.3 Speed Conversion Table – Rpm Wet
Cutting Blades...................................98
9.4 Cutting Depths - Operating
Speeds...............................................99
9.5 Tolerances and Limits For Construction
Drilling and Sawing...........................100
9.6 Maximum tolerances........................103
9.7 Temporary fixation of Diamond
Cutting and coring equipment......105
9.8 Anchoring Manufacturers current
Recommendations for R/Concrete*
brick/block use through-bolt with
plate...................................................106
9.10 CSCS Cards – Drilling &
Sawing Matrix...................................107
9.11 The Drilling & Sawing Association
Air Monitoring Results......................108

Index............................................ 109

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 3

01
Introduction

The Scope of the code 5

Working Practices 5
Company Responsibilities 6
Operator Certification 6
Apprenticeship Training 7
Reference Sources 7
1.1 The Scope Of the Code
The Code is designed to provide general
guidance on safe working practices in the
Drilling and Sawing industry in relation to: -
a) Current legislation;
b) Practical experience developed
by established specialist
contractors over several years;
c) The recommendations from
manufacturers of specialist
equipment on safe operating
procedures.
The advice contained in the Code has
been presented in a concise, simplified
form for easy reference, with the hope
that it will be treated as a practical
working book, used by management,
supervisors and operatives at all levels.
The statutory provisions on health and
safety are incorporated into by three
categories. There are: -
a) Acts of Parliament.
b) Regulations made under those
Acts.
c) Approved Codes of Practice.
These categories are covered in more
detail in section 2.1.1, but it is important to
stress that the principle piece of legislation
is the Health and safety at Work etc. Act
1974. Where there are references in this
Code to “the Act”, this means the Health
and safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Every effort has been made to identify
all the relevant health and safety
legislation specifically relating to
activities undertaken by Members of the
Association.
However, in a document of this size, it is
impractical to cover in depth all the legal
aspects affecting the safe operation
of a business. Members should use this
code as a general guide only. When
further or more detailed information is
required members should consult the
reference section to find details of useful
sources of further information. This code
does not replace the requirement on
employers to seek competent advice,
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
and when required members should seek
01
the services of a competent health and
safety practitioner.
Introduction
It is also stressed that legislation is
constantly changing and that it is not
always possible for us to incorporate
changes as quickly as we would like.
Therefore, it may be necessary to
check the latest situation where legal
requirements are critical to a problem.
Recent years have seen an increase
in the amount of health and safety
legislation affecting the construction
industry. Therefore, we have taken this
opportunity to carry out a complete
revision of the Code incorporating
legislation introduced up to the date of
publication.
On many occasions, members will
be working as sub-contractors on a
construction site, where the client has
complete responsibility for all health
and safety requirements. However, as
employers, sub-contractors still have an
obligation to carry out their own work in
a safe manner. Usually this will be done
on consultation with the main contractor
who will, for example, be providing
welfare facilities.
It is impossible for main contractors to
fulfil their health and safety responsibilities
unless they are aware of the presence
of our members’ staff on site. Therefore,
members’ employees working as sub-
contractors MUST REPORT THEIR ARRIVAL
ON SITE IMMEDIATELY TO THE SITE
MANAGEMENT AND MUST ALSO NOTIFY
THEM OF THEIR DEPARTURE. They must be
required to undertake induction health
and safety training and follow site rules as
this is part of the regulatory system.
1.2 Working Practices
It is acknowledged that working practices
can change rapidly as a result of
improved methods, and to comply with
new legislation. Although it is the intention
of the Association that the contents of
this code will be kept under review and
revised periodically; it will be appreciated
that the contents may not always cover
the latest legislation.
5
 01 1.3 Company Responsibilities
A summary of the main legal duties of
Introduction
both employers and employees are set
out in Section 2 and 3 and 9 and 10 of this
code covering the Act.
Attention is drawn to the need for each
company to have a formal Health and
Safety Policy - see Section 2.1.7. This
health and safety policy are an absolute
requirement, where 5 or more persons
are employed, and should include a
written statement of intent, organisational
responsibilities and arrangements for
managing them. In general terms,
management have a responsibility to
ensure that work is carried out in a safe
manner and to prevent injury and ill
health to employees, the self-employed
and anyone who may be affected by
their undertaking. It is recommended
that employers designate a director
who has specific responsibility for the
implementation of a safe system of work
and for compliance with the statutory
requirements.
Under the Management of Health and
safety at Work Regulations 1999, every
employer is required to appoint one
or more competent persons to advise
on meeting the requirements of health
and safety legislation. This person
should preferably be someone from the
employer’s organisation who is suitable
experienced and trained, but it can also
be an external consultant if this is not
possible. These regulations also require
employers to carry out a general risk
assessment for the protection of their
employees as described in Section 2.3.1
of this code.
The significant findings of the risk
assessment document must be
communicated and made available
to employees. Any relevant details of
the risk and required control measures
must be fully detailed and understood.
Where appropriate, control measure may
require employees to follow a safe system
of work, wear appropriate protective
equipment and receive appropriate
information, instruction, training and
supervision.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
The Construction, Design & Management
Regulations 2015 affects all the work
carried out by drilling and sawing firms
from a health and safety point of view.
It is therefore essential that companies
implement the requirements of these
Regulations with reference to the
provision of Risk Assessments and Method
Statements for each job.
It is essential that supervisors at all levels
are made aware of their responsibilities
about health and safety. They must
enforce health and safety rules and
standards, and make people understand
that they are designed for their
protection.
Employees should also be encouraged to
raise queries regarding health and safety,
which should be dealt with thoroughly
and promptly. By the nature of this
industry, employees work in small groups
and are given considerable responsibility.
Supervisors must be sure that crews
always have the equipment, training and
competence to do the job safely.
Apart from their responsibility to their
own employees, employers also have
a responsibility to provide protection for
other personnel working at the same
site and for members of the public. It is
recommended that companies have a
procedure for regular health and safety
inspection of all working operations by
a competent person, and that written
records are kept of these inspections.
Finally, employers must have effective
arrangements for planning, organising,
controlling, monitoring and reviewing
their health and safety systems. The
HSE reference guide HSG 65 is a useful
document and outlines the requirements
for health and safety management.
1.4 Operator Certification
The Association attaches great
importance to the proper training and
assessment of operators. From 2001,
the DSA Scheme was integrated into
the Construction Skills Certification
Scheme (CSCS). Specific Certificates
of Competence in drilling and sawing
operations will now be issued by NOCN
6
based on achievement of an NVQ by
individual operators.
1.5 Apprenticeship Training
information on health and safety matters.
Further details can be found at the HSE
01
website www.hse.gov.uk.

The DSA provide an Apprenticeship
Training Scheme designed for the Drilling
and Sawing Industry. This Scheme enables
apprentices to obtain an NVQ Diploma
in Drilling and Sawing which together with
on-site assessments qualifies them for a
Specialist CSCS Card.
The training is delivered through an
e-learning platform and practical sessions
covering the main disciplines.
The Scheme involves an 18 month
intensive training program in all aspects
of Drilling and Sawing, together with
health and safety and other general
considerations. Any employer or
employee interested in participating in this
Scheme should contact the DSA Office.
Introduction
Where sources of this nature are available
covering, for example, - the erection and
dismantling of scaffolding - we have not
covered the same ground. This enables
this Code to be kept to a manageable
size and to focus mainly on drilling and
sawing work.
For further information on the above
publications or any other possible sources
of information, please contact the DSA
Office.

1.6 Reference Sources

Within the construction industry, there
is a substantial amount of published
reference information on health and
safety available from bodies such as
The Health and safety Executive and
the Construction Industry Training Board
(CITB).
However, there are two main publications
which both provide a comprehensive and
detailed manual on health and safety
requirements relating to construction sites
in general. These are: -
“Construction Health and Safety
Manual”
Published by Construction Industry
Publications. This is available in hard copy
and online.
“Construction Site Health and Safety -
Health and Safety Notes” published by
CITB Publications Department.”
Both these publications are revised
periodically, and we would recommend
that members subscribe to one or more
of them.
The Health and safety Executive publish
a wide range of free to download

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 7

02
General Operating
Requirements
Personnel 9
Welfare 13
Mechanical & Electrical 14
Storage 19
Gas Cylinders 20
Fire Precautions 21
Transport 21
Asbestos 21
Ventilation 22
Access 24
Statutory Documents 26
Environment/Pollution/ Waste 27
Tolerances 27
Temporary Fixations of Diamond
Cutting and Coring Equipment 27
Air Monitoring 28
2.1 Personnel
2.1.1 Training
Employers may engage operatives
who are inexperienced in the activities
carried out by member companies.
As part of their induction training,
it is vital that safe working methods
are explained to them, including
the safe handling and operation of
plant and equipment. In addition,
new techniques, methods of working
and equipment may be unfamiliar
to existing staff. Sufficient training
must be provided before staff can
operate machines. The association
encourages the Apprenticeship
scheme for this duty.
The Act places a responsibility on
employers to ensure health and
safety at work by providing adequate
information, instruction, training and
supervision from a competent person.
Where an injury or a dangerous
activity occurs, the employer could
be liable for prosecution if they have
failed on this responsibility.
Therefore, the employer should: -
a) Have a comprehensive set of
health and safety policies and
procedures;
b) Provide induction training for new
recruits;
c) Give employees’ enough training
to enable them to do their job
safely;
d) Train managerial staff and health
and safety representatives where
applicable;
e) Keep training records.
The attention of members is also
drawn to Section 2.4 which explains
the current arrangements for the
Certification of Operators. Because
of the complexity of our cutting
equipment, it has proven beneficial
to set up facilities for the detailed
training of operators. Also, suppliers
may give limited training in the
operation of their own products. The
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
CDM 2015 states that, “Sole reliance
02
should not be placed on industry
certification cards or similar being
General Operating Requirements
presented to them [contractors]
as evidence that a worker has the
right qualities”, the guidance makes
clear that “Nationally recognised
qualifications (such as National
Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and
Scottish Vocational Qualifications
(SVQs)) can provide contractors with
assurance that the holder has the skills,
knowledge, training and experience
to carry out the task(s) for which they
are appointed.
Attention is also drawn to the DSA
Apprenticeship Training Scheme
which is available to members and
non-members.
CDM: “Appointing workers
When a contractor employs or
appoints an individual to work on a
construction site, they should make
enquiries to make sure the individual:
a) Has the skills, knowledge, training
and experience to carry out the
work they will be employed to do
in a way that secures health and
safety for anyone working on the
site; or
b) Is in the process of obtaining
them. Paragraphs 163–173 give
guidance on what a contractor
should consider when appointing
anyone who has gaps in the
skills, knowledge or experience
necessary for the work.
Sole reliance should not be placed on
industry certification cards or similar
being presented to them as evidence
that a worker has the right qualities.
Nationally recognised qualifications
(such as National Vocational
Qualifications (NVQs) and Scottish
Vocational Qualifications (SVQs)) can
provide contractors with assurance
that the holder has the skills,
knowledge, training and experience
to carry out the task(s) for which they
are appointed. Contractors should
recognise that training on its own is
9
 not enough. Newly trained individuals
02 need to be supervised and given
the opportunity to gain positive
General Operating Requirements
experience of working in a range of
conditions.
When appointing individuals who may
be skilled but who do not have any
formal qualifications, contractors may
need to assess them in the working
environment.
2.1.2 Young Persons
This is defined as somebody over
school leaving age who is not yet 18.
Young persons may not be employed
unless a risk assessment has been
undertaken by the employer, so that
any risks have been identified and
sorted out. Before a child (a person
not over school leaving age) is
employed, the parents or guardians
must be given health and safety
information and sign an agreement
for that child to be employed on
the type of work assessed. This is in
addition to the general requirement to
give all employees such information.
The Regulations also cover such areas
as Night Work, Daily and Weekly
Rest Periods and Breaks. Employers
should also satisfy themselves that a
young person is fit for work including
seeking medical advice. Employers
should recognise that the training
requirements may need to be more
stringent for young persons. It is
recommended that:
a) Particularly on site, young persons
should be shown round by a
competent member of staff who
can indicate health and safety
hazards and the correct methods
of avoiding them.
b) Induction and operational training
are carried out by a competent
employee over 21 years of age
with a Certificate of Competence.
c) Close personal supervision is
maintained on young persons on
an on-going basis by one or more
supervisors aged over 21.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
Under no circumstances should young
persons be allowed to operate plant
and equipment without adequate
training and supervision.
Limited hours of work may also be
applicable to young persons. Persons
under 16 years cannot apply for a
CSCS related card.
2.1.3 Horseplay
Serious accidents often result from stupid
acts whilst fooling around. Horseplay
is to be strongly discouraged. Objects
should not be thrown or dropped from
heights i.e. from off scaffolding or working
platforms.
2.1.4 Alcohol & Drugs
Employees who are suspected of
having consumed alcohol must not
be allowed on site, and alcoholic
drinks must not be brought onto the
site. Any employee suspected of
being under the influence of alcohol,
must be escorted off site, but under
no circumstances must they be
allowed to drive. As an employer, you
would be responsible if an accident
occurred.
Employers should also take steps to
ensure that they are aware of any
employees who may be under the
influence of drugs which could impair
their performance and ability to
handle machinery. Many sites now
have introduced random testing, but
the body’s ability to retain evidence
of some recreational drugs can be
as much a month, even though
the employee’s ability to work may
not at all be impaired, Refer to the
employer’s drugs and alcohol policy
2.1.5 Unfair Dismissal
The Employment Rights Act 1996
gives employees the right not to
be dismissed for several reasons in
connection with their conduct related
to their health and health and safety
activities and actions.
However, as far as health and safety
in concerned, it is possible to dismiss
an employee fairly as a result of their
conduct or because of contravention
10
of a requirement of the Health and
safety at Work etc Act, although the
grounds for dismissal must be fair and
reasonable. Also, a fair procedure
must be used by the employer.
Situations which may warrant dismissal
are: -
a) An employee’s conduct, i.e. unsafe
or reckless behaviour;
b) The inability to do a job safely, i.e.
without contravening the law;
c) Refusal to obey an order
connected with health and safety.
However, the employees have the
right, subject to certain qualifying
periods, to complain to an industrial
tribunal that they have been unfairly
dismissed. For example, an individual
may claim that he is being asked
to obey an order that is unsafe, or
he may feel that his resignation has
been brought about by employer’s
dangerous practices i.e. constructive
dismissal.
If an employer is to convince a
tribunal that the dismissal was fair,
they must follow the procedures
recommended under current
employment legislation.
2.1.6 Compulsory Insurance
All employers are required by law
to insure against injury or disease
suffered by their employees for a
recommended amount of £10 million
and must make available a copy of
the Insurance Certificate at the place
of business so that employees can
have access to it. It is a condition
of joining the Drilling and Sawing
Association that those applicants
carry adequate public liability
insurance. Details are available from
the DSA.
2.1.7 Lifting & Carrying
As the Act imposes a general duty on
employers for the health and safety of
employees, they have a responsibility
for ensuring that individuals can
handle a particular load. This involves
carrying out an assessment of such
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
risks.
02
The general requirements have
now been reinforced by specific
General Operating Requirements
regulations on Manual Handling
referred to in Section 6.3.4. These
Regulations incorporate the latest
knowledge about back injuries and
how they are caused.
Wherever practical, mechanical
lifting should be used in reference
to manual methods, i.e. hazardous
manual handling operations should
be avoided altogether. Employees
should also be given adequate
training in dealing with heavy loads if
these arise during their work.
The definition of what is a heavy load
depends on individual circumstances
such as the capability of the
individual, the nature of the load and
the location, etc. When lifting heavy
loads operatives are advised to wear
industrial gloves and safety footwear
with steel toecaps. Back injuries are
the most frequent. These can be
prevented by adopting the correct
posture i.e.
- Correct position of feet, slightly apart
- Straight back
- Arms close to body for lifting and
carrying
- Knees bent i.e. lift using the legs.
2.1.8 Display of Notices
Where members’ employees are
working temporarily on construction
sites, the contractor will have an
obligation to display certain notices as
laid down in the “Construction Health
and safety Manual”.
2.1.9 First Aid
The Health and safety (First Aid)
Regulations 1981 in conjunction
with an Approved Code of Practice
plus Guidance Notes lay down first
aid requirements for employers,
employees and self-employed
people. This Code of Practice No.
L74 – “First Aid at Work” (third edition
2013) outlines the requirements. The
11
 employer has a duty to provide first
02 aid and to inform his employees of the
arrangements.
General Operating Requirements
Although the Code gives broad
guidelines, it is up to the employer
to provide equipment and facilities
that are adequate in relation to the
size and nature of the business i.e. first
aid rooms and equipment, first aid
personnel etc. The new Code requires
employers to make an assessment of
the hazards in their workplace when
deciding on the level of facilities
and personnel, rather than basing
it purely on numbers of employees,
although the considered norm for
up to 5 employees is 1 Appointed
Person, and over 5, 1 fully trained First
Aider (Emergency First Aid at work).
The Guidance Notes also lay down
amended recommendations on
training.
Where members’ employees are
regularly working away from base,
there should be an assessment as to
whether first aid equipment should
be provided. Members may feel that
it is appropriate for vans to carry a
“travelling first aid kit” as outlined in
the Code of Practice.
First aid boxes should contain an
enough quantity of first aid materials
and nothing else. The contents
should be replenished as used and
expiry dates on packets must not be
exceeded. The box must be properly
marked and for 10 people in most
normal cases will contain: -1 guidance
card
a) 20 individually wrapped sterile
adhesive dressings
b) 2 sterile eye pads with attachment
c) 6 individually wrapped triangular
bandages
d) 6 safety pins
e) 6 medium sized individually
wrapped sterile un-medicated
wound dressings
f) 2 large sterile individually wrapped
un-medicated wound dressings
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
g) 1 pair of disposable gloves.
However, for travelling first aid kits,
the following is recommended as a
minimum requirement: -
a) 1 guidance card
b) 6 individually wrapped sterile
adhesive dressings
c) 1 large sterile un-medicated
dressing
d) 2 triangular bandages
e) 2 safety pins
f) Individually wrapped moist
cleaning wipes.
g) 1 pair of disposable gloves.
2.1.10 Personal Protective
Equipment
Section 2.3.3. of this Code sets out the
legal requirements under the latest
Regulations on Personal Protective
Equipment. There is therefore
a requirement on employers to
undertake a Risk Assessment of every
task and if the hazard to Health or
safety cannot be eliminated, then to
provide suitable P.P.E. This includes
clothing designed to protect against
adverse weather conditions. The
prime duty of employers is to take
steps to prevent a hazard i.e. cutting
machines may have to be fitted with
dust control equipment. If this proves
impractical, personal protective
equipment must be supplied.
The latest P.P.E. Regulations also
make provision for the introduction of
common manufacturing standards
across the EU. Under the P.P.E.
Regulations 2002 (regarding design
and manufacture), P.P.E. for all
activities must now have a CE mark of
conformity. Purchasers of P.P.E. should
only use reputable manufacturers and
should ensure that the equipment is
suitable for the hazard against which
it provides protection. Compatibility
of PPE must be assessed where there
in an interface with each other when
worn.
12
The provision of safety helmets is also
covered in Section 2.3.7. In addition,
there are also Regulations covering: -
a) Ear Protection - The Control of Noise
at Work Regulations 2005 (which
came into force on 6 April 2006),
lay down when hearing protection
is to be supplied i.e. noise over
80dB(A) – now the first action level.
Ear plugs must conform to EN 352-2
and Ear Defenders to EN 352-
b) Drilling and sawing of concrete
are typical activities where such
protection must be worn.
Eye Protection - Regulation 4 of
The Personal Protective Equipment
at Work Regulations 1992, requires
employers to have the responsibility
to equip workers involved in certain
processes with eye protection or,
where appropriate, a shield. These
processes could cause damage to
the eyes through the impact of dust
and/or chemicals and include the
use of cartridge guns, cold chisels,
grinding wheels and discs, drilling etc.
of building materials, welding and
cutting.
The P.P.E. Regulations lay down the
requirements for the specification
and issue of personal protection
equipment generally. Eye protectors
must meet the European Standard
laid down for the job for which they
are being used i.e. EN 166, in respect
of impact risks. Welding goggles must
comply with EN 166 and EN 175, for
fusion welding and must be fitted with
the appropriate grade of lens. Filters
are covered by EN 169.
Where a person is supplied with eye
protectors to deal with a specific
task, they are under an obligation to
make use of them. Loss or damage
to an item of equipment must also be
reported, and a replacement issued.
a) Dust Protection - Under the
C.O.S.H.H. Regulations 2002, where
drilling and sawing processes result
in the release of dust and/or fumes
into the air because of practical
difficulties in providing suitable dust
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
and/or fume extraction equipment,
operatives must be provided with
02
face masks or respirators. Face
General Operating Requirements
masks must conform to EN 149 and
respirators to EN 136,140 or 405. This
is explained further in appendix
11.10 Air monitoring if activities
require masks and respirators.
N.B. Masks and respirators are
designed to reduce the concentration
of a pollutant, but they can leak, and
most leakages occur around the face
seal. To reduce this risk, new legislation
requires that all tight-fitting respirators,
full face masks, half masks and
disposables are face fit tested.
2.1.11 General Appearance &
Clothing
Operatives must be made aware of
the hazards associated with wearing
loose clothing which may become
trapped in moving machine parts.
Avoid wearing rings, jewellery or
watches when working near moving
machinery, and ensure that long hair
is kept tucked out of harm’s way.
Elasticated wrists on long sleeved
clothing should be used to avoid
entanglement in moving machinery.
Operatives should be encouraged
to use safety footwear and heavy-
duty industrial gloves Footwear should
comply with the relevant British
Standard. Available gloves can vary
from PVC industrial to chrome leather.
Special leather gauntlets and flame-
resistant clothing must be used for
welding.
2.2 Welfare
2.2.1Welfare Arrangements
On construction sites, it is necessary
to make proper welfare provision as
laid down in the Construction (Design
and Management) Regulations
2015 including the provision of
suitable and enough sanitary, rest
and other facilities. Schedule 2 of
these Regulations lays down specific
recommendations, i.e. the numbers
of conveniences and wash stations
based on the numbers of employees.
On most sites, members’ staff will
13
 02 use facilities provided by the main
contractor.
2.2.2 Vibration White Finger
General Operating Requirements
Workers continually using power
tools such as breakers hammer drills
and angle grinders, where there is
persistent vibration, risk VWF - Vibration
White Finger. This results in blanching,
numbness and pain in the fingers.
Claims have already been received
by members from former employees
for compensation for injury.
If there is a risk that employees will
be exposed to vibration from, for
example, use of an angle grinder
whilst chasing, members should ensure
that this exposure is limited to periods
recommended by the HSE and the
machine manufacturers. Care should
also be taken that tools have proper
vibration protection/devices. Regular
or continual users must monitor
closely the condition of their hands
and fingers. If in any doubt, seek
medical advice. Continual monitoring
i.e. rotation logs, have meters etc.
HSE guidance: Vibration exposure
monitoring Q&A released 18/08/2011
indicates that this practice is not
necessary, planning of the activity
so as not to exceed exposure is what
is required to comply with the Regs,
based on the information available
and should be the basis of a risk
assessment.
The HSE publish several documents
providing information on hand/arm
vibration. These are available from
HSE Books. The Supply of Machinery
(safety) Regulations as amended
2011 require instructions for hand-
held equipment to indicate whether
the operator will be subjected to a
specified level of vibration.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
2.3 Mechanical & Electrical
2.3.1 Air Receivers
The Pressure Systems Safety
Regulations 2000 came into operation
together with the associated
Approved Code of Practice L122 (this
has been updated for 2009). Unless
action is taken, if there is an accident,
members could experience problems
with insurance cover.
For member companies owning
air compressors or compressed air
installations of any sort, at present
it is important that the records kept
under the previous arrangements
covering testing and inspection are
maintained up to date. However,
the latest Regulations lay down new
requirements regarding Operation,
Examination and Maintenance.
The responsibility for compliance with
the Regulations rests with the Owner,
who is required to arrange for a
Written Scheme of Examination to be
drawn up or certified by a competent
person as defined in the Approved
Code of Practice. This applies to air
receivers or pressure vessels used at
a greater pressure than 0.5bar. The
equipment should also be submitted
for regular tests by a competent
person at appropriate intervals. The
owner is responsible for ensuring
that the person who draws up the
Scheme and examines the equipment
is suitably qualified. Written reports
shall be kept of all examinations,
maintenance etc. The regulations do
not lay down specific requirements on
“appropriate intervals”. These should
be agreed with the manufacturer or
the person who draws up the Scheme
for Examination.
If necessary, consult your equipment
manufacturer and insurance
company regarding implementation
of the requirements. The British
Compressed Air Society can provide
information plus Guidance/
Interpretation Notes on the
implementation of the new legislation.
When hiring a compressor, ensure
that the hire company is required to
14
supply machines that comply with the
latest Regulations. This is best done by
the endorsement of hire orders with a
suitable clause.
2.3.2 Diesel Fumes
There is a risk of carbon monoxide
poisoning from exhaust fumes when
machines are operated in enclosed
space. It is therefore vital that there
is adequate ventilation. There have
been several cases of drilling and
sawing operators being overcome
with fumes whilst operating machines
within an enclosed area and great
care should be taken with ventilation
arrangements.
2.3.3 Electrical Requirements
Electrical equipment and installations
form one of the major sources of risk in
the construction industry. Remember that
electricity can kill.
Therefore, equipment must be maintained
to the highest standards and operatives
must be trained in its installation and use.
If operatives are concerned about the
condition or safety of electrical systems,
they should be encouraged to report the
problem and cease working.
The general requirements under the
Act on electrical safety have been
supplemented by the Electricity at Work
Regulations 1989, mentioned in section
6.2.2. Electrical equipment is also covered
by the general requirements of PUWER.
Electrical power supplies can come in the
following basic forms:
415 volt 3 phase - This is only to be
used for major items of plant. It is not
a safe voltage and its installation and
use must only be arranged through
a competent electrician. Ensure
Portable Appliance Test is in date.
User checks must be conducted
weekly, Formal Visual Inspection to be
completed monthly and Combined
Inspection and Testing every 3 months.
240 volt single phase - This is also not a
safe voltage and must only be used in
areas such as office accommodation.
Where 240 volts is the only supply
available a transformer must be used
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
to reduce the supply to 110 volts,
especially if it is to be used as a power
02
source for small plant and tools. Ensure
General Operating Requirements
Portable Appliance Test is in date.
User checks must be conducted
weekly, Formal Visual Inspection to be
completed monthly and Combined
Inspection and Testing every 12
months.
110-volt single phase - This is commonly
used for small plant and tools and is
the recommended voltage for smaller
machines and hand tools. However,
110-volt 3 phase is being increasingly
used for light movable plant. All portable
equipment should be equipped for
110-volt supply. Plant and tools with 240-
volt motors must not be used. 25 volts
and below - Where damp operating
conditions prevail, it may be advisable to
use extra low voltage equipment.
Hand-held tools should be of the double-
insulated variety or properly earthed.
When other electrically operated
machines such as core drills or saws are
used with water, they must be properly
earthed unless they are of double
insulated construction. Electric shock can
result when metalwork becomes alive as
a result principally of loose wires, wrong
connections, faulty earth connections,
damaged plugs or sockets, cable
damage or makeshift repairs.
Repairs must only be carried out by a
qualified electrician.
All electrical equipment should be
thoroughly checked and tested at
appropriate intervals (now usually 3
monthly) and prior to use on site, and
plant and tools should be labelled to
this effect. All cables and connections
must be of a type suitable for outside
work and must always be maintained in
good condition. The risk of shock through
damage to cables and bad connections
can be minimised using a residual current
protection device. The use of such a
device is strongly recommended for
voltages above 110 volts.
Site electrical installations should be
treated with the utmost care and only
touched under the supervision of a
competent and experience electrician.
15
 Machines must never be wired direct to
02 a mains distribution board or other source
of electricity supply except by a qualified
General Operating Requirements
electrician.
Where transformers are used to reduce
the supply to 110 volt these should be
centre tapped and conform to BS 3535.
Plugs and sockets manufactured to BS
4343 should only be removed or fixed by
a competent person. For a 110 volt supply
the plug/socket should be of the “c” type
and coloured yellow. 200/230-volt plugs
etc should be coloured blue and 400/440-
volt coloured red. No appliance should
be connected to an electrical system
other than by the correct plug, and fuses
of the correct capacity must be used.
Temporary makeshift fuses must not be
fitted.
Cables should not be left trailing in
positions where they can be damaged.
Worn, damaged and severed cables
must be replaced immediately. Great
care must be taken when using water in
an area where there are electrical cables
or installations. Any fault in an electrical
appliance or system must be reported to
a responsible person immediately.
Fire extinguishers for use on electrical
equipment must be of the appropriate
approved type.
Where a mains electrical supply is not
available, the machine user may decide
to make use of a temporary supply via a
generator. Because most small generators
are mobile by design, it is impractical to
expect users to connect them to earth.
However, if a generator is in one
place for any length of time it is
advisable to have the machine
earthed correctly. Where this cannot
be done, steps should be taken to
ensure that the user is protected.
Only accept generators of the single
voltage 110-volt variety for powering
small tools etc. Preferably, users should
also specify machines that are centre
tapped to earth and should ensure
that an earth leakage circuit breaker
is fitted.
Larger generators supplying 415-volt 3
phase may be required for powering
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
wall saws, etc. Any member requiring
specific guidance on the use of larger
generators on site should contact the
DSA.
Electrical equipment and installations
form a complex subject and we can
only provide a practical introduction
to this subject. If in doubt, seek
professional advice.
User checks must be conducted
weekly, Formal Visual Inspection to be
completed monthly and Combined
Inspection and Testing every 3 months.
2.3.4 Lifting Equipment
In 1998, the Lifting Operations and
Lifting Equipment Regulations were
introduced and replaced previous
legislation. These latest regulations
cover the use of cranes, hoists,
winches and other lifting equipment
within the construction industry,
including chains, ropes and other
lifting gear. They lay down the
intervals at which this equipment
must be examined and tested by a
competent person. Full details of the
testing and examination requirements
are laid out in the “Construction
Health and safety Manual”.
Lifting equipment must not be used
unless the relevant current records
can be produced by the owner. In
general, all lifting equipment must
also be marked with its safe working
load and means of identification.
Under no circumstances must this
load be exceeded except for testing
purposes.
Lifting equipment should only be used
for the job for which it is intended i.e.
chain slings should not be used for
towing vehicles.
Owners and suppliers of all lifting
equipment must possess current
records, and where appropriate a
copy should be kept on the machine.
Where equipment is being hired in,
the hire company must be asked
to furnish copies of the relevant
records and the hire order endorsed
accordingly.
16
All lifting accessories must be
inspected before it is used to check
for damage and wear and tear.
If there is any doubt concerning the
condition of an item, it must be taken
out of service and reported to the
owner. Proper provision must be made
for the secure storage of lifting tackle
when it is not being use, particularly
on site. Equipment that is left lying
around will get damaged or used for
the wrong purposes.
2.3.5 General Machinery
Hazards
The Provision & Use of Work Equipment
Regulations 1998 now cover all work
equipment whether owned, hired
or leased. This equipment must
be suitable, properly maintained,
inspected where necessary. In
addition, employers must provide
information and training. Where
equipment poses a specific risk, its
use may be restricted to designated
persons. Most machines and
power tools can be dangerous if
used improperly. Manufacturers
of machines should be asked to
provide detailed operating safety
instructions, and copies of these
documents should be made available
to the operator. It is essential that
all operatives are trained in the
safe use of equipment. Some items,
i.e. grinding wheels, are inherently
dangerous and must be properly
fenced and guarded. Machines must
be fitted with fences and guards to
prevent operators meeting exposed
moving parts. Under no circumstances
must machines be operated unless
the fences or guards specified by the
manufacturers are fitted.
Clearly there are situations in the
drilling and sawing industry where
it is considered impractical and
possibly unsafe to guard items such
as drill bits. Therefore, it is imperative
that operators are trained and
experienced in the use of machines,
are aware of the risks from moving
parts, and wear appropriate
protective clothing and PPE. A Risk
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
Assessment must also be prepared
for each specific drilling or sawing
02
operation.
General Operating Requirements
Parts of an engine can become very
hot, particularly the exhaust. There is a
risk of severe burns if they are touched
before they cool off.
All machinery and equipment must
not be operated by persons that have
not been appropriately trained in their
operation.
2.3.6 Maintenance & Servicing
Mechanical and electrical
appliances must be maintained in
accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations with reference to
health and safety checks and tests.
The service intervals recommended
by the manufacturer should be
complied with.
Equipment must be thoroughly
checked and tested prior to issue
to site personnel, even though it
may only previously have been
out on site for a day or two. Before
any maintenance or repair work
is undertaken, an engine driven
machine must be turned off and
electrical units must be disconnected
from the mains.
Unauthorised repairs or modifications
to plant and equipment must be
forbidden. Repairs must only be
undertaken by suitably qualified fitting
staff, and only proper spare parts and
lubricants must be used.
Much of the plant and equipment
used in the drilling and sawing
processes operates at high speeds.
Failure to maintain and service
equipment properly can result in
incidents with a high risk of injury.
2.3.7 Refuelling
This should only take place in a well-
ventilated area where there is no
smoking and from a double bonded
bowser. The tank should not be
overfilled, and the tank cap must be
securely closed. Spillage of fuel should
be avoided, and the area must be
17
 dry before the engine is started. Either
02 a proper pump or a suitable funnel
should be used. The fuel should not be
General Operating Requirements
poured direct from a can. Wherever
practicable all portable wheeled
plant should have a drip tray placed
underneath and always have spill kits
available to reduce impact on the
environment should a spillage occur.
2.3.8 Welding & Cutting
During welding and burning processes
there is a danger from burns, electric
shock, eye damage and fire. The two
most common welding processes are
gas welding and electric arc welding.
This work must only be carried out by
operatives who have undergone an
approved course of training, which
includes procedures for storage,
handling and use of cylinders,
for testing leaks, for dealing with
explosion danger, for lighting up and
shutting down and for coping with
blowbacks/flashbacks.
Regulators must always be fitted
to gas cylinders to control the gas
pressure. Equipment must also be
fitted with non-return valves attached
to the hose/blow pipe connections.
Flashback arrestors must be attached
to regulators. Hoses should be colour
coded, i.e. red for acetylene, orange
for LPG and blue for oxygen.
It is essential that the operator and
any bystanders are protected from
damage to the eyes through infra-red
light when gas welding or ultraviolet
radiation during arc welding.
Proper welding face shields should
therefore be worn, and welding
goggles and helmets must conform to
BS 1542 with the appropriate filters. As
an additional precaution, wherever
practicable a flame-resistant black
screen around the work should
be constructed. Special clothing
such as leather gauntlet gloves,
hat, flame resistant non-synthetic
overalls and safety boots will provide
protection against heat and sparks.
Burns can also be avoided by simple
precautions such as buttoning collars
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
and wearing long sleeves. Tongs and
pliers should be used for handling hot
material.
Welding must not take place in
an enclosed space unless there
is adequate ventilation, as toxic
fume is produced, which can be
both visible and invisible. In order
to minimise fume, avoid welding
of material that has a protective
coating, or remove the coating
before welding. Also adhere to the
correct welding operating data in line
with recommendations published by
suppliers such as BOC, which includes
the measurement of fume. The correct
design of helmet will also help reduce
the risk of inhaling fume.
Dust or fumes arising during these
processes are subject to the COSHH
Regulations.
Flammable materials must be
removed from the welding area,
and welding must not be carried out
where the air may contain flammable
gas or vapours i.e. petrol.
It is dangerous to expose gas cylinders
to abnormal temperatures, and an
arc must not be struck on or near a
gas cylinder. Do not pierce or burn
a cylinder even when empty. Long
hose runs should be avoided, and
hoses examined regularly for wear
and leaks. Ensure that the correct
regulator is used and only allow
the manufacturer to repair a faulty
regulator. Cylinders should always
be handled with care and not hit or
struck. The name of the appropriate
gas is to be marked on each cylinder.
As far as electric welding is
concerned, do not weld under wet or
damp conditions, and use an earth
leakage device (RCCB). The earth
cable should be connected to the
work piece as close as possible to
the welding area. The possibility of
the welding current passing through
pipework or building frames should
be avoided. Live metal parts must not
be allowed to touch the skin or wet
clothing. All cables must be checked
18
frequently for wear and damage.
A risk assessment of any risks that may
arise during welding or cutting should
be made under the Management of
Health and safety Work Regulations
1999.
2.3.9 Reporting
Arrangements should exist for
reporting defective machinery,
equipment and vehicles promptly,
and staff should be instructed to
remove defective items from service
immediately.
2.3.10 Hired Plant
Where plant and equipment are hired
in, the hire transaction will usually
take place under the Conditions of
Hire published by the Construction
Plant - hire Association (CPA) or
the Hire Association Europe (HAE).
These conditions should be printed
on the hire contract document. The
hire company has an obligation
to supply an item that is safe to
use and to ensure that the hirer’s
representative knows how to operate
it safely. However, the hirer does
have a responsibility for ensuring that
only experienced personnel use the
equipment. Also, the user carries a
responsibility for ensuring that hired
equipment is properly maintained and
not maltreated.
Whilst hired equipment is under the
control of the hirer, there may be a
contractual obligation on the hirer
to indemnify the owner against any
claims arising out of its use.
Hired electrical equipment such as
electric tools should be tested and
checked by the hire company prior to
use and a label should be attached
confirming this together with the next
test / inspection date. It is up to the
user to ensure that the tool is returned
prior to this deadline. When hiring
items such as lifting equipment, which
fall within statutory requirements on
examination and inspection, the
hirer should decide for ensuring that
the owner has complied with the
regulations and possesses the relevant
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
documentation.
02
As far as small tools and equipment
are concerned, the HAE (Hire
General Operating Requirements
Association of Europe) makes
available for its member companies
a range of operating leaflets entitled
“Operating Instructions & Health and
safety Notes” covering most common
tools. These leaflets give detailed
health and safety guidelines. When
hiring tools, DSA members should
ensure that the relevant operating
leaflets are made available by the
hire company.
2.3.11 Air Tools
Where air tools are used, it should be
remembered that they are powerful
and should be handled with care. The
air supply must be turned off before
working on a tool for maintenance or
repair purposes. Whip cords must be
used on all couplings.
2.3.12 Noise
When buying or hiring mechanical
plant and equipment, users should
insist that the machine suppliers
provide items that comply with the
requirements of the Noise at Work
Regulations. All plant is affected by
these Regulations which are covered
in more detail in Section 6.2.3.
2.4 Storage
2.4.1 General
Plant and tools used in the drilling and
sawing processes can be dangerous if
they fall into the wrong hands and are
operated by inexperience people.
Therefore, when work is stopped for
any length of time, i.e. overnight,
equipment must be stored away
securely either in the operatives’ van
or in lockable accommodation. If
necessary, arrangements should be
made with the main contractor for
secure storage.
2.4.2 Highly Flammable Liquids
and Liquefied Petroleum Gases
Highly flammable liquids are now
more commonly used on construction
sites in solvents and adhesives etc.
19
 They can normally be recognised
02 by the presence on containers
of a “Highly Flammable” Label or
General Operating Requirements
Sign. Also liquefied petroleum gas
in the form of propane or similar
is used for heating and burning.
Both these groups are covered by
the Dangerous Substances and
Explosive Atmospheres regulation
2002 (commonly referred to as DSEAR)
an assessment must be carried out
under these regulations, which govern
their storage, handling and use.
Both substances should be stored
in the open air in a special fenced
compound which can be made
secure from unauthorised access. The
compound should be marked with
the appropriate notices covering ‘No
Smoking’ etc. The HSE publish several
Guidance Notes on the storage
and use of these commodities. Gas
cylinders should be stored in an
upright position in a ventilated and
appropriately signed lockable cage,
but steps must be taken to ensure
that they cannot fall. If it is necessary
for a member company to store such
liquids or gases on a site where they
are working as a sub-contractor; they
must consult the main contractor
regarding the provision of safe storage
facilities.
2.4.3 Petrol & Diesel
It is sometimes necessary to use petrol
or diesel for powering machines. Up to
275 litres or less may be stored without
a licence subject to certain provisions
involving the Petroleum Licensing
Authority. If these provisions cannot
be met, a maximum of 14 litres can be
stored without a licence.
If the member must make their own
supply available, the Petroleum - Spirit
(Plastic Containers) Regulations 1982,
together with the accompanying
Code of Practice, lay down the
specification for containers that may
be used without a licence. Where
larger storage facilities are necessary
these are covered by the Regulations.
Consultation should take place with
the main contractor where fuel
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
must be stored on site. Although
the regulations specify petrol, diesel
fuel should be treated in the same
way although greater quantities
are permissible in double bunded
containers, usually of either 500
or 1000 litre capacity. Containers
of fuel and lubricants must be
clearly labelled to avoid confusion.
Containers for petrol, diesel and
two stroke mixture must be clearly
distinguished. Putting neat petrol in a
two-stroke engine could result in an
accident.
Fuel is not to be used for unauthorised
purposes and great care must be
exercised when filling cans and
machines. Smoking is not allowed
where fuel is being stored or handled.
Engines must be stopped and allowed
to cool down prior to filling.
2.5 Gas Cylinders
Gas cylinders containing substances
such as Liquid Petroleum, Oxygen,
Nitrogen etc. are now commonly
used on site for processes such as
welding, heating etc. It is essential that
operatives understand the health and
safety requirements for the transport
and use of cylinders. Safe storage
is dealt with in a previous section.
Major suppliers of gas such as BOC
can provide handbooks and other
documentation on the safe use and
transport of their products.
Prior to starting work, staff must check
that the cylinders they are using are
properly labelled and contain the
correct gas. Combustible and non-
combustible gases require different
fittings based on left- and right-
hand threads, in order to prevent
the interchange of fittings between
cylinders containing different types
of gases. Therefore, ensure that you
have the right equipment for the job. If
in any doubt, consult the gas supplier
regarding suitable regulators and
hoses, and follow the manufacturer’s
instructions concerning correct
operation. All oxygen fittings must be
kept free of oil, grease and any other
combustible material.
20
Prior to use, all cylinder fittings and
equipment must be checked for leaks
and operators must wear protective
clothing including eye protection.
Once work is completed, regulators
etc. should be disconnected prior to
storage or transport. In the event of
a fire involving gas cylinders, the fire
brigade must be notified immediately,
and people should be kept well
clear. Cylinders which are not directly
affected should be moved away
from the area as quickly as possible,
providing this can be done without
risk. Care must still be taken once a
fire has died down, as there is still the
risk of cylinder explosion.
The transport of cylinders by road is
covered by the Road Traffic (Carriage
of Dangerous Substances in Packages
etc.) Regulations 1986. Where
cylinders of 5 litres or more of LPG are
carried, vehicle operators must ensure
that the driver has had adequate
training concerning the hazards of
LPG and emergency procedures.
Drivers of vehicles carrying LPG must
also have a “Trem Card” in the cab
detailing the hazards of the load and
emergency action. A suitable fire
extinguisher must also be carried.
2.6 Fire Precautions
Normally members’ operatives will
be working on premises controlled
by the main contractor or client who
will be responsible for fire precaution
requirements under the Regulatory
reform (Fire Safety) order 2005. It
defines health and safety measures
including the means of detecting and
fighting fire, escape from workplaces
and the need for a fire assessment.
However, every employer has a
duty under the Act to provide a
safe place of work, including safe
means of access to and exit from his
premises. Therefore, there should be
consultation with the main contractor
regarding access, instruction and
training, practice fire drills and fire
instruction notices.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
Members’ employees should co-
operate with the requirements in
02
force, and employers should adopt
General Operating Requirements
the following safe practices: -
- Ensure that all employees are aware
of the arrangements for reporting
a fire on a site. Normally, this will
involve stopping work, notifying a
person immediately and tackling
the fire, if this can be done without
personal danger and assuming that
the correct equipment and materials
are available.
- Employees should be aware of the
location of fire extinguishers and how
to operate them, together with the
location of fire exits and alarm points.
- Ensure that employees follow
instructions regarding ‘NO SMOKING’
areas.
- Insist that combustible waste
is not left lying about i.e. good
housekeeping.
- Ensure that the regulations regarding
flammable liquids, petroleum gases
and spirits are known and adhered
to. Also, that proper precautions are
taken over welding and cutting.
- Place the emphasis on FIRE
PREVENTION
- All temporary operations involving
open flames or producing heat and/
or sparks, this includes, but is not
limited to, Brazing, Cutting, Grinding,
Soldering, Thawing, and Welding.
VALIDITY. Hot works permits are only
valid for a maximum of 1 working
day.
2.7 Transport
Transport is used principally for
delivering and collecting operatives,
material and equipment to and from
site. Employers should protect the
health and safety of their staff by
ensuring: -
a) That vehicles are maintained
in accordance with the
manufacturers’ recommendations
and are always roadworthy;
21
 b) That vehicles are only driven by
02 employees of the proper age
and with the appropriate driving
General Operating Requirements
licence; refer to towing i.e. who
can tow, what category licence is
required. Refer to VoSA.
c) That vehicles are not loaded over
the manufacturer’s recommended
capacity;
d) That proper safe means of loading
and offloading are provided;
e) That vehicles are properly licensed
and insured in accordance with
statutory requirements;
f) That the requirements of the Road
Traffic Act are fulfilled;
g) That consideration is shown to other
road users.
h) Employees must be encouraged
to report all vehicle defects
immediately, particularly where
these affect the safety of the
vehicle.
2.8 Asbestos
2.8.1 Introduction
Asbestos is the largest single cause
of fatal disease and ill-health caused
by work in the UK. The toxic effects
of breathing in asbestos fibres are
irreversible. The HSE report that over
2500 people die each year from
cancer as a result of breathing in
asbestos fibres. Refer to the legal
requirement for a R&D survey to be
carried out prior to any demolition
or refurbishment works and that it
should be provided to the contractor
carrying out the works If your work
involves the maintenance and
repair of buildings, particularly those
built or refurbished before 2000,
your employees need to be aware
that they could meet asbestos.
Previous refurbishments may not
have removed asbestos but could
have concealed it. There is no legal
requirement to remove asbestos
provided that the material is in good
condition except where buildings are
to be demolished or will be subject to
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
major refurbishment work. The use of
power tools and equipment can be
especially hazardous, in view of the
high dust levels.
As an employer, you are required by
the Control of Asbestos Regulations
2012 to protect employees and others
who may be affected by exposure to
asbestos. The golden rule is: -
Always assume that asbestos is
present until it is proven to you that
it is not. It’s also the law! Refer to the
different types of asbestos works as
defined in the Regulations.
If your employees come across
something during construction or
refurbishment work which they think
may be asbestos, stop work and tell
their supervisor and/or the health
and safety representative. Otherwise
contact your own immediate
supervisor/manager who should,
by law, have had the information
passed on to them by the Client.
Consideration should also be given
to ensuring that contract terms place
the responsibility on the client for
checking that asbestos is not present
in the materials being cut. See
paragraph d).
A client is required by law to provide
details of asbestos in a building to
anyone who may come across it.
Always ensure you know.
All persons who may come into
contact in their normal work activity
should undertake formal asbestos
awareness training, as should their
supervisors and managers. Detailed
guidance is available from the Health
and Safety Executive website www.
hse.gov.uk.
2.8.2 About Asbestos
There are three most used types -
Chrysotile, Amosite and Crocidolite
- usually called white, brown and
blue asbestos respectively. However,
they cannot be identified just by
their colour as this refers to their pure
crystalline state and not how the
product would appear. All asbestos
22
 products, even those, like roofing
sheets that have become second
hand from demolition/removal are
prohibited from use or re-use.
Brown and blue are the two most
dangerous and have not been
imported since 1985. They are
now banned by law. However,
construction workers may still come
across them in:
- Stripping out old insulation
- The demolition of former industrial
sites and premises including power
stations
- Fire doors and ceiling tiles
In fact, there are still over 4000
materials and products known to
contain asbestos present in millions of
buildings throughout the UK.
Asbestos insulation board is especially
common in buildings constructed
before 1980 and was used in fire
doors, ceiling tiles, internal walls and
panels.
If asbestos products remain intact
and are in good condition, they do
not pose a risk to health, but if the
asbestos is in poor condition or is likely
to be damaged or disturbed, there is
cause for concern. Work with asbestos
releases fine fibres which can remain
airborne for some time and cause
fatal disease. There is no cure.
a) Where is asbestos found in buildings? It
is most likely in: -
- Sprayed asbestos and loose packing
- used as packing in ceiling voids;
- Moulded coatings and laggings -
pipe and boiler insulation;
- Sprayed asbestos mixed with
asbestos cement - fire protection in
ducts, firebreaks, panels, partitions
and around structural steelwork;
- Insulating boards and some ceiling
tiles;
- Asbestos paper - used for insulation
on electrical equipment;
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
- Compressed asbestos cement
products - flat or corrugated sheets
02
used for roofing and wall cladding;
General Operating Requirements
also gutters, pipes and tanks;
- Certain textured products;
- Asbestos cement sheets and
insulating board used as shuttering
for concrete in any type of location.
If there is any doubt about the
presence of asbestos, then stop work
and insist that specialist advice is
sought. It’s the law!
b) The Law
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
places duties on employers to protect
employees and others as mentioned
above. This includes self-employed
persons. All work with asbestos is covered
by the Regulations. These Regulations also
cover the precautions required from any
employer carrying out work with asbestos
i.e. assessments, planning, training and
equipment. They are also supported by
a new Approved Code of Practice L143
(2012).
The Control of Asbestos Regulations
prohibits contractors from working on
asbestos coating or insulation (sprayed,
lagging/insulation and board) unless
they have a licence issued by the HSE.
This is specialist work undertaken only
by licensed contractors and requires
special precautions, including periodic
attendance by a UKAS Accredited
independent analytical organisation for
air monitoring and inspections before,
during and after the work has been
carried out. The independent analyst also
issues the final clearance certificate and
the certificate stating that the area is fit
for re-occupation so that normal activities
may be resumed.
There are exceptions to the requirement
for a licence, but these are complicated,
and it is suggested that drilling and sawing
operatives should refuse to work on
materials containing asbestos.
c) Conclusion
It is now thought that repeated low
exposures to asbestos dust can lead
23
 02 to illness. Therefore, precautions
should be taken to prevent exposure
or to keep it to as low a level as
General Operating Requirements
is reasonably practicable. Trades
such as Drilling and Sawing may not
consider that they work with asbestos,
but they might regularly drill, cut and
handle materials containing asbestos
and need to be protected.
The Health and Safety Executive
publish a wide range of information
on Asbestos. If you require further
details, contact the DSA office. Refer
to “EM1 What to do if you uncover or
damage materials that may contain
asbestos.
The bottom line is: Don’t disturb
asbestos and don’t spread asbestos!
It’s the Law.
2.9 Ventilation
Wherever the employer considers that
the presence of dust or fumes during
drilling or sawing operations would
represent a hazard to health and
safety, then provision must be made
for suitable ventilation. Generally,
this entails arrangements for fitting
extraction equipment to the machine
or tool involved, but it is also possible
to install a hood or cowl at the point
of dust or fume extraction.
Particular attention is drawn to the
use of diesel/ petrol driven machines
in enclosed spaces where fumes can
build up. These machines must have
arrangements for dispersing fumes
in a safe manner. There have been
numerous cases of drilling and sawing
operatives who have been badly
affected by such fumes.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
2.10 Access
2.10.1 The Health and safety at Work
etc. Act 1974 requires employers to
provide safe access and systems
of work whilst the Provision and
Use of Work Equipment Regulations
require employers to provide safe,
suitable equipment including access
equipment.
Where members or their employers
are not satisfied with the standards of
access, they should take the matter
up with the main contractor or with
whoever is responsible for providing
access under the contract.
Where ladders are used as a means of
access, under the above regulations,
including compliance with Schedule 6
of the new Work at Height Regulations
2005, no ladder may be used unless: -
a) Where it is more than 3 metres in
length, it is securely fixed near its
upper resting place or in the case
of a vertical ladder near its upper
end, unless this is impractical, in
which case a person must be
stationed at the foot of the ladder
when in use to prevent it slipping;
b) It has a firm and level footing;
c) It is secured where necessary to
prevent undue swaying or sagging;
d) It is equally and properly supported
on each stile or side
The regulations also specify the
requirements for the extension of the
ladder above the stepping off point.
Where practical this height is 1.05 metres.
The maximum distance between landing
places must not exceed 9 metres, where
a ladder or run of ladders is being used.
In general terms ladders must be carefully
inspected for damage prior to use. If
there is any doubt that a unit is in a safe
working condition, it is not to be used and
must be removed from the site to prevent
somebody using it by mistake. It must then
be returned to the supply source with a
record of the damage.
A ladder must only be used as a means of
24
access and not as a base for operating a
power tool.
2.10.2 Scaffolding
Where work cannot safely be carried
out from the ground or from some
permanent structure, a properly
maintained scaffold is to be provided.
Wherever practicable all scaffolding
should be erected in accordance
with BS EN 128-1:2003 and make
reference to the NASC guidance
TG:20. Scaffolding must only be
erected by suitable experienced
scaffolders (preferably trained under
guidance SG4:05 issued by The
National Access and Scaffolding
Confederation), under the supervision
of a competent person to ensure
that it is stable and properly secured.
Under no circumstances should other
operatives erect or in any way alter
a scaffold. Care must be taken to
ensure that scaffold platforms are
fitted with the toe boards and guard
rails required by the regulations.
The contractor responsible for the
provision of scaffolding must ensure
that it is not used unless it has been
inspected within the previous seven
days. A record of inspections should
be available.
Where the employee of a member
has any doubts concerning the
stability or safety of scaffolding, they
should stop work and seek advice
from their employers.
2.10.3 Scaffold Towers
These guidelines cover the legislation
on the use of Scaffold Towers and
give recommendations regarding
their use and erection/dismantling.
This has been done in some detail, as
members’ employees are often asked
to work off scaffold towers, and, in
some cases, the member may have
to provide and erect the tower.
a) Latest Design Regulations
The Work at Height Regulations (2005)
contains some specific requirements
regarding scaffold towers.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
1. Any scaffold tower from which
people can fall must have
02
double handrails. There must be
General Operating Requirements
a main guard rail at least 950
mm above the platform height
and
2. Intermediate guard rails
positioned so that the
unprotected gap does
not exceed 470mm. This
requirement for double
handrails on towers and
staging’s applies to both
working platforms and rest
platforms. All working platforms
must still be fitted with toe
boards at least 150mm high.
3. Staging’s being used as
working platforms must now be
a minimum of 600mm wide. If
staging’s under this width are
to be used, they should be
doubled up.
4. Rest platforms must be
provided at 4 metres.
5. These regulations should not be
confused with the European
Standard BS/EN1004 (1994)
which covers the design and
manufacture of towers. This
is purely a standard, and
compliance is voluntary.
Towers to this standard are
still quite legal to use but they
must comply with the above
Regulations.
a) Access to Towers
Any scaffold tower with a platform height
of 2m or more above the ground must
have a safe means of access to the
platform. This means ladder access must
be used within the tower.
This can be done for example by ladders
built into the tower frames, clip-on vertical
or inclined ladders or ladders fixed to the
tower. Ladders must be entirely supported
by the tower and should not be allowed
to lean against the tower whilst resting on
the ground.
b) Erection, Dismantling & Inspection
25
 Under current regulations, towers must
02 be erected by a competent person.
Clearly this means that they should
General Operating Requirements
have been trained and that there
should be a permanent record of this
training/competence. Towers must
also be inspected by a competent
person after any alteration or any
event likely to affect its stability. In
addition, if the tower remains erected
in the same place for more than 7
days it must be regularly inspected
by a competent person and a written
report made. A Proprietary system
by Scafftag is a very useful means of
visually checking that the tower is safe
to use and the inspection is in date.
The manufacturer or supplier
should provide a proper instruction
manual giving details of the erection
sequence and bracing requirements.
If a tower has been hired, the
hire company should provide this
information which must be made
available to the erector.
c) Stability
The manufacturer’s instruction leaflet
should give the maximum safe height
to which the tower can be erected
without being tied into the building
i.e. free standing. Although this is
no longer a legal requirement, as
a guide, the height of the working
platform should not exceed more
than 3 times the minimum base
dimension where the unit is being
used in exposed conditions or outside.
Used inside on level ground, this ratio
may be 3.5.
The erection leaflet should also show
the safe working load of the tower
and the platforms. Before a Tower is
used, check that it is vertical and that
the wheel brakes are on.
The overall stability of a Tower will also
be affected if it is: -
- Sheeted
- Exposed to strong winds
- Loaded with heavy equipment
- Used as a hoist
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
- Climbed from the outside
- Used as a support
A tower should have a proper purpose-
built internal access ladder.
d) Moving a Tower
Before moving a tower check that:
- There are no overhead power lines
or obstructions
- The ground is firm and level
- It is only pushed or pulled manually
from the base
- It is never moved in windy
conditions or while there are
people or materials on the
platforms.
Supervisors should ensure that any
public rights of way across a site are
maintained in a safe condition with
free and unobstructed access plus
signposts.
The HSE and Prefabricated Access
Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’
Association (PASMA), have produced
detailed guidance on the erection,
use and dismantling on mobile access
towers. Details can be found on the
HSE website www.hse.gov.uk.
2.11 Statutory Documents
Certain forms, notices, registers
and other records and signs must
be kept and used by construction
employers and must be produced
to an HSE inspector. This can include
such documents as Risk Assessments.
In the case of the majority of
drilling and sawing companies, this
documentation will be maintained at
their main depots.
However certain documents may
need to be carried by operatives who
travel out to site in a van on a daily
basis, i.e. copies of risk assessments
and safe systems of work.
Although copies of inductions,
maintenance records, toolbox talks,
PPE register should also be carried by
operatives, it is recognised that these
26
documents may be available from
the depot / office.
From site operations point of view
the main contractor will maintain
their own documentation which
governs the site as a whole and
details of which are contained in
the “Construction Health and safety
Manual”.
As legislation is changing constantly,
members should refer any queries
regarding new requirements to the
DSA.
2.12 Environment/ Pollution/
Waste
When planning or undertaking a job,
proper consideration must be given
to environmental factors such as
noise, fumes and dust etc. related to
the area in which the work is being
undertaken. Where a flow of water
is being used for cooling purposes,
operatives must ensure that there are
proper arrangements for channelling
the contaminated water away into
the nearest suitable drainage system.
The Environmental Protection Act 1990
also introduced procedures for the
control of waste.
As from the end of 1999, the 1990
Act is now being gradually replaced
by the Pollution Prevention and
Control Act 1999 and a new system of
integrated pollution control.
Also, the Waste Management
Licensing Regulations 2011 set out a
scheme for the handling and disposal
of waste. Association members
have already found it necessary to
comply with these Regulations when
disposing of waste material following
cutting processes, i.e. the disposal of
concrete cores. This can involve the
need for registration as waste carrier
and the use of waste transfer notes
depending on the nature of the waste
under current regulations.
From 1996, the Environment
Agency was the main enforcer of
environmental legislation. Details of
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
their offices are given in Appendix 10.1
02
Where members are required to
furnish an Environmental Policy
General Operating Requirements
Document, the DSA provides a draft
layout. Under the Waste Management
Regulation 2011 companies that use
waste carriers, brokers and disposal
facilities must obtain copies of their
licences.
2.13 Tolerances
Maximum tolerances are presented
in tables organized by the particular
type of work involved: which includes
core drilling; diamond cutting of
ceilings and walls; diamond cutting
of floors, with one set of tolerances
for rail- mounted equipment and a
slightly different set for wheel-driven
saws; wire sawing, in both horizontal
and vertical structures.
Depending on their applicability,
different measurements are
addressed for those sawing and
drilling activities. For example, core
drilling and diamond cutting include
tolerances for alignment accuracy
and for hitting the target depth,
whereas wire sawing do not. All
include tolerances for some form
of directional accuracy, for vertical
and horizontal levelness, and for
surface roughing. See Appendix 11.5
for the Drilling & Sawing Tolerances
document
Finally, a tolerance is given for hole
diameter deviations in core drilling,
and width of cut deviations for wire
sawing and diamond cutting.
2.14 Temporary Fixation of
Diamond Cutting and Coring
Equipment
Diamond applications requiring the
use of anchors are characterized by
the following communalities:
- The specification of base material
which is cut is mostly poorly defined.
Type and Condition of concretes in
the application
- Varies strongly. The use of an anchor
27
 type covering track sawing. All task based respirable
02 dust exposures were 0.27 mg/m³ or
- A wide range of concrete types is less, and all RCS exposures were 0.016
advised.
General Operating Requirements

- For temporary fixation on masonry
or on lean concrete other types of
anchors must be used.
- The conditions of the diamond tool
in use (core bit, saw blade) are
critical for the maximum loads to
be expected. If the diamond tool
is blunt, the forces which can be
exerted by the user or the machine
itself are factors higher than with a
sharp tool.
- Damaged and poorly maintained
equipment or diamond tools can
cause very strong vibrations and
dynamic loads on the anchor. No
safe working is possible under these
conditions. Lose rebar or other
irregular conditions may lead to
high vibrations even with properly
maintained equipment. Under
such conditions the use of larger
anchor sizes is advisable. For more
information visit Appendix 11.8
Anchoring
- The anchor load in diamond
applications is dominated by tensile
load.
mg/m³ or less.
The data was used to estimate typical
8-hour time weighted average (TWA)
exposures. The 8-hour TWA respirable
dust exposures were calculated to
be 0.1 mg/m³ or less, and the 8 hour
TWA RCS exposures were calculated
to be 0.008 mg/m³ or less. All RCS
results were less than one tenth
the corresponding GB workplace
exposure limit value (WEL).
The controls used during the tasks
were assessed. Exposure was
principally controlled by water
suppression but also included
segregation and use of respirable
protective equipment (RPE) for some
tasks. Job rotation was also reportedly
used for some tasks during normal
working operations on site.

2.15 Air Monitoring

When concrete is cut using power
tools, airborne dust is emitted and
workers may be exposed to respirable
dust, which includes respirable
crystalline silica (RCS). Exposure to RCS
can cause silicosis and lung cancer.
The Drilling and Sawing Association
(DSA) asked the Health and Safety
Laboratory (HSL) to help to assess
inhalation exposure to respirable
dust and RCS from activities involving
power-cutting of reinforced concrete
with water suppression.
Task based exposure measurements
were made for respirable dust and
RCS during six tasks chosen and
performed by the DSA: hand-held
sawing, ring sawing, hand-held and
rig mounted drilling, floor sawing and

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 28

 Site Setting Up
03
Site Appraisal 30
Site Working Conditions 30
Special Risks 31
03 3.1 Site Appraisal
On receipt of an enquiry, an appraisal
Setting Up Site
of site conditions must be undertaken,
in order to establish safe methods
of working by agreement with the
client’s representative, particularly
as the drilling contractor may be
responsible for providing a specialist
risk assessment and health and safety
method statement. It will also be
necessary to supply the operators with
details of the working method and the
appropriate equipment.
Ideally this appraisal will be the
subject of a site visit, but it is
recognised that there are situations
where the drilling contractor may
consider that a visit is unnecessary
and that it is practical to work from
information supplied by the client.
Examples would be an extension
to existing work, repeat work or an
urgent requirement.
For all enquiries it is recommended
that, at the outset, detailed
information is obtained from the client
based on a standard questionnaire
and that the client is aware: -
- That they are responsible for setting
out the work;
- That they are responsible for
supplying information on the
specification of the materials to be
drilled or sawed.
The client must be responsible for
marking out the location of cuts
and drilling points. Before work is
commenced, operators should ensure
that the client’s representative i.e.
the site agent or engineer shows
them where each hole or saw cut is
clearly marked on the material. The
client’s representative should also
indicate the position, size and type of
any reinforcing bars in the material.
Longitudinal bars can be a hazard
when sawing. If necessary, small test
holes can be drilled to establish the
location of the bar prior to sawing.
Test drilling can be cheaper and safer
than taking chances. A saw cut or drill
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
hole must not be moved away from
the location marked by the client
without advising them and obtaining
formal permission for such a variation.
Where the machine must be fixed to
the base material prior to drilling or
sawing, consideration should be given
to one of the following methods of
fixing i.e.: -
- Using acrow props against the
structure above;
- Securing via anchoring systems
recommended by manufacturers;
- By using a vacuum unit; however,
there are restrictions to diameter and
position
A secure fixing is critical to the success
of the operation. A badly fixed
machine represents a health and
safety hazard.
Of importance is the location of
services such as gas, water and
electricity, in order to prevent
damage during working. In addition,
the drilling contractor needs to
be advised of the location of any
sensitive areas adjacent to the work
which could suffer damage as a result
of vibration, dust, fumes or water from
the cooling process. One example
would be a computer installation. The
availability of services is also necessary
to determine the most suitable
power source for the contractor’s
equipment.
The client’s representative should
make this information available. If in
doubt, ask before commencing work.
3.2 Site Working Conditions
Before commencing operations, the
drilling contractor must check the
following points in the working area: -
a) The presence of water and grease
on the floor in as far as this affects
safe working;
b) The provision of adequate lifting
facilities;
c) The existence of satisfactory access
30
 and freedom from obstructions;
d) There must be adequate natural
ventilation;
e) The area must be tidy and free
from rubbish;
f) Freedom from extremes of
temperature in the working area.
Undue cold or heat can make the
handling of tools hazardous;
g) Areas behind and underneath
the material being cut must be
checked for risks of damage or
falling debris.
h) The area should be adequately lit.
3.3 Special Risks
Before commencing work, any special
high-risk working areas must be
identified. Common examples are: -
3.3.1 Carriageway and Street
works
Special care must be taken on roads,
streets and carriageways where there
is moving traffic. The main contractor
will be responsible for ensuring that
the work is being carried out in
accordance with current legislation.
For example, work on services laid in
the carriageway is covered by the
requirements of the New Roads and
Street Works Act 1991 whereas the
construction and maintenance of
roads are dealt with by the Highways
Act 1980.
Operatives must wear suitable high
visibility safety clothing and must be
protected from traffic by proper safety
barriers and signs. Traffic control must
follow laid down standards and is the
responsibility of the main contractor.
3.3.2 Walls and Roofs
Operations on the external surfaces
of buildings i.e. roofs or walls above
ground level require proper safety
measures. A safe means of access
must be provided by means of
scaffolding, access towers or powered
platforms. Scaffolding must only be
erected by authorised personnel
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
or by a specialist sub-contractor, with
attention being paid to guard rail
03
barriers and toe boards.
Setting Up Site
Roofs are a serious source of
accidents and there must be: -
- Safe access on to the roof
- Safe means of moving across the
roof
- Safe means of working on the roof
For short term, the minimum
requirements are purpose made
crawling boards and roof ladders.
In hazardous, aerial working locations,
personnel must be trained to use and
be provided with a safety harness.
They must be able to undertake
proper inspections of the harness
daily, and prior to undertaking any
work. Machines must be tethered with
safety chains to prevent them falling.
Ladders must be undamaged and
properly secured, and are only to
be used for access, not as a working
platform, refer to harness training.
3.3.3 Confined Spaces
Many working areas can become
dangerous because of the difficulty
of access and the limited ventilation
within a confined space. The area
can become gas filled or oxygen
deficient due either to the nature of
the work process being carried out; for
example, exhaust gases from engines.
Alternatively, problems can arise from
a natural danger i.e. a gas build up in
sewers. A confined space must have
enough ventilation so that the air is fit
to breathe.
Otherwise it will be necessary to
provide breathing apparatus. Meters
are available for checking and
monitoring air quality.
There is a general requirement to
carry out an assessment of any risks
associated with the employer’s work
under the Management of Health
and safety Regulations. In addition,
the Confined Spaces Regulations
1997 have been supplemented with
L101 (third edition 2014) which outline
31
 specific areas and activities which will
03 lead to the space being designated
as ‘confined’.
Setting Up Site
The Confined Spaces Regulations
define what is a confined space
which includes chambers, vats, tanks,
silos, pits, trenches, pipes. sewers, flues,
wells or other similar spaces. They
also define the likely risks including
fire and explosion, increased body
temperature, asphyxiation, drowning
etc.
The duties of employers are set out
including the provision of immediate
emergency rescue arrangements
and should, where necessary
include the provision of resuscitation
equipment. Work should never be
attempted unless there are two
or more persons present and they
should be adequately trained in
Confined Spaces. The person working
in the confined space should wear a
harness and lifeline and one person
should then keep watch and know
what to do in an emergency. Where
vertical access is available a rescue
tripod must be installed complete with
a competent operator and trained
first aider. Provision must be made for
undertaking emergency procedures.
It is stressed that work in confined
spaces should only be undertaken
where there is no practical alternative
and where there is a safe system of
work. A permit-to-work system will be
required. The HSE publish a Code of
Practice and other information on the
practical aspects of such work.
3.3.4 Lone Working
A lone worker (LW) is an employee
who performs an activity that is
carried out in isolation from other
workers without close or direct
supervision. Such staff may be
exposed to risk because there is
no-one to assist them and so a risk
assessment may be required.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
3.3.5 Night Working
Proper temporary floodlighting must
be provided, so that working areas
and access routes can be used safely.
3.3.6 Over Water
The Construction (Design and
Management) regulations 2015
(regulation 26) deals with the
precautions for persons working
over water. As each situation can
vary, the regulations should be
consulted for specific jobs, together
with the appropriate section in the
“Construction Health and safety
Manual”.
3.3.7 Electric Power Lines
Special care must be taken when
working near or under power lines.
As a guide, no vehicles, plant or
equipment should be moved closer
than 15 metres of lines suspended
from steel towers or 9 metres of lines
supported on wooden poles.
3.3.8 Exclusion Zones
Designed for non-essential persons
and non-operational plant and
machinery are excluded from entry of
work.
Systems used for exclusion zones will
depend on hazards identified in the
risk assessment.
The employer must assess the risk of
entanglement and introduce control
measures including but not limited to
(bullet pointed list)
Selection of appropriate PPE i.e.
elasticated wristband where long
sleeves are used, gloves that will tear if
entangled etc.
- Selection of the correct equipment
for the task. Selection of the correct
operating speeds.
- Use of self-feed, automated or
remote controls.
- Use of guarding where appropriate.
Minimum requirement should be
chapter 8 barrier systems.
These systems should be used as a
32
minimum for all types of work within
our industry.
3.3.9 Entanglement
We are advising to include a barrier
system around the drilling and sawing
operations. This should ensure that
people passing by does not get
entangled with the rotating core bit.
Whilst drilling into floors the method
statement should include a barrier
system positioned around the danger
zone removing the entanglement
factor of anyone passing by the
operating drill rig.
Operators should be positioned
in a safe working position away
from rotating parts whilst operating
machinery. Attention should be paid
to lose fitting garments such as Hi-Viz
Vests
3.3.10 Temporary Works
Procedures
As defined by the general procedures
of BS5975:2008. Temporary Works
are an ‘engineered solution’ used to
support or protect either an existing
structure or the permanent works
during construction, or to support
an item of plant or equipment, or
the vertical sides or side-slopes of
an excavation during construction
operations on site or to provide
temporary access.
The following lists typical temporary
works seen on demolition projects.
Note this list is not exhaustive:
- Hoardings and site fencing
- Traffic and Pedestrian barriers
- Site welfare and offices (includes
temporary units as well as change
of use of part of the structure to be
demolished)
- Signage
- Ramps
- Exclusion Zones
- Scaffolding
- Tower scaffolds and similar access
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
systems
03
- Temporary stair and ladder access
towers
Setting Up Site
- Support systems/propping
- Shores (flying and raking)
- Facade Retention Systems & Party
wall support
- Edge Protection
- Tower Crane Bases
- Anchors and Ties
- Working platforms used for cranes,
high reach machines or drilling/piling
rigs
- Support work to party walls, floors
and excavations.
All items of temporary works are classified
in BS5975 for the purposes of Design
checking as Class 0, 1, 2 or 3.
Class 0 at one end of the scale involves
standard equipment and arrangements
(‘standard solutions’) in straightforward
situations; and Class 3 at the other end of
the scale involves complex and difficult
situations where novel solutions may be
needed.
Class 0 to 3 temporary works must be
managed in accordance with the
Temporary works procedures.
All temporary works must be recorded
on the project Temporary Works Register
together with their classification.
It may at times be necessary to increase
the class due to site conditions causing
a greater risk. Where doubt exists consult
your TWC in consultation with the TWD,
all temporary works shall be designed
(including Class 0).
The design checking requirements for the
classes are as follows:
Class 0 - temporary works may be
checked by another member of the site
or design team. Standard solutions often
come with manufacturer calculated
working or ultimate capacities but still
need to be checked for compliance with
the design criteria to ensure they will be fit
33
 for purpose.
03
Basic Construction Methods - lower risk
Setting Up Site
This type of work includes, but not limited
to:
- Shallow trenches and pits, not
exceeding 1.2m depth with no
significant surcharge or groundwater.
- Low-rise formwork at ground/
excavation level, max 2.4m double
sided, 0.9m single sided,
- Standard scaffolds to TG20:13 tables,
- Site hoarding and fencing up to 2m
high.
- Single storey welfare cabins.
Class 1 - temporary works can be design
checked by another member of the
design team.
Routine Construction Methods - low to
medium risk
This type of work includes, but not limited
to:
- Use of standard components to
catalogue design for support in pits
and trenches to CIRIA 97 Trenching
Practice.
- Designed scaffolds and loading
platforms to TG20:13 tables or
software.
- Double sided formwork with access
platforms at ground/excavation
level. Single sided formwork to 2.4m.
- Formwork/ falsework at not more
than 6m height, Permanent formwork
e.g. metal decking.
- Mobile crane outrigger pads and
foundations in good ground crane
to 50t.
- Concrete pumps on outriggers/pads
with good access / good ground
conditions.
- Site hoarding and fencing greater
than 2m high. 2 storey welfare
cabins.
Class 2 - temporary works must
be design checked by someone
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
independent from the design team
(not involved in or consulted by the
original design team).
Departures from catalogue design for
standard components – medium to
high risk
This type of work includes, but not
limited to:
- Propping involving multiple props on
multiple levels.
- Demolition/dismantling methods and
temporary conditions – generally.
- Back-propping designs
- Special designed scaffolds.
- Excavation using waling frames
- Piling, demolition and craneage
platforms; outrigger foundations in
good ground crane exceeds 50T.
- Designed lifting equipment.
- Barge mounted equipment.
- Conventional tower crane bases
unless of complex design
- Routine stress cases in the
permanent works resulting from
temporary conditions.
- Back-propping designs
- Any class 1 method used in an
unusual or high risk situation.
- Small facade retention schemes not
close to public areas.
- Large basement excavation and
propping schemes.
Class 3 - temporary works must be design
checked by a third party organisation
independent from the design team
organisation.
Complex, unusual, bespoke construction
methods - high risk
This type of work includes, but not limited
to:
- Temporary works combining inter-
acting multiple design
- Unusual concepts
34
 - Façade retention schemes close to
public areas
- Bridge demolition
- Partial demolition or modification of
existing structures
- Excavations and cofferdams in tidal
conditions
- Excavations and cofferdams in poor
ground
- (e.g. weak clay fill to deeper than
5m, water bearing fill deeper than
5m).
- Demolition plant operating on a
suspended slab where more than
the immediate bay floor is vulnerable
- Use of the existing structure as
anchorage for cutting away and
lowering large steel or concrete
cantilevered sections
- Pre-weakening and collapse
schemes for explosive demolition
where the surrounding clear area
is less than 1x building height in all
directions.
- Any class 2 method used in an
unusual or high risk situation.
3.3.11 Roles, Responsibilities &
Training
For all sites it is important to establish
management procedures and roles
that are suitable for ensuring that all
temporary conditions are understood,
and temporary works used where
needed.
The procedures must ensure that
experienced and knowledgeable
persons and organisations specify,
design, plan and oversee each
stage of the work. Where several
organisations are involved the
procedures for communication and
cooperation between the parties are
critical.
The Principal Contractor should
appoint a Temporary Works
Coordinator (TWC) for every site who
is responsible for implementing the
organisation’s procedures. On large
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
projects each of the subcontractors
may be required to appoint one or
03
more Temporary Works Supervisor/s
Setting Up Site
(TWS).
Temporary Works - Designated
Individual (DI) The overall responsibility
for the control of Temporary Works
within any contracting organisation
will lie with the ‘Designated Individual
(DI)’. This is set out in Clause 6.3.1.1 of
BS 5975:2008.
The Designated Individual has,
unless formally passed on, overall
accountability. The DI is a role defined
in BS5975:2008 as the individual
within the contracting organisation
who is responsible for establishing
and implementing a procedure for
controlling temporary works.
The procedure should cover the
management of the design process
and include measures for ensuring
the design function and the roles of
the Temporary Works Co-ordinator
and Temporary Works Supervisor are
carried out by competent individuals.
3.3.12 Temporary Works Co-
ordinator (TWC)
The TWC should be appointed by and
is responsible to the DI as appointed
in writing. The TWC should have the
authority to stop works at any time if it
is not being carried out satisfactorily.
The TWC is responsible for ensuring
the temporary works design is
implemented in accordance with
the drawings and specification. It
is preferable that the TWC is not
responsible for the day to day
progress of the temporary works under
consideration.
It is the Temporary Works Coordinator’s
responsibility to ensure that:
- He/she is point of contact between
the designer and the site team.
- The organisation’s procedure is
being adhered to on site.
- Temporary work activities are co-
ordinated.
35
 - Responsibilities are allocated and
03 accepted.
- The design brief has been prepared
Setting Up Site
in accordance with and is adequate
for the actual site situation.
- Any residual risks are included in the
design brief.
- That a satisfactory temporary works
design is carried out.
- That a design check is carried out
which should include:
- Concept
- Structural adequacy
- Compliance with the brief
- Make the design available to other
interested partied such as the
CDM Co-ordinator or designer of
permanent works.
- Record all drawings, calculations
and other relevant documentation.
- Give full details to those carrying
out on-site supervision - including full
details of the design and limitations
plus sequence and timing aspects,
and information about the influence
of other work taking place nearby.
- All checks are made at appropriate
stages and maintained.
- In consultation with the TWD, assess
the implications of design changes
and accept or reject these.
- Issue formal permission to load/bring
in to use.
- Issue formal permission to unload/
dismantle.
3.3.13 Temporary Works
Supervisor (TWS)
On larger contracts the TWC may
need assistance or may not be based
on site full time. In these cases, one
or more Temporary Works Supervisors
(TWS) may be appointed to oversee
the temporary works on site. The TWS
are responsible to the TWC. The TWS
will assist the TWC in the supervision
and checking of the temporary works.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
This should include the supervision
of erection, use, maintenance and
dismantling of the temporary works
as applicable. This may also include
carrying out checks of the scheme
during demolition/construction on
site recording and reporting to the
TWC to ensure any modifications
to the scheme or differences from
the envisaged conditions (use or
environmental) are drawn to the
attention of the TWD designer. It is
imperative that when there is more
than one TWS that the processes of
communication are established, and
areas of responsibility defined.
3.3.14 Temporary Works
Designer (TWD)
The Temporary Works Designer is
usually appointed by the TWC. The
designer must be assessed and be
competent with Demolition contract
experience to carry out the design
required. The Temporary Works
Designer will as a minimum:
- Provide advice to sites on all aspects
of Temporary Works and construction
methods/sequence
- Assist sites in developing safe and
economical systems of temporary
support
- Assist sites in developing safe and
economical methods of construction
- Liaise with the Permanent Works
Designer to ensure both that the
temporary works do not overload the
permanent works; and that where
needed the permanent works can
provide enough support for the
temporary works
- Provide Temporary Works schemes
and construction information to assist
estimators in producing tender prices
- Develop alternative designs through
value engineering
- Provide background information on
materials and construction methods
- Carry out their design work in
accordance with the “Designers
36
 Duties” as set out in the Construction
(Design and Management)
Regulations. Design risk must be
considered and mitigated as far
as possible during design. For all
significant residual risks involving
the temporary works designs this
should be a formal Design Risk
Assessment with residual risks being
communicated to site.
- This is particularly important where
unusual arrangements or sequences
of work are involved
- Carry out the design works in
accordance with the programme of
the works
- In addition, the Temporary Works
Designer will normally assist the TWC
with the following:
- Produce outline methods of
working as guidance to be used
in the preparation by the project
team of detailed working method
statements.
- Give advice on and assist with
the production of Temporary
Works schemes and methods of
construction generally.
- Provide an on-site inspection of
temporary works where requested to
do so by the TWC
- Check that Designers/Checkers have
enough resources to comply with the
Temporary Works programme.
- Advise the permanent works
designer of any temporary
conditions or loads that should be
considered in the permanent works
design. This is particularly important
in partial demolition work where the
remaining structure may have been
affected by the temporary works;
and in full demolition work where
temporary works may be left in-situ
- e.g. crane platforms; stockpiles of
arisings; sheet piling; etc.
- Ensure that a satisfactory Temporary
Works design is carried out and
where appropriate a design
certificate is issued.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
- Ensure a Design Risk Assessment has
been carried out and mitigation
03
responses are known to all parties.
Setting Up Site
Where applicable ensure that
detailed Risk Assessments/Method
Statements (RAMS) for the erection,
use and dismantling of Temporary
Works are prepared. The Checker
may require the RAMS form part of
the documentation signed for on the
Check Certificate
- Ensure that the design is
independently checked for:
- Concept
- Structural adequacy
- Compliance with the brief; and a
design check certificate is issued
- Where appropriate, ensure that the
design is made available to other
interested parties, e.g. the structural
designer, the Architect, the Resident
Engineer, the Client’s representative
and the CDM Coordinator.
The roles and duties set out
above are based on the model
given in BS5975:2008/2011 for the
management of temporary works.
Temporary Works Designers need
specific training and experience of
temporary works. Especially in the
demolition industry as temporary
works tend to experience regular
loading that is close to their design
limit - i.e. they work under high loading
for a higher percentage of their life
than most permanent works.
In addition, temporary works can
be subject to more unintentional
dynamic loading - especially to
horizontal loading - than permanent
works. For these reasons it is important
that the Temporary Works Designer
has knowledge and experience of
construction and demolition working
practices and can plan for each
stage of each task.
37
 3.3.15 Temporary Works
03 Management
Contractors must be aware of all
Setting Up Site
available information including
surveys, follow on predicted
Temporary works loadings, party
wall agreements etc. As part of the
contract handover the appointed
contract team including the TWD
and TWC are to be briefed on the
allowances included for temporary
works. This will, where appropriate,
include the preliminary Temporary
Works Register. The DI will review the
proposals and appoint the TWC if
suitable and maintain a register of
such appointments (usually in the site
quality plan).
The TWS may be appointed at site
level and notified to the DI. Each TWC
will be given a Class level to sign-off
to and must arrange for a suitable
competent person to inspect and
sign-off higher Classes.
When TWS’s are appointed the DI
must be notified by copy for record
purposes. Some larger projects
with distinct sections of work, or
distinct phases involving different
types of work, may each have their
own controlling TWC appointed,
responsible to the DI and closely
liaising with the project manager or
contracts manager as appropriate.
The TWC should prepare a more
detailed Temporary Works Register
and maintain an up-to-date copy
on site. The control and record of
this will remain with the TWC but can
be assisted by other project team
members. The project team must
ensure each item is on the Temporary
Works Register and the Temporary
Works Category has been correctly
identified.
Planning of temporary works items
must be undertaken in good time
to suit the overall project delivery
schedule and the requisite periods
for investigations, designs, approvals
and checking. Adequate periods will
also be allowed to communicate to
interested parties and to generate
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
the requisite documentation and
material lead-in times for successful
installation on site. This will need to
be in accordance with the project
programme.
3.3.16 Design Process (per item
on temporary works schedule)
All items of temporary works in
Category 1 and above must be
designed and checked and the
design output should normally be
presented in the form of uniquely
numbered sketches or drawings
Compile and issue a Design Brief
including where appropriate
conceptual solutions, method
statements and material lists to aid
design development for each of the
items on the Temporary Works register.
The TWC will have overall responsibility
for the accuracy and updating of the
temporary works register at all stages
of the works on site.
The TWD carries out the design and
delivers the design output in the form
of sketches or drawings to the TWC.
As part of his duties the TWD should
carry out a Design Risk Assessment
(DRA). A formal written Design Risk
Assessment is required where there
are still significant residual risks The
TWC reviews, with the TWD, the
completed design package for
compliance with the original brief
and new information or changes to
situation and constraints. The TWC
(this may also be carried out by the
TWD) issues the design for review and
or approval to the permanent works
designer and any other third parties
required under the contract. At an
early stage the TWC should list in
the TWR who this is allocated to and
ensure it is carried out, with the TWR
updated accordingly. (At this stage
drawings should still be marked e.g.
‘not for construction’.)
The TWC issues the final design
documents, method statements
and risk assessments to the site team
marked e.g. ‘issued for construction’
and follows the standard procedures
for briefing the workforce about the
38
chosen system of work and sequence
for carrying out each part of the task.
For most situations this will involve use
of a prepared method statement. For
clarity this should ideally be based
around a sequence of sketches or
photos illustrating the process step
by step. Any questions and any
concerns raised by the workforce
should be considered and dealt
with. This aspect is particularly
important on demolition and structural
refurbishment jobs where the detailed
experience of some workers may
give additional insight to the situation
and arrangement of the structures
involved.
Where any temporary works systems
are to remain in-situ on completion
the design must be issued to the
permanent works designer for
inclusion in the site health and safety
file.
3.3.17 Erection, Use and
Dismantling (For each item of
temporary works)
Erect the temporary works in
accordance with the prepared
design and method statement. This
will be monitored by the TWC and if
the scale of the project is relatively
small this may be a visiting role for
inspections. Interim inspections may
be carried out on site by the TWS.
Report or identify any non-
conformances to the TWC who should
consult the Temporary Works Designer
(TWD) to review the non-conformance
and any requests for changes to
the design. On a complex or difficult
job, the procedures should include
a permit or authorisation to alter the
design.
Loading of the temporary works
should also be based around formal
authorisation to load which may
use a permit based arrangement.
This can also be used to create hold
points. An example of this would be
the inspection of a propping scheme
before the demolition moves onto the
next bay.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
Once complete the TWC will arrange
the final inspection and if satisfactory
03
in all respects issue the final permit
Setting Up Site
to load. The permit to load must be
issued by a competent person who
has physically inspected the works
on site, this may therefore range from
the TWC/TWD depending on the
complexity of the specific element of
the work being carried out.
TWC’s will be allocated an
appropriate class of authorised
sign-off by the DI when appointed
based on the relevant qualifications,
experience and training they hold.
Over this level or for specialist sign-
off the TWC must arrange for an
appropriate competent person to
attend site, inspect and sign-off.
Instigate an inspection regime in
accordance with legal requirements
(such as those for scaffolds and
excavations) or other periods
determined by the TWC/TWD. The
inspection arrangements for each
location and type of temporary
works should be identified on the
temporary works register. Some types
of temporary works and the structures
they support are very sensitive to
the sequence in which they are
dismantled. This includes some
falsework and propping schemes.
All temporary works dismantling
or striking should be carried out to
an agreed and checked method
statement, specifying constraints (e.g.
concrete strength to be achieved
before commencing; or e.g. do not
remove until bay ahead had been
demolished and arisings cleared) and
sequence of dismantling. In some
instances, sections of e.g. scaffold,
or propping, or additional back-
propping need to be either left in or
added.
This may need additional ties or
bracing and following the design to
an agreed sequence can be critical.
Obviously, it is good design practice
for the designer to devise a scheme
that is as straightforward and robust as
possible, but in some cases a precise
39
 sequence must be followed, and this
03 should be set out on the drawings and
paperwork.
Setting Up Site
The complexity of the arrangements,
including briefing, stage checks,
permits, etc should be based on
the complexity and sensitivity of the
situation. Sensitive temporary works
need an authorisation or permit to
strike procedure to be in place the
appropriate permit should be issued
by the TWC/TWD.
In some situations, the temporary
works are sacrificial and demolished
in-situ - i.e. typically used to prevent
an unplanned sequential ‘domino’
collapse occurring. Temporary works
materials recovered from the arisings
are unlikely to be suitable for reuse for
their original purpose unless they have
been over-designed to cope with
collapse and impact damage. Any
reuse must only be after full checking
and maintenance.
Reuse must not be allowed where any
damage - especially hidden damage
- could cause premature failure during
use for structural support. Items, such
as acrows, recovered from areas of
planned collapse may need to be cut
up to prevent the temptation of sale
back into the industry.
The TWC will file all documents (Brief,
Drawings, Check Certificates, RAMS,
Permit’s etc.) with the Temporary
Works Register.
When project works are completed
the final completed version of the
TWR must be sent to the DI for record
purposes. The managing contractor
should also send relevant records to
the CDM Coordinator for inclusion
in the site Health and Safety File.
Relevant records are those relating to
the permanent situation on site - e.g.
temporary works left in situ.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
3.3.18 Checking
The TWC shall be responsible
for ensuring that all checks and
inspections are carried out and
recorded, inspections may be carried
out by the TWS as directed by the
TWC.
Frequency of checking will depend on
the nature of the temporary works, but
in general checking should be carried
out at sufficiently frequent intervals
to enable any faults to be rectified
before they can have an impact on
the safety of the task or project.
To be effective, inspections must be
conscientious and thorough, even
though on some contracts the same
temporary works methods may be
repeated several times.
3.3.19 Statutory Notifications
and Compliance with Safety
Legislation
Statutory regulations have been
complied with including:
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- CDM Regulations 2015
- Lifting Operations and Lifting
Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment
Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
- Company Safety Policy has been
complied with (including design risk
assessments)
- The construction methods about to
be employed are consistent with
those envisaged in the design
- All calculations and drawings have
been checked (including those of
any subcontractors)
- The materials are as specified
- The actual loading conditions are
within the limits set out in the design
- The site conditions are as used in the
design, for example: -
- Soil types and properties
- Exposure to wind, water etc.
40
 - Site restrictions - including other works
underway nearby
03
- Any proposed changes to the

Setting Up Site
temporary works have been
checked with and approved by the
designer and have been recorded.
- All structural members are correctly
positioned, and no unintended
eccentricities are present
- No ad-hoc solutions to site problems
have been incorporated without
reference to the designer and/or the
TWC and their agreement (in writing
for all situations)
- Tolerances have not been exceeded
- The quality of any welding is
adequate and meets the design
specification
- Temporary props etc have been
fixed in place to prevent them
being knocked or e.g. vibrated and
moving or falling out
- No part of the temporary works is
being used for any purpose other
than that for which is was designed.

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 41

04
Operating
Procedures
Drilling - Core Drills 43
Sawing - Floor Saws 46
Sawing - Wall Saws (Rail Mounted) 50
Sawing - Hand-held Saws 52
Sawing - Wire Saws 54
Controlled Demolition- Bursting 55
Controlled Demolition - Crushing 56
Thermic Lancing 57
Hydraulic Power Packs 59
Portable Electric Tools 60
Diamond Chain Saws 60
Demolition Plant -360 Pedestrian for
Crushing & Breaking 62
Stability and Moving of the 360
Pedestrian Operated Machine 64
4.1 Drilling - Core Drills
4.1.1 Introduction
Diamond drilling rigs can vary in
design, but the basic principal is the
same.
The base plate of the drill stand must
be secured by anchoring systems
recommended by the manufacturer.
The power unit / drill motor is either
electric, hydraulic or rarely air
powered. Drilling bits start at 6mm
and can go to as large as 1500mm or
even larger. Drilling depths are virtually
unlimited using barrel extensions.
The smaller the diameter, the greater
the speed of rotation, and except for
a few special types, all have a water
feed through the driving shaft, to
keep the diamonds cool, the cutting
face free of grit, and the core drill
bit cutting effectively. Water also
eliminates dust, but this does cause
residue slurry that can be removed by
using an industrial vacuum cleaner.
This technique is used when precise
circular cuts are needed, as holes
of almost any diameter can easily
be drilled to create openings for
example, for plumbing, electrical and
heating / ventilation installations. Core
drilling is commonly used to create
the holes for routing cables, placing
anchor bolts, installing load carrying
devices or concrete sample analysis.
A core drill bit consists of a steel tube
with diamond segments brazed or
laser welded on the drilling end. The
core bit is mounted on a rotating shaft
of various types of drilling machines.
Core rill machines can be operated in
either vertical or horizontal direction
and can be powered by electric,
hydraulic or air-powered sources.
4.1.2 Installation
- The contractor must select a drilling
machine that has the capacity to
drill the size of hole required, and
which has a suitable power unit in
relation to available power supplies
i.e. air, electric or hydraulic. This may
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
be a hand-held drill, suitable for
04
smaller diameter holes, but general
drilling work will normally be carried
Operating Procedures
out using a purpose-built drilling
rig fitted with a drilling motor. Most
drills are suitable for drilling holes
through various building materials
and into floors and walls. Where
drilling is required vertically upwards,
into ceilings for example, there is a
hazard of residue water from the
drilling process flowing back into
the motor. Therefore, protection
is required or alternatively use a
motor where water will not affect
the mechanics, such as hydraulic or
pneumatic. Where ceilings must be
drilled, consult the drill manufacturer.
- The electricity supply on construction
sites should normally be 110 volt and
equipment should be designed to
operate from this supply. If the supply
is 240 volts, then suitable transformer
should be used. If a 240 volt supply
does have to be used a residual
current device must be fitted to the
source of supply. Electrical power
leads should be kept as short as
possible to avoid voltage drop. Also
ensure the cable is fully unwound
and routed to prevent a fire hazard.
- A physical check should be
carried out to confirm the nature
of the material being drilled and
the presence of any services or
ACM’s. Never cut through steel
reinforcement or structural steelwork
without the client’s permission.
Water, gas and electricity lines near
work should be turned off.
- Where drilling takes place through
walls, the rear side must be checked
as there may be electrical or other
hazardous installations against
the wall. If it is a locked room,
arrangements must be made to
obtain access to the room and
inspect the rear of the wall before
work commences. When drilling
through floors, the cores can drop
from the bit into the space below.
Therefore, protection must be
provided for people and property
43
 below the drilling area which should
04 be cordoned off. Where there
is risk of falling cores, it is good
Operating Procedures
practice to position a sentry (Core
Watcher) outside the cordoned area
with ensure unauthorised access
alternatively the use of an acrow
prop and tray maybe suitable.
- Determine the exact location by
drilling a pilot hole to ensure control
measures are accurate.
- A check must then be carried out
to determine the best method
of fixing, in order to hold the rig
down securely. This can be by
vacuum pad, bracing column, or
anchor. Anchor fixings provide the
safest method as the vacuum and
bracing systems have less stability.
A smooth surface is essential when
using a vacuum pump and a
bracing column must have a strong
supporting wall or ceiling opposite.
- Drilling can be carried out wet or
dry depending on the application,
although wet drilling is the most
common type of operation. The drill
bit must be suitable for whichever
method is appropriate. In the
case of dry drilling, there must be
adequate dust extraction facilities
and operators must be provided with
suitable RPE protection equipment.
- In most cases, the drilling rig will be
provided with a constant flow of
water for cooling the drill bit and to
minimise the creation of dust. The
supply should be at mains pressure
with a flow between 4 - 10 litres per
minute. When drilling into hollow
structures, i.e. hollow pot floor, the
means of dispersing the cooling
water must be checked in order
to avoid water damage. Collector
rings can be used to keep the water
contained and a wet vacuum
cleaner employed to remove water
build-up.
- Having ensured that the drill is
securely and squarely fixed to the rig,
check that: -
- The slides have free movement;
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
- The threads on the motor arbour are
clean and free from dirt;
- The motor unit is mounted square to
the column;
- The core drill runs true to the
machine arbour;
- The motor r.p.m. are set as near
as possible to the manufacturer’s
recommendation
4.1.3 Operating Procedures
The basics for successful core drilling
are having a rigidly set up drill rig;
diamond core bits with adequate
clearances on the outside diameter
and inside diameters; constant water
flow and the right speed, range and
power for the bit.
The performance of any diamond
core bit depends heavily on the use
of proper drilling techniques. Although
drilling conditions and materials may
vary, the following specific guidelines
ensure faster drilling speed and longer
bit life: - correctly use the specification
of segment to the material being
drilled.
a) Secure the core drill rig to the
work surface so that there is no
movement that would allow
the bit to bind in the hole.
b) Level the drill rig by use of the
base levelling bolts or vacuum
pump and use a small spirit
level attached to the column
permanently or by a magnetic
strip on the level. This procedure
will ensure a perpendicular
hole.
c) Use an enough supply of
water to ensure that the
segments are kept cool and
the hole is constantly being
flushed of abrasive cuttings.
Attach drill motor to rig carriage and
drill bit to drill motor spindle.
Connect 110-volt power supply to drill
motor using correct amperage plug,
i.e. 32 Amp.
44
Before turning on the power, ensure
that the machine is isolated by an
on/off switch so that it does not
accidentally start up. Some drills do
not have a built-in switch, in which
case the supply cable must be fitted
with an in-line switch. Under no
circumstances should a drill motor be
used without an on/ off switch.
The water supply should be turned
on and adjusted for volume i.e. the
water should flow continually around
the core bit circumference without
splashing. Do not allow the water
supply to stop whilst drilling. Failure to
do this will result in drying of the core
bit and damage or loss of segments.
- Slowly lower the bit onto the surface
so that there is no skidding or lateral
movement of the drill bit.
- Exert steady downward pressure on
the bit while drilling. Do not force the
bit into the material.
- Do not stop the flow of water or the
rotation of the bit if the bit is in the
hole.
- If the drilling rate decreases, check
the core bit. The slower penetration
generally means that segments are
glazing and need to be redressed.
It is important that the diamond
segments keep their sharpness.
- During drilling the core barrel can
become lodged between the outer
casing and the material causing the
motor to cease rotating.
- Immediately turn the motor off to
prevent damage
- Turn water off
- Isolate power supply
- With the correct spanner fitted to
the core barrel attempt to turn anti-
clockwise to dislodge the material
causing the jam.
- Alternatively, if this is unsuccessful use
a dedicated tool commonly known
as a sparrow core puller to dislodge
the barrel from the material
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
- Upon removal inspect the barrel for
damage and segment lose.
04
- For best practice it is advised to
Operating Procedures
include jamming of cores into the risk
assessment.
- If the bit encounters steel reinforcing
bars, relax pressure about one third
and allow the bit to cut at its own
rate. Do not push the bit. Certain
manufacturers drill motors are fitted
with a Rebar button to engage the
speed to suit diameter and material
- When drilling high PSI concrete or
concrete with very hard aggregate
(i.e. river gravel, flint, etc.) the bit
will sometimes glaze over. To open
or redress the bit, do one of the
following: -
- Reduce water flow by half and pour
masonry sand into the hole until the
bit starts to increase speed, then
gradually increase the water flow
until back to original state.
- Drill the bit into a soft concrete block,
soft vitrified grinding wheel or cinder
block. Repeat the procedure until
the diamond is open again.
- At the completion of drilling, the
core bit should be withdrawn whilst
the motor is running, and the water
turned off. The motor can then be
switched off. Should the core be
lodged in the barrel, caution must
be exercised when removing the
core from the bit, as it can drop out
unexpectedly causing an injury.
- When working on the machine with
the drill at the top of the column,
ensure that it is locked in position so
that it cannot drop and injure fingers.
Before replacing a drill bit, the
machine must be unplugged from
the power source.
4.1.4 Dry Drilling
- When dry drilling, the drill hole
should be cleaned out regularly,
to clear dust and debris. When
dry drilling, the drill hole
- By using a hand-held variable
speed electric drill with clutch,
45
 04 the coring action is totally rotary
enabling the operating noise and
vibration to be reduced to the
Operating Procedures
minimum.
- Choose between a slotted and
an un-slotted dry diamond core.
The un-slotted cores are designed
to be used with a dust extraction
system. If slotted cores are
used without a dust extraction
system, this can have adverse
effects for a dry core, namely
shorter segment life and the core
binding or jamming in the hole.
- Pilot drill the structural material
first with a 13mm (1/2”) masonry
drill.
- Locate the 12mm ‘A’ taper guide
rod down through the core and
‘push fit’ the rod into an ‘A’ taper
adaptor. Drill the hole.
- Use a rotary drill fitted with clutch
and variable speed control.
- Do not use hammer action when
drilling with a dry diamond core
drill.
- Set the drill motor at the correct
r.p.m. Remember the harder the
material and larger the diameter
of core, the slower the r.p.m. The
softer the material and for smaller
diameter cores, the higher the
r.p.m. ultimately, faster rotational
speed does not always mean better
penetration.
- Clear / dust at regular intervals, as
a build-up will cause overheating,
extensive clutch wear and a
possible loss of segment. Use of
dust extraction equipment is highly
recommended.
- Rotate core bit when entering and
leaving hole.
- Keep machine level.
- Do not force the bit. Let it do the
work. This will prolong its life and
reduce the chance of failure.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
4.1.5 Trailer Mounted Drill Rigs
- A purpose-built drill rig unit can also
be fitted to a mobile two-wheel
trailer to form a specialist trailer
drilling rig capable of being towed
behind a van or car. These drilling
rigs are used for specialist operations
such as core sampling in roads,
drilling and installation of motorway
barriers and runway lights, etc. They
are generally self-contained with
their own water tank and power
source, being engine driven for such
operations.
- Where a trailer mounted core drill
is being used, the manufacturer’s
instructions must be followed
regarding the use of stabilising jacks
and the stability of the machine
whilst drilling. For example, the
machine must be level. The drilling
plate must not leave the ground
during operation, and the operator’s
feet must be kept well clear of the
machine, both whilst setting up and
drilling. Where the trailer is being
used on soft or uneven ground,
suitable pads must be fitted beneath
the stabiliser jacks.
4.2 Sawing - Floor Saws
4.2.1 Introduction
The floor saw is either pushed by the
operator or more generally a self-
propelled unit, powered by either
a diesel or petrol engine or electric
motor.
Floor saws vary in power from 13 HP
to in excess of 84 HP. They are used
extensively on roads and motorways
to cut asphalt and concrete cleanly
and quickly to enable efficient repairs
and alterations to be carried out to
these surfaces.
The advantages of the floor saw over
the track/ wall saw is that it does not
require any setting up time has its own
power unit and is a very rapid cutting
machine.
For roads, runways, warehouse aprons
and ground floors, this machine is
ideal. Cutting depths can reach
46
550mm, although greater depths
have been cut, depending on the
blade and guard size.
Some of the more specialised
companies are now using laser
guided machines in factories and
warehouses to obtain straight and
accurate lines.
With this unit a good operative is a
great asset as he can saw straight and
accurate lines over any length, obtain
good blade wear and maintain a
high speed of cut.
4.2.2 Installation
- Be sure to select the floor saw that
will cut the appropriate material to
the depth required. If necessary,
check with the manufacturers. Also
avoid sawing any deeper than the
required specification.
- Cutting into road stone or loose
materials can increase blade wear
and sawing costs.
- Ensure that you have the correct
diamond or abrasive reinforced
blade to match the nature of the
material that you are cutting and to
suit the required depth of cut. Use of
the wrong blade can be dangerous.
Further information on blades is
contained in section 4.
- It is preferable that the proper pulley
sizes are fitted to match the diameter
of the blade being used, as it can
be dangerous and uneconomical
to operate the machine at incorrect
engine and shaft speeds. This is
particularly important where the size
of the blade is being changed. The
fitting of a larger or smaller blade
will alter the peripheral speed,
unless the correct fittings are used.
Excessive blade speed could result in
breakage and serious injury. A table
of recommended blades speeds
is shown in Appendix 11.1. Always
consult the machine manufacturer.
- Incorrect shaft speed can also cause
inefficient cutting. The blade guard
must also be changed to suit the size
of blade. Check with the operating
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
instructions that you have the correct
size of guard and pulley. Guards
04
must always be kept in place.
Operating Procedures
- It is essential that the speed marked
on the blade is greater than the shaft
speed of the machine.
- A standard diamond blade is used
for most conventional cutting and
is operated WET. An inadequate
water supply can result in destruction
of the blade with a consequent
risk to anybody nearby. A constant
supply of water of between 10 - 25
litres per minute must therefore
flow over the blade during sawing.
Where a water cut-out switch is
fitted, this must always be in an
operational condition when using
wet cut blades. Dry cutting diamond
blades are also available, but they
should only be used for applications
designated by the manufacturers.
- Reinforced abrasive blades are
primarily designed for dry cutting
although they may be capable of
wet cutting for certain applications.
- Abrasive blades are only to be
used on materials specified by the
manufacturers.
- When fitting or replacing a blade,
the engine must be stopped. Ensure
that the blade is fitted on to the
flange outer guard plate locating
pin and that the flange outer guard
plate is secured tightly. The machine
must not be operated where a
locating pin has been sheared off or
removed. Otherwise there is a risk of
considerable premature blade wear
to the blade centre. Where there is
provision for fitting a blade on either
side of the machine, the shaft on the
unused side must have a cover.
- Floor saws are generally diesel or
petrol engine driven. Therefore, care
must be taken to ensure that exhaust
fumes do not constitute a hazard.
To overcome this problem, electrical
or gas driven saws are available
operated from either an LPG or
415-volt supply. A residual current
protection device must be used with
47
 415-volt models.
04
- A combustion engine powered floor
saw must not be used in an area
Operating Procedures
where there is combustible material
because of the risk of sparks causing
a fire or explosion.
- Ideally a machine should be loaded
on to a vehicle or trailer using a
winch and purpose-built ramps.
However, if the machine does have
to be loaded under its own power up
or down a ramp, the manufacturer’s
instructions should be followed
regarding forward or reverse drive.
The blade must never be fitted until
cutting is about to commence and
must be removed immediately after
cutting finishes. The machine must
never be left unattended with its
blade fitted.
- The surface to be cut must be free
from debris; small particles (stones)
can either stop or deflect the drive
wheels. The line of the saw cuts must
be clearly marked out on the floor.
The working area must be cordoned
off to prevent unauthorised access.
- Ear Protection must always be used
while operating the machine, no
matter which type is being used.
Fellow workers and pedestrians may
also be at risk from noise. Check risk
assessment and method statements
in place to reduce these risks.
Read and follow the manufacturer’s
instructions carefully.
When operating the saw on an incline
always work uphill and consider the
camber when cutting.
4.2.3 Splash Guard- designed
to contain dust/slurry within the
area of the guard.
- Operating the machine without the
Splash guard is a violation of the
manufactures guide.
- NOT using the splash guard puts the
operator at high risk of developing
Cancer, skin irritation or respiratory
diseases due to exposure to dust/
slurry.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
- DO NOT operate this machine
without the blade guard, or other
protective guards in place.
- Blade Guard – designed to protect
operator and others in area.
Contains water to blade.
- DO NOT use without the latch
engaged and the bolt installed.
- DO NOT use machine if guard is
damaged
- DO NOT allow blade exposure from
the guard to be more than 180
degrees.
- DO NOT operate this machine with
the belt guards or blade guard
removed
4.2.4 Operator
Operator must be Behind Machine
when in use.
Operators & bystanders must wear
appropriate PPE including: Head, eye,
hearing & respiratory protection.
DO NOT Operate if uncertain how to
use.
DO NOT allow other people to be
around the machine when starting,
refuelling or when in operation.
Only use in ventilated areas. Breathing
Poison Exhaust can be deadly.
Have services undertaken by
competent service personnel only
DO move the machine at least 10
feet (3 meters) from the fuelling point
before starting the engine and make
sure the fuel cap is on the machine
and properly tightened.
DO NOT operate this machine in the
vicinity of anything that is flammable.
Sparks could cause a fire or an
explosion.
4.2.5 Transport
- Use caution when lifting and
transporting machine.
- ALWAYS tie down the
machine when transporting
- DO NOT transport machine
48
 with blade mounted on
machine
- DO NOT tow machine behind
Vehicle.
4.2.6 Diamond Tipped
Segmented Blade
- MUST be inspected before every use,
including blade, flanges and shafts.
- DO NOT use blade that has been
overheated
- If there is any sign of damage of
unusual wear DO NOT use blade or
equipment.
- Only use the correct sized flange for
blade size
- Only use the steel centre diamond
blades manufactured for concrete
saws
- DO NOT use a wet blade without
adequate water supply to the blade
- DO NOT exceed maximum blade
speed
- Mount the blade solidly and firmly,
Wrench tighten the arbor nut.
- Make sure the blade and flanges
are clean and free of dirt and debris
before mounting the blade on the
saw.
4.2.7 Operating Procedure
- The drive must always be
disengaged when the machine is
started.
- Having ensured that there is an
adequate water flow, the saw may
be started and warmed up for a few
minutes. Do not leave the machine
unattended whilst it is running.
- Your first cut must be as straight as
possible and to a maximum depth
of 50mm, with subsequent passes
to suit the material and machine
capabilities.
- If the machine stalls when cutting,
raise it out of the cut to check that
the blade is not damaged and that
it is secured to the flanges before
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
starting the engine again.
04
- When lowering the blade into a
partially made cut, make sure
Operating Procedures
that the blade and the cut are
accurately aligned. If the machine
veers offline, do not damage the
blade by forcing it back into line.
Steer the machine carefully and stop
cutting if you are unable to line the
blade with the cut, then re- position
and start again.
- Do not apply excessive pressure
forwards, as the blade will rise out of
the cut. A deep cut is best achieved
by making several shallower cuts.
- Keep your body away from the
moving parts of the machine
and know how to stop the unit in
case of an emergency. Always
wear hearing, eye, foot and head
protection as required by the
regulations.
- The engine must be switched off
before refuelling and a pump or
funnel used for this purpose to avoid
spilling fuel.
* During Floor or Track sawing the
blade can become lodged between
the outer side and the material
causing the blade to cease rotating.
- Immediately turn the drive motor off
to prevent damage.
- Turn off water supply
- In the event of the jammed blade
try reversing and lifting at the same
time, this may release the blade.
- With the correct spanner fitted to the
shaft nut remove and manoeuvre
the shaft from the blade. Use a
dedicated tool commonly known as
a sparrow Blade puller to dislodge
from the material
- Upon removal inspect the blade for
damage and segment loss.
- For best practice it is advised to
include jamming of blades into the
risk assessment.
49
 04 4.3 Sawing - Wall Saws (Rail
Mounted)
Operating Procedures
4.3.1 Introduction
This equipment was developed to
enable cutting of door and window
openings through reinforced
concrete, brick and granite walls as
well as through floors for stairways, lifts,
etc., Without the need to stitch drill,
i.e. a series of interlocking holes.
The track saw consists of a metal rail
which has a set of supporting feet
that are secured to the concrete
by means of an anchoring system.
The track has a toothed rack for the
sprocket / cog wheel seated in the
motor house to traverse on.
The travelling bogey / motor house is
secured to the track by runners and
a cog wheel engages the ‘rack’ to
enable it to travel backwards and
forwards along the track or tracks.
The bogey also houses the hydraulic
motor which powers the diamond
saw blade. This blade can be as small
as 450mm diameter to as large as
2m or more. The smaller the diameter
the faster the r.p.m. and vice-versa.
The power unit is hydraulic – either
electric, diesel or petrol powered, and
is operated using the latest equipment
by remote control away from the
surface being worked upon.
The cutting is carried out by making a
series of passes along the length being
cut. The depth of each pass depends
upon the type of material, the blade
and the operative.
The operator starts with a small
diameter blade and works upwards
to finish with one suitable to complete
the depth required.
It is vital to ensure that all sections
being cut or worked upon are
adequately supported, and all
services made safe.
Wall sawing equipment consists of two
main components: -
a) The travelling rail mounted
on feet or brackets which
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
are attached to the wall,
together with the saw head
which is mounted on the
rail. Apart from the standard
wall saw, there are plunge
saws and corner cutting saws
which operate in a similar
manner. Any special health
and safety factors relating to
these two types are covered
below.
b) The hydraulic drive unit which
can be electrically, or diesel
driven. Where, the drive unit
is electrically driven, it will
need a 415/440-volt, 3 phase
supply and must be installed
by a qualified electrician,
using an earth leakage
protection device.
4.3.2 Installation
- When installing the rail, follow the
manufacturer’s instructions. Small
test holes may be drilled if steel
reinforcing bar is present in the wall,
to ensure that the bar does not lie in
the plane of the cut.
- It is preferable that the surface is
smooth and level; if not, packers
must be used to ensure that the
track is not distorted when being
fixed. Particular attention must be
paid to: -
a) Ensuring that all supporting
feet are in contact with the
surface without distortion and
are securely anchored using
anchor bolts;
b) Ensuring that all rails are
properly joined allowing the
saw head to pass freely;
c) Checking that the rail is at
right angles to the surface, if
necessary, using a spirit level;
d) Inspecting the complete
saw assembly including the
blade flanges, shaft and
saw blade for damage or
malfunctioning.
- Once the saw head is mounted on
50
 the rail, the blade can then be fitted,
and the angle checked again with a
spirit level. A check must be made to
ensure that the pinion gear meshes
properly with the track rack and that
the retention rollers are in the locked
position. The blade must be securely
mounted on the shaft and the blade
nut properly tightened. Ensure that
the blade guard is fitted and locked
in place before starting the motor
and that an adequate water supply
is connected.
- SAFETY STOPS MUST BE USED AT EACH
END OF THE TRACK. These prevent
the saw running off the track. Under
certain circumstances, the blade
can drive itself along the rail, thereby
presenting a considerable health
and safety hazard. If safety stops are
not available, operators must not use
the machine until these are fitted.
- The area around the wall saw
must be cordoned off to prevent
bystanders approaching. With
remote controlled saws, the operator
must locate the controls in such a
position that he can see the saw
operating but which is outside the
immediate area of the saw and
blade. Any assistants must also stay
outside the immediate area of the
saw whilst it is in operation.
The area behind the wall must be
checked to ensure that there is
enough clearance area for the saw
blade and that it will not interfere with
any installations.
When a wall saw is used to cut
an opening in a suspended floor,
adequate supports must be provided
to prevent the cut section from
dropping causing damage or injury.
Safety barriers both on the floor and
below are required to prevent injury to
fellow workers or visitors.
- Water is used for cooling the
hydraulic unit and for applying
onto the blade for cooling. Never
run the unit without connecting an
adequate water supply.
- The manufacturer’s instructions
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
must be followed regarding the
connection of hydraulic hoses
04
between the drive unit and the
Operating Procedures
saw head. Hoses should never be
dragged over floors because of
the risk of damage to the hose or
coupling, and all dirt should be
removed from couplings prior to
connection. Hose connections
should be checked to make sure
that they are correctly made.
- Prior to sawing, also check that the
following are tightly fastened: -
- The bolts and anchors securing the
rail frames and rails
- The nut or bolt securing the blade.
- Ensure that the correct blade guard
is fitted. A machine should never be
operated without guards, and the
correct size of guard must be fitted
to match the blade size. The special
flush cutting guard should only be
used for this application.
4.3.3 Operating Procedures
- The first saw cut should be made to
a cutting depth of 3 - 5 cm to ensure
that the blade has a guide and saws
in a straight line.
- The operative should position
themselves, i.e. as close to a
90-degree angle as possible
- The second cut can then be to
a greater depth depending on
the quality of the concrete and
the degree of reinforcement.
When longitudinal reinforcement
is encountered, it should, as far
as possible, be cut through in one
movement. Start with the smallest
size of blade and step up the blade
size gradually by regular increments,
as suggested by the manufacturer.
When doing this, ensure that the
blade width is greater on the smaller
diameters to allow the blade to sit
into the cut.
- When cutting out a wall section,
remember the final cut should not be
the bottom cut as the weight of the
slab will trap the blade.
51
 - As an opening is being cut, thin
04 wedges must be used to restrain the
slab.
Operating Procedures
Alternatively, the slab must be tied
into the surrounding wall. Great care
should be used when removing the
wedges or tilting a slab out of the
opening. A 15 cm thick slab will tilt out
without touching the surrounding wall.
Proper safe rigging and handling
techniques must be used when
removing slabs.
- If a blade jams, the manufacturer’s
instructions should be carefully
followed to avoid damage to the
hydraulic motor. Before removing
a blade guard, ensure that the
blade has stopped rotating and the
machine is switched off. Avoid: -
a) Jamming the blade when
running at high speed;
b) Traversing the saw rapidly
with the blade in the cut
and jamming it at either
end;
c) Cranking the blade in or out
of the cut too fast.
- Should a blade become wedged in
the cut, do not attempt to un-jam it
is using Manual Travel or Depth-of-
Cut controls. Remove the blade from
the saw and use other means.
- Where the saw is powered by an air
motor, remember that the motor is
ungoverned and can over speed
under no-load conditions. This can
result in blade damage and possible
injury.
- It is essential that a rail mounted saw
is maintained properly. For example,
check oil levels in the gear box.
- After use, all hoses should be
disconnected carefully, avoiding
dropping couplings.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
4.3.4 Plunge Saws and Corner
Cutting Saws
- When using a plunge saw, a hole is
drilled through the concrete with a
250 mm diameter core drill. The saw
track is then inserted in this hole so
that the saw blade will cut through
the full depth of the concrete using
a range of starter and step cutting
blades. This method of sawing does
away with over-cutting, but if the
blade is to protrude into a working
area behind a wall or slab, the
operator must ensure that there is
a 70 cm wide safety area in order
to provide clearance for the blade
when cutting to full width.
- A corner cutting saw is normally
chain driven. Prior to assembly,
the chain and chain bar must
be thoroughly clean and
undamaged. When working, the
operator should avoid dropping
the saw on the chain and chain
bar. Jamming the chain in the
cut should also be avoided.
Should jamming occur, switch off
the machine, remove the chain
bar and sprocket. Do not release
by using the controls.
4.4 Sawing – Hand-Held Saws
These machines are by hand and
used to form cuts into brick or
concrete using an electric/hydraulic/
High Frequency power supply.
4.4.1 Introduction
- Hand-held saws can be divided into
two categories:
a) The traditional disc cutter
with a centre driven
disc/blade, commonly
known as a Cut-off saw,
driven either by a small
integral petrol engine
or electrically. Chasing
machines and angle
grinders fall into this
category. These can be
used to form shallow cuts
into brick or concrete.
52
 b) The ring saw is a hydraulic/
petrol-powered or high
frequency hand-held
unit which gives a cutting
depth of 300 mm from a
400 mm diameter blade.
This is achieved by a
unique design where the
diamond blade is driven
from the periphery instead
of the centre. It is generally
used hand-held but can
be rail mounted. Pre- cuts
can be carried out by
power saw, ensuring cost
effective production and
easier, safer results.
This machine is ideal for use in, for
instance, restricted areas of space, or
on low volume low quantity cutting
contracts, due to its size, its ease of
operation and its short set-up time.
Items a) and b) above can be fitted
with diamond tipped laser-welded
blades, usually running dry or fitted
with an abrasive cutting / grinding
disc for cutting stone or metal. They
are often used to cut re-enforcement
when crushing or bursting.
- Although hand-held tools are flexible
and easy to use, the operator can
soon become tired. Accidents can
occur through fatigue as a result of a
slip or mishandling.
- Remember the operator should
have a certificate for the safe use
of diamond tipped segmented
blades. This allows the changing
of the blades and understanding
of machine operations. However,
the employer is the person
who is responsible for ensuring
competency.
4.4.2 Installation
- In particular, the operator’s clothing
must be strong and close fitting.
Heavy-duty, non-slip gloves must be
worn, together with safety boots with
non-slip soles. The operator must also
use proper eye and ear protection
and must always wear a safety
helmet. Most materials create dust,
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
particularly when these tools are
used for cutting ‘dry’. This process
04
should be the subject of a COSHH
Operating Procedures
Risk Assessment. Wear a respirator
and/or face mask in these situations.
- Before using a hand-held saw,
ensure that it has been checked
over prior to issue and that the
electrical leads and plugs are
undamaged. Also, be sure that all
the controls and health and safety
devices function properly and that
the guards are securely fixed.
- Never carry a hand saw by the
blade or guard, as this may damage
the blade and/or the machine. If
it shatters, a damaged blade can
represent a considerable hazard.
- The saw must be fitted with a blade
or disc which is suitable for cutting
the material involved. Diamond
and reinforced abrasive cutting
discs are available and these may
be used wet or dry. Make sure that
the maximum speed marked on the
disc is equal to or above the spindle
speed of the machine.
4.4.3 Operating Procedures
- Start the machine in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Both hands should be used when
operating the power saw and the
guard must be adjusted to suit the
job, so that sparks, material particles
or pieces of damaged disc cannot
endanger the operator. Hydraulic
hoses and electric leads must
always be kept well away from the
operator’s feet possibly by passing
them over the shoulder.
- To achieve a clean cut, move the
blade / disc forwards in the cutting
direction and do not force the wheel
into the material. Do not change the
cutting direction as this can place
undue strain on the blade causing it
to shatter or break.
- Cut in a forward motion and use
shallow and intermittent cutting only.
53
 - The operator should have a firm
04 foothold and must not work from a
ladder or other insecure support. Do
Operating Procedures
not over-reach with the machine
and never operate it above head
height. Great caution should be
used when inserting the blade into
an existing cut as kickback can
occur. To prevent this, keep a firm
grip on the machine and check that
the cut width is greater than the
blade width if different blades are
used. For example, a starter blade
can be wider than a ring saw blade.
- Work should be properly supported
so that the cut does not close,
pinching the blade.
- Where tools are electrically driven,
care should be taken to ensure that
the cable is not cut or damaged
by the saw blade. If damage does
occur, the tool must be exchanged
or repair to the cable must be done
by a competent person. Beware also
of water that might reach electrical
parts of the machine as this can
cause shocks to the operator and
damage to the machinery.
4.5 Sawing - Wire Saws
4.5.1 Introduction
Some track saws or drill rigs and
motors can be converted to work as
a wire saw. Alternatively, there are
wire sawing machines specifically
manufactured for this application.
The operative should position
themselves, i.e. as close to a
90-degree angle as possible
The method of setting up is like that
of the track saw but in lieu of the saw
blade, grooved pulley wheels are
fitted which take the diamond wire.
This wire is passed over any number of
small idler pulleys to the surface being
cut.
The wire consists of sections of a
steel core of strands approx. 6mm.
diameter and of almost any length.
These sections are joined by screwed
sleeves or by crimped connections
to form a variable length of wire,
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
depending on the sawing application.
The wire has diamond impregnated
beads along its length approximately
30mm apart and 10mm diameter. The
beads are separated by small springs,
plastic or rubber, depending upon the
type of wire and the manufacturer.
4.5.2 Installation / Operation
The wire is positioned over the pulleys
through pre-drilled holes in the
concrete that is being cut and back
over the drive pulley. The wire can be
of almost any length and is joined by
special crimps.
The wire is rotated, held under tension
and pulled through the material being
cut. Water must always be used. This
machine is remote controlled by the
operator, who should be in a position
adequate to view the wire and drive
wheel, but not directly in line.
- The machine must be installed in line
with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Providing it is installed properly, it is
safe to use and suffers from a low
level of noise and vibration when
compared with other methods.
- As the pulleys are unguarded and
the wire exposed, care should be
taken to isolate the working area to
prevent persons coming into contact
with the wire or other moving parts
i.e. the area should be cordoned off
with warning notices so that there
is no risk of injury should the wire
break or become disconnected.
Consideration should also be given
to the risk of injury should a bead or
segment become detached from a
moving wire. Because of the flexible
nature of the equipment and its
installation, wire sawing machines
must only be set up and operated by
experienced personnel.
- The specification of diamond wire
can vary and must be suitable
for cutting the material. The
manufacturer’s advice should be
sought.
- An adequate water supply must be
fed to the wire during cutting.
54
4.6 Controlled Demolition -
Bursting
4.6.1 Introduction
Hydraulic bursters are intended for use
in rock or concrete breaking where
explosives cannot be used. They will
break up large blocks of material into
manageable pieces which would
be uneconomical or impractical to
demolish by other means such as rock
drills etc. Bursters have the advantage
that they are relatively quiet and safe
to use.
There are two types of burster; the
wedge type working on the plug and
feather principle and the plunger
type which is a steel circular head
with several sideways facing pistons
along its length. Both models are
hydraulically operated, and the
power unit can be air, petrol/ diesel
or electrically driven. Operation is
remote controlled.
It is necessary to drill holes with
a diamond drill for the burster
to fit in. These holes are drilled in
either a straight line or a diamond
configuration, and again the distance
between holes varies from 450mm to
1m depending upon type, method
and strength of concrete.
Once the holes have been
completed, the burster head is
inserted into the holes.
Pressure is applied from the hydraulic
power pack via the hoses to the
splitter / burster which induces cracks.
Providing the splitter / burster head
is correctly positioned, the cracking
will follow a plane of weakness to
the adjacent hole. The process is
repeated until the whole area is
fractured and ready for removal. This
is a quiet, vibration free and efficient
method of demolition and is now in
general use.
4.6.2 Installation
- Careful consideration must be given
to the composition of material that
is being split. The concrete mass
behind the burster head must be
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
larger and stronger than the portion
04
being burst. Otherwise the wrong
piece of concrete may be burst. A
Operating Procedures
separation line is required to avoid
damage to structural walls or floors.
- Before using the wedge type burster,
the pump unit and the burster tool
must be checked to ensure that the
operating pressure conforms to the
manufacturer’s recommendations
and that the tool works satisfactorily.
- A liberal coating of special grease
should be applied to the wedges.
4.6.3 Operating Procedures
- For both types of burster, a suitable
size hole is drilled in the material at
an appropriate distance from the
free face. The wedge type unit is
then inserted so that one of the outer
wedges is towards the free face.
Ensure that the ends of the wedges
are within the concrete and not
protruding into free space or into
softer material.
- - Wedges should never be used to
lever out broken concrete as this
will result in bending of the wedges.
Great care should be taken when
inserting the burster in a crack to
obtain more spread, as there is a risk
of the wedges displacing sideways.
a) When using the plunger type
burster, a burster plate should be
inserted between the plungers
and the side of the hole. The
pressure can then be applied,
and the material broken. Check
that the burster plates are always
correctly positioned.
b) Always check that debris is
cleared away from the burster
between bursts.
4.6.4 Cracking Agents
a) Material can also be split by
using a non- explosive cracking
agent. This is supplied in powder
form. When mixed with water
a chemical reaction occurs,
expanding the material to split
the concrete. Inserted into
55
 pre-drilled holes, after several
04 hours the agent develops
an extremely high expansion
Operating Procedures
pressure. A recent accident,
involving this method of splitting
material, has highlighted
the need for manufacturer’s
recommendations to be
followed precisely. Also, the
importance of wearing proper
personal protection equipment.
- The following health and safety rules
should be followed: -
a) Keep the site closed to people
during the cracking process. The
expansion process may release
fragments of material.
b) Cover holes during cracking
process using plywood sheeting.
c) Do not investigate the filled holes
for the first six to eight hours after
filling. Extra care must be taken
when using a cracking agent
during a period of abnormally high
climactic temperatures. Excessive
heat can affect the rate at which
the process takes place.
d) Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions with care.
e) Avoid contact between the
cracking agent and the skin. Wear
protective clothing, particularly
goggles, industrial gloves, safety
footwear and a helmet.
f) Keep the agent away from
children and in a safe store when
not in use.
4.7 Controlled Demolition -
Crushing
4.7.1 Introduction
A crusher unit consists of two main
components: -
a) The crusher itself complete with a
crushing piston at one end of the
jaw and
b) The hydraulic power pack for
operating the piston.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
c) The body of the crusher has
been designed and tested
to the highest engineering
standards. Therefore, its strength
must not be weakened by
modifications, by drilling holes
in the body, by the fitting
of additional handles or by
engraving company names,
numbers etc. on the body. For
health and safety reasons, any
modifications or alterations
must be authorised by the
manufacturers in writing and
carried out by them. The
manufacturers or their agents
should also carry out any
repairs.
Hydraulic power packs can either be
electric, diesel or petrol powered.
The main difference from bursting is
that it does not need any diamond
holes to be pre-drilled and the
resulting rubble is of much smaller
dimensions.
Providing a free or open edge is
available (If not, one has to be made
by sawing or drilling a separation
line), the jaws which look either like
a large letter ‘C’ or a crab’s claw,
are installed over the concrete to be
removed. The power unit is operated,
the jaws come together, and the
concrete is crushed. This process
is repeated until the whole area is
removed.
A selection of crushers is available
ranging from lightweight, portable
units, through to remotely controlled
machine mounted machines.
The advantages of this technique are
no vibration, almost no noise and no
water.
4.7.2 Installation
- When moving the crusher, never
lift or drag it by its hydraulic hoses.
Always use the frame or handles.
It can weigh up to 45 kg, and care
should therefore be exercised when
lifting.
- The power pack may require a flow
56
 of cooling water. If this is the case, it
must never be operated without it.
- A crusher can be dangerous is
used incorrectly, so follow the
manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
The energy generated by the
crusher can dislodge small pieces of
concrete which burst away at high
speeds. These can be dangerous
if the correct protective clothing
is not worn. Always wear a safety
helmet with visor, safety goggles,
gloves, apron, shin protection and
protective footwear.
- Equipment is generally designed
for 24 hour operation. For maximum
performance, there should be two
well-trained operators. The cutting
of reinforcing bar etc. may require
a further operator. Use an abrasive
wheel or cutting torch for this
purpose.
4.7.3 Operating Procedures
- Ensure that all hydraulic hoses are
coupled up securely.
- When the crusher is positioned over
the concrete, there should be a
gap between the concrete and
the bottom rim of the crusher. The
crusher must be positioned squarely
on the concrete and at right angles
to it and must never be operated
whilst it is at an angle either
diagonally or axially. The crusher can
be forced off the concrete causing
serious damage to the operator
and the machine. This kickback is a
serious risk.
- To ensure that the crusher is properly
located, comply with the following
cycle: -
1. Position the crusher
correctly and at right
angle to the concrete
(diagonally and axially.
2. Advance the crushing
piston to the point where it
touches the wall.
3. Stop the piston and check
the correct positioning
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
of the crusher and
ensure that further piston
04
movement will be safe.
Operating Procedures
4. Make sure that hands are
removed from the area of
the piston.
5. Continue the piston stroke
and resume crushing.
- When operating the crusher,
take care that nothing is trapped
between the cylinder and the
crusher arms.
4.7.4 Other Applications
Hydraulically operated crushing jaws
may also be fitted to an excavator
boom for use in the general
demolition of overhead structures. This
application will be subject to the safe
working practices governing general
demolition work.
4.8 Thermic Lancing
4.8.1 Installation
- The conventional thermic lance is
a length of seam welded mild steel
tube, usually a basic 3 metres long,
although several lances may be
coupled together to increase the
length. This tube, which is normally
available in two sizes, 3/8” (10
mm) and 3/4” (20 mm) diameter,
is threaded at both ends and is
packed with rods, normally strands of
iron wire. Other sizes of tube i.e. 1/4”
and 5/8” may also be available.
- The tube is screwed into a lance
holder to which a supply of oxygen is
also connected by means of a hose,
preferably of the armoured variety, in
which case a hose protection valve
is not needed. This lance holder will
also have a guard to protect the
operator. Do not use oil, grease or
other hydrocarbon materials on any
of the cutting equipment, pipe work
or fittings. If necessary, equipment
must be degreased.
- A reaction is then caused by
preheating the lance tip until ignition
takes place, thereby producing
temperatures in the region of 2200
57
 degrees centigrade. When applied
04 to the material to be bored, the
intense heat coupled with the
Operating Procedures
chemical reaction results in the
formation of a fluid slag which flows
from the point of boring, aided
by the oxygen pressure, thereby
producing a cutting action.
- Thermic lancing is a powerful
method of cutting holes in most
materials especially concrete, stone
and metal. Cutting reinforcing rods in
concrete is one typical application.
However, care should be taken
not to cut asbestos or any material
containing asbestos. Check with the
client’s health and safety officer that
asbestos products are not present in
the working area.
- The advantages of this method are
lack of noise and vibration coupled
with speed and mobility. However,
there is a serious fire risk associated
with thermic lancing, because of
the high temperatures being used.
Therefore, the operatives and the
surrounding area must be protected.
- For reasons of personal health and
safety, there must always be two
operators present at any thermic
lancing operation, as a second man
is required to heat the tip of the
lance, to control the oxygen system
in an emergency and to maintain a
safe working environment. Operators
must be aware of the risks and
precautions associated with the use
of compressed gases and know how
to deal with hazards.
- Operators must be properly
protected whilst working. The most
important requirement is a safety
helmet with a full face visor. This
visor should either be tinted, or
tinted goggles should be worn.
The equipment must be capable
of withstanding high temperatures
and metal sparks. In addition,
a dusk mask or a helmet with a
filtered air supply should be used
depending on the nature of the
working environment. This and other
safety equipment should only be
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
obtained from a recognised supplier.
Equipment for eye, neck and face
protection should comply with
BS1542 and BS679.
- The basic clothing worn by the
operators must be of a kind
which will not easily ignite or burn.
Donkey jackets will usually provide
satisfactory protection, although
long sleeve leather jackets and
leather trousers are recommended.
In addition, leather gloves and
aprons together with safety boots
should be worn. Clothes made from
flame retardant material may be
used but it should be remembered
that processes such as laundering
can impair the flame retardant
properties.
- The working area must be cleared
of any combustible material,
particularly in the place where
slag and sparks may fall and the
spot where the lance will emerge
through the material. The area must
always also be free from water as
the molten concrete will explode
creating serious risks for the operator.
It may be necessary to use screens or
fire retardant sheets as a precaution.
- Warning signs should be prominently
posted, and the working area kept
clear of non- operating personnel.
- Also ensure that the correct grade
of fire extinguisher i.e. dry powder is
immediately available. Sand should
also be provided to contain any
molten material from the lancing
operations.
- The lancing process will produce
clouds of dense smoke and
fumes which hinder visibility. The
application of intense heat to the
material or any coating may create
toxic fumes. In this situation, exhaust
ventilation must be provided, and
respiratory equipment worn. Also,
anything which could create a dust
cloud should be removed from the
working area. There is also a danger
where molten material is liable to
meet water. This contact causes
58
 the material to solidify and explode,
with a serious risk of injury from flying
particles.
- Care should be taken not to carry
out thermic lancing in an area where
damage to electrical installations,
gas pipelines or other service ducts is
a possibility. The location of services
should be checked with the client.
4.8.2 Operating Procedures
- Once boring with the lance
has started, the reaction
is self-generating, and the
velocity of the expelled
gases and vapours assists
the flow of slag from the
hole. Holes up to 3 metres
can be bored, but the
process is facilitated if the
holes are inclined upwards
at 5 - 10 degrees to help the
flow of slag. Holes can be
bored downwards but the
consumption of lance and
oxygen will increase due to
the extra pressure required
to lift the slag clear. At the
start of lancing concrete,
red hot debris will be thrown
back at the operator and a
temporary protection barrier
must therefore be erected in
front of the operator.
- It is essential that the
operative has a firm foothold
and will not trip or fall over
protruding objects.
- Periods of work should be
governed by the operator’s
fatigue as it is dangerous
to carry out this task when
physically tired. If for any
reason the operator feels
unwell, a doctor must be
consulted immediately.
NEVER POINT A LANCE AT ANYBODY,
PARTICULARLY WHEN LIT.
- It is strongly recommended
that a fire warden is posted
at the working site for one
hour afterwards to ensure
that there is no risk of fire.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
4.9 Hydraulic Power Packs 04
- Hydraulic power packs are
Operating Procedures
generally diesel driven and are
designed to power wall saws
and other equipment and tools
with corresponding power
requirements. However, units
powered by a 440-volt 3 phase
electrical supply provide an
option where noise or fumes
etc. are a consideration.
a) Although these units are
relatively safe to operate,
care should be taken with
the following: -Hydraulic
hoses and fittings/couplings
etc. must be checked
regularly for damage
and must be changed
at the manufacturer’s
recommended intervals;
b) During transport and
storage, hoses should
not be unduly stressed or
kinked;
c) The hose couplings and the
oil must be kept free from
contamination, and the correct
grade of oil must be used;
d) The manufacturer’s
instructions must be
followed regarding oil
operating temperatures
and pressures. It is advisable
to run the motor for 5 - 10
minutes without pressure.
e) Machines should not be
operated until the oil
has reached the correct
temperature. When external
temperatures are low,
preheating of the oil may
be recommended.
f)Where extension hoses are
used, there will be pressure
losses from a certain
distance onwards. Check
this situation with the
manufacturers.
59
 04 4.10 Portable Electric Tools
- Operators may be required to
Operating Procedures
use a variety of small power
tools in support of the main
work. Electric drills will be in
regular use.
- The following basic instructions
must always be adhered to: -
a) The tool must not be abused.
Never carry it by its cable and
take care not to drop it. The
cable should be kept away
from heat, oil and sharp edges;
b) Before servicing or repairing
a tool and when changing
accessories such as bits or
blades, the tool must be
disconnected from the
power;
c) Before switching a tool on,
ensure that all keys, wrenches
and spanners etc. are
removed. the equipment
should have a valid PAT tag or
sticker. The operative should
check the PAT test before use
and more importantly before
putting away as this gives them
to get it change or retested
before they need to use it
again
d) Ensure that the switch works
properly and is turned off
before plugging the tool in.
Never carry a plugged-in tool
with your finger on the switch;
e) Keep hands well away from
all moving parts and do not
operate tools when you are
tired;
f) Use only approved
manufacturer’s accessories;
g) If extension leads are used,
remember that there may be
a voltage drop. The extension
leads must be of the same duty
cable as the main lead;
h) Do not force a tool as this can
be dangerous;
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
i) Never leave power tools
running when unattended;
j) Be sure that the tool is used
in a comfortable position. Do
not over-reach and only work
above shoulder height where
this can be done safely.
k) When operating any
electric tool there is a risk
of fire, electric shock and
personal injury through
carelessness or misuse.
This risk is increased when
working in wet or cold
conditions.
l) The operator must always
be conscious of the
location of the cable when
operating the tool. If the
cable becomes damaged
or cut, either the tool should
be immediately exchanged
for a replacement or the
damage should be repaired
by a qualified electrician.
Makeshift cable repairs
are not allowed in any
circumstances.
m) All equipment used on
site should be suitable for
110 volt supply, even if it
means using a transformer.
Plugs must also be of the
appropriate type.
4.11 Diamond Chain Saws
4.11.1 Introduction
- These work on a similar principle to
agricultural chain saws from which
they were originally adapted, except
that: -
- The chain has diamond impregnated
segments welded to the chain;
- The unit is mechanically driven from
a hydraulic power pack or internal
petrol engine converted from a
petrol driven hand saw;
- Water cooling/lubrication is supplied
to the chain when cutting.
- However, chain saws are now
60
 available that have been
specifically designed for construction
applications.
- They are very useful for cutting
window and doorway openings in
brick and block because straight
lines can be cut with right angled
corners, eliminating over cutting.
They can be operated hand-held or
track / rail mounted and cut up to
600mm deep.
4.11.2 Installation
- Before operating the tool, attention
must be paid to the manufacturer’s
operating manual and to any
stickers or tags attached to the
tool or hose. These refer mainly to
precautions regarding the use of
hydraulic systems including non-
conductive cables.
- This tool can be extremely
dangerous if handled carelessly.
Operators should always wear
full safety equipment including: -
goggles, ear and head protection,
leg protection, gloves, snug fitting
clothing and safety shoes.
- Check the working area carefully for
live electrical wiring or other services
in or adjacent to the material being
cut. The area must also be properly
ventilated.
- Before energising the power source,
hoses must be connected to the
chain saw hose couplers and
properly tightened. The chainsaw
handles must be kept free of
hydraulic fluid and clean. Make sure
that the power source develops the
correct flow and pressure.
- Diamond chain saws must only be
used for applications for which they
are designed i.e. cutting concrete,
bricks, natural stone etc. They are
not designed to cut wood. Make
sure that you know the exact nature
of the material you are about to cut.
- Check that the water supply to the
blade is adequate.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
4.11.3 Operating Procedures
04
Cutting must always be planned to
prevent injury and to prevent trapping
Operating Procedures
of the chain and bar in falling pieces
of concrete. One cubic foot of
concrete weighs approx. 70 kgs. For
long cuts, it is advisable to score the
cutting line with the nose of the bar to
provide a guide groove.
A track can be fitted to assist the
operator with fatigue and keeping a
straight line. In addition: -
- Ensure that the hydraulic and water
hoses are correctly coupled, that the
chain guard is in place and that the
blade has the correct tension.
- Make sure that the working area is
free from obstructions and does not
include dangerous terrain including
excessive slopes. Do not overreach
or cut above shoulder height.
- Always maintain a safe footing and
balance.
- There should be a well-marked and
signed working safety zone that
warns other people against entry.
- Keep a firm grip on the saw with both
hands. This helps reduce kickbacks
and maintain control. Do not let go.
- Always operate the saw for two
or three minutes away from the
intended cut and then check the
chain tension. Remember that the
chain is designed to operate in one
direction only.
- Ensure that the working area is kept
clear of
- Bystanders when starting or cutting.
- Always observe the rated operating
speeds. Turn off the power source
or set the hydraulic control valve
to neutral before setting down the
machine.
- Ensure that the chain and other
components are regularly checked
for condition and wear.
Diamond chains are extremely
expensive. The manufacturer’s
61
 instructions must be followed carefully,
04 if chain life is to be maximised and
damage is to be avoided. Do not use
Operating Procedures
excessive force when cutting and
maintain a high chain speed. Avoid
heavy plunge forces as this creates
spalling of the concrete on exit,
resulting in premature chain wear.
4.12 Demolition Plant-360
Pedestrian for Crushing &
Breaking
4.12.1 Introduction
This type of machine is an electrically
powered hydraulic machine mounted
on tracks and used mainly for
controlled demolition. Its compact
construction in combination with its
electric drive and remote control
makes it especially suitable for working
in confined spaces and hazardous
environments. It is track-driven for
maximum accessibility.
The machine can operate in any
direction as the arm system rotates
continuously. It can be fitted with
several tools, such as an impact
breaker, concrete crusher or drilling
head and is equipped with a quick
hitch for quick and easy tool change.
The machine is manoeuvred with
a portable control box, which is
connected by a control cable, and
may also be supplied with radio
control.
The work often involves demolishing
old and substandard building
structures where materials such as
reinforcing bars and pipes can jam
and cause pieces of concrete to fly
around uncontrollably.
Therefore, the operation of the
machine must never be undertaken
by anybody lacking the necessary
competence or experience in
demolition work.
Controlled demolition of structures
must only be undertaken as specified
and marked out by the client. Prior to
any work taking place, the client must
be responsible for ensuring the safety
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
of the working area and any services
affecting this work.
General Requirements.
- Undertake a training course on the
specific machine
- Newly trained operatives require
supervision
- Undertake a DSA Test and relevant
qualification
- Read and fully understand the
operator’s manual and all the signs
on the unit before operating the
machine.
- The machine must not be operated
at locations classed as an “explosion
hazard”.
Checking for damage
- The operator is responsible for
checking the condition of the
machine regularly, carrying out daily
inspections and rectifying any faults.
This ensures that the machine is in
such a condition that his health and
safety, and that of any other person,
is not put at risk.
- Arrange for repair of any faults or
damage as soon as they occur. Do
not operate the machine until such
faults have been rectified.
- Never try to stop a leaking hose
with your hand. Atomized oil can
penetrate the skin, causing serious
injury.
- Regularly check the function and
condition of the control box.
- Replace defective levers and push
buttons immediately.
- Never start the motor if water has
entered the electrical equipment
while the machine has not been
in operation. Repairs must be
undertaken by a qualified person.
Repairs
- Never attempt to carry out repairs if
you lack the required competence.
Call for a service technician.
62
 - Only qualified personnel may carry
out repairs or servicing on the
machine’s high- tension circuit.
- Be aware of the risks involved with
working on the hydraulic system.
Follow the service instructions
carefully. Cleanliness is extremely
important. Beware of components
that may still be pressurized even
when the machine is shut down.
Always secure moveable parts when
servicing the machine.
Personal Protection
- Always wear suitable personal
protection equipment. In certain
environments, breathing protection
or a gas mask will be necessary.
Electrical Connection
- Always handle electrical equipment
with respect. This applies specially to
leads and connectors.
- Check that voltage and fuse values
are correct before connecting.
- Always connect the cable through
an earth fault relay.
- Make sure the main cable is not
damaged and that the cable is
the correct dimension in relation to
its length as recommended by the
manufacturers. A long cable should
have a greater cross-sectional area.
4.12.2 Transporting and Hoisting
- Follow the directions in the operating
instructions.
- Lift the machine only by the lifting
eyes provided. The machine must
not be lifted by the arm system.
Make sure nobody is standing under
a suspended machine.
- Make sure that the capacity of the
truck or crane being used for hoisting
is adequate. This also applies to lifting
straps and other lifting gear.
- Always secure the machine
as described in the operating
instructions when transporting on a
trailer or truck platform. Steel bands
have very low friction on a platform.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
4.12.3 Moving
04
- The arm must be fully retracted when
the outriggers are raised.
Operating Procedures
- Always keep your concentration
on the machine when the control
circuit is connected. Always wait
until the control circuit has been
disconnected before entering the
working radius of the machine.
Moving control cables or doing
anything else that can lead to
inadvertent movement of the control
levers while the control circuit is
connected can result in serious injury.
- When moving the machine in areas
where there is a risk of it falling, the
operator must be free from the
control box.
- Always stand above the machine
while manoeuvring on gradients. The
machine can start to slide down the
gradient.
- Never manoeuvre the machine into
deep water so that water enters
electrical couplings, mains cable,
electric motor or any other electrical
equipment, which can then be
damaged.
- Use the arm as an extra support
while moving on gradients.
4.12.4 Before Operating
- Directions for changing tools must be
followed carefully.
- Coupling tools manually while the
control circuit is connected could
cause fatal injury.
- Make sure the machine is standing
securely.
- Make sure nobody is standing within
the operating radius of the machine.
4.12.5 During Operation
- Follow the directors in the operating
instructions
- Never stand within the operating
radius of the machine. A burst hose
or a wrong manoeuvre can have
serious consequences.
63
 - Try to stand in a position where a
04 wall, a column of some other object
can protect you if an accident
Operating Procedures
should occur.
- Always keep your concentration on
the machine while the control circuit
is connected. Wait until the control
circuit has been disconnected
(indicator light off) before entering
the operating radius of the machine.
- Never operate the machine with the
outriggers raised.
- Do not stand on the control cable or
mains lead.
- Always keep power and control
cables away from the operating
zone.
- When operating the areas where
there is a risk of the machine failing,
the operator must be free from the
control box.
- Never go under a raised boom.
- Never stand where there is a risk
of being jammed between the
machine and another obstacle, e.g.
4.13.2 Machine Stability
a wall or post. Note that the machine
can quickly change position due to
unforeseen loads on the arm.
- Note that it is always the responsibility
of the operator to ensure that
work is carried out safely and in
accordance with the instructions of
site management.
4.13 Stability and Moving of
The Remote Controlled 360
Pedestrian Operated Machine
4.13.1 Operators position – Risk
Zone
- Define the risk zone, size varies
- NO ONE MUST ENTER THIS RISK ZONE.
- This zone protects both the
operator and other personnel in the
surrounding area that could be at
risk of injury from the machine such
as:
- Surface giving way
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
- Machine moving suddenly
- Power cable entanglements
- The operator must always be
independent of the control unit
when there is a risk of the machine
shifting suddenly.
- A stand must be used if the control
unit is connected to the machine
by a cable (The machine must be
independent from the operator
when there is a risk of the machine
suddenly shifting.)
- NEVER stand beneath the work
object
- The machine can change position
very quickly due to external
circumstances, breakdowns or
incorrect operations
- NEVER stand under a raised arm
even if the machine is unpowered.
- NEVER stand where there is a risk of
being crushed by the machine, for
example between a wall or a pillar.
- The machine can tip whilst operating
and/or whilst being moved.
- The stability of the machine is
affected by the ground surface, the
tool in use, the distance of the tool
from the machine and the ability of
the operator to control the machine
in a safe manner.
- The machine MUST ALWAYS be
positioned as level as possible with
outriggers fully deployed
- The machine can tip whilst being
moved
- The narrow track gauge of the
machine means that a small
irregularity in the ground surface can
cause such a large degree of lean
the machine tips
- The track gauge can be narrowed
further for use in confined spaces
- The stability of the machine is
impaired with the tracks on the inner
position (in these circumstances the
64
 arm must not be swung out beyond
the outriggers/ Tracks.)
- Ensure arm is folded fully folded
and take caution when driving the
machine around corners and over
uneven surfaces
- Move the outriggers to just above
ground level
- In situations where outriggers can’t
be deployed the machine can tip
Such as: in confined spaces or when
working close to an obstacle.
- The machine can tip in situations
where the outriggers cannot be
deployed.
- The risk of the machine tipping is
greatly increased when the arm is
swung out to the side
- The machine may start unexpectedly
moving because of an inclined
surface
- Stand uphill of the machine
4.13.3 Falling Objects
- During operation the materials will
splinter, and debris will be scattered
haphazardly.
- When chipping upwards the
demolished material spreads within
a radius approximately the same
distance to the area being chipped.
- When demolishing tile linings in
kilns the machine operation directly
affects the risk of collapse.
- The tile linings above and beside the
operator can be shaken loose some
distance from the area where the
chipping occurs.
- The operator is responsible for
checking the vibrations caused
by the hydraulic breaker does not
cause any cracking to the incorrect
part of the object, stones or other
material and do not loosen or cause
personal injury or damage to the
property.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
4.13.4 Operating
04
- There is a risk of accidental operation
therefore:
Operating Procedures
- Do not activate control circuits
until you are sure that the correct
machine will be operated.
- Always concentrate on the machine
when the control circuit is switched
on.
- Before entering the risk zone of the
machine, ensure that the control
circuit is switched off, preferably with
the motor stopped, before entering
the risk zone of the machine
- The controls or power cables
must not be driven over
when working or moving the
machine
4.13.5 Moving the Machine
- When the machine is driven on
inclined surfaces there is a risk of the
machine tipping or sliding.
- Check the ramp/ steps can bear the
weight of the machine
- Driving up or down ramps and
steps carries the risk of the machine
tipping and sliding.
- Anchor the Machine
- Use the arm as additional support
when moving on inclined surfaces.
- Always stand uphill of the machine
and outside the risk zone when
driving on inclined surfaces.
- The machine must be independent
from the operator when there is a risk
of the machine suddenly shifting.
- Some manufacturers supply a stand
for the controller unit to prevent
the operator being pulled into the
danger zone.
65
 4.13.6 After working
04
- Risk of compression injury. If a hose
to a cylinder on the arm system
Operating Procedures

fails, the arm system can sink

rapidly.
- Never stand under a raised arm.
- Always position the tool on the
machine on the floor or ground
when work is complete.
- Risk of accidental operation. Press
the safety stop button before
removing the control unit or leaving
the machine.
- Ensure that the control circuit has
been disconnected (indicate light
off) before taking off the control box.
- Always keep the control box in
a safe place and away from
unauthorised personnel.
- Always disconnect the mains power
to the machine before leaving it.

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 66

Core Drill Bits &
05
Cutting Blades
Drill Drills 68
Cutting Blades 68
Diamond Blades 70
 It is recommended that all super
05 abrasive or diamond products used in
stone and construction work complies
Core Drill Bits and Cutting Blades
with the European Standard EN 13236.
Attention is also drawn to the FEPA
Publication – Health and safety
Code for Super Abrasive Products on
Stone and Construction.
5.1 Drill Bits
- A core drill consists of a steel tube
with a driving adaptor at one
end. Onto the other end is brazed
a crown or matrix into which the
diamonds are set. Surface-set bits
have the diamonds set in patterns
on the surface of the crown, and
impregnated bits have diamonds
distributed throughout a matrix.
Care must be taken to use the
correct diamond bond for the
material being drilled, consulting the
manufacturer, if necessary.
The diamond bit should be
maintained with the diamonds
exposed. A soft abrasive brick will
expose the new diamonds. Under
no circumstances should the bit be
tapped up with a file to sharpen it.
- A core drill must be rotated at a
given r.p.m. and the incorrect choice
of speed will affect the performance
of the bit. Too low a speed will cause
rapid wear and too high will cause
polishing rather than cutting.
- Water is passed down the centre of
the bit, through castellated slots at
the end and back up the outside to
the surface carrying the slurry and
spoil. Check that the manufacturer’s
recommendations regarding water
flow are complied with. Should
the water be cut off, stop drilling
immediately or the segments will
overheat and fall off.
- Before doing any drilling, check
that the bit is rotating in a clockwise
direction and that it is running
concentrically. The life of a bit will
depend on the aggregate type
and size, the nature and depth of
any reinforcement and the age
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
and strength of the concrete.
Caution should be used when the bit
encounters steel reinforcing. It may
be necessary to use a lower rpm.
When drilling steel, with a continuous
firm pressure but without force.
5.2 Cutting Blades
- Cutting or sawing blades fall into
three basic groups: -
a) Reinforce Silicon Carbide
Blades. Although they are
sometimes referred to as
Abrasive Wheels or Cutting
Discs, these are general
terms covering all types of
cutting blades and wheels.
The reinforced silicon carbide
blade is most used on portable
hand tools, for light cutting
duties. The blade material
consists of abrasive grains
held together by a bonding
agent, and reinforcement is
provided by a fabric or filament
within the blade. These are
considerably cheaper than
diamond blades but only have
limited wear properties, making
them suitable for tasks of short
duration. When fitted to an
electric hand tool this type of
blade is usually used ‘dry’ i.e.
without a supply of cooling
water. Certain wheels may be
used wet, subject to advice
from the manufacturers. Non-
reinforced blades should not
be used on portable machines
as they are only designed for
fixed units, as specified by the
manufacturers. However, for
the type of work undertaken
by members of the Association,
diamond blades will usually be
the most suitable.
b) Conventional ‘Wet’ Diamond
Blades. These blades
are made to be used in
conjunction with a continuous
water supply for ‘wet’ cutting.
They are the most used for
general purpose duties where
a water supply can be made
68
 available. The segments are
either brazed or laser welded.
c) ‘Dry’ cutting Diamond Blades.
These are laser welded, either
single or twin meaning both
sides of the segment are
welded for stronger bonding.
The segment is specially
constructed to cope with dry
cutting.
Cutting wheels or blades of any sort
can be dangerous if used improperly,
whether they are the diamond variety
or are reinforced abrasive. There are
therefore several general rules which
apply to all types of blade.
a) Only use the blade to cut
material for which it has
been designed. All the
manufacturers provide
detailed information on the
various types of blade they
offer and the materials for
which they are suitable.
b) The operating speed marked
on the blade must always
be equal to or exceed the
speed for the machine. Don’t
ever exceed the maximum
operating speed established
for the blade. Also, the
direction of rotation of the
arrow on the blade must
correspond with the direction
of rotation of the machine.
c) Ensure that the mounting
flanges are of equal diameter
and are clean. The flange
diameters should be at least
one third of the diameter of
the blade, except in the case
of diamond blades where this
requirement does not apply,
but as a guide approximately
1/3rd up to say 600 mm
diameter, 1/4 above this size.
Do not force a blade on to
a machine spindle or mount
a blade on an undersized
spindle.
d) A correctly designed and
adjusted guard must always
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
be used. Don’t start the
machine until this is in place.
05
e) All blades must be inspected
Core Drill Bits and Cutting Blades
for damage prior to use,
and care must be used in
handling. Don’t use one that
has been dropped. Never
use the side of the blade for
grinding.
f) Once a blade is fitted,
allow the machine to run
for a minute or two at the
operating speed with the
guard in place to check
that it is properly fitted. The
blade should be in balance
and running true. A blade
which is out of balance
means excessive wear and
unnecessary health and
safety risks.
g) Don’t force the blade into the
cut and avoid tilting it when
cutting. Don’t allow the blade
to be trapped or pinched in
the cut.
h) Do wear the correct eye
protection and proper safety
attire.
i) The fitting and use of all
discs and blades are
now covered by the
Provision and Use of Work
Equipment Regulations
whereby operators must
be competent to use
equipment. To meet
this requirement, it is
recommended that abrasive
discs and diamond blades
are only fitted and used by
persons who have been
properly trained and that a
record of training is kept like
the previous Abrasive Wheels
Regulations. Therefore, all
wheels / blades can only
be fitted by a person who
has been suitably trained
and appointed. If in doubt,
consult The Drilling & Sawing
Association.
69
 j) Remove the blade from the
05 machine during transit.
The British Abrasive Federation publish
Core Drill Bits and Cutting Blades
several leaflets governing the safe
storage, mounting and use of cutting
blades of both abrasive and diamond
varieties. For example, they publish
specific advice on the storage of abrasive
wheels, which can be susceptible to
changes in temperatures and humidity.
The Drilling & Sawing Association also
publishes health and safety leaflets on the
use of diamond saw blades.
5.3 Diamond Blades
What is a diamond blade?
Diamond blades consist of four
components.
- Diamond crystals (also known as
diamond grit or “Diamonds”)
- A bonding system (also known as a
matrix)
- A segment
- Steel core.
Diamond Crystals
Diamond grit used in blades is
manufactured in various grit sizes and
quality grades.
Bonding Matrix
A metal bonding matrix holds diamond
crystals in place. Metal powders such
as cobalt, iron, nickel, tungsten, bronze
and other metals are used in various
combinations. The bonding matrix plays
several vital roles:
- Disperses and supports the diamonds
- Provides controlled wear while
allowing diamond protrusion
- Prevents diamond pull-out
- Acts as a heat sink
- Distributes impact and load as the
diamond crystals grind the cutting
surface.
In the cutting process, the diamonds
in the metal bond grind the material.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
This grinding process cuts the material
and at the same time the material
wears the metal bond, which exposes
diamonds to the surface, refreshing
the blade and extending its useful life.
Segments
The mixture of diamond crystals and
bonding metal powders is hot pressed
into segments. These segments
are wider than the core to provide
clearance during cutting.
These segments are specifically
designed to wear at a rate
appropriate to the aggregate
being cut. Diamond concentration
in the segment can vary from
low to very high, depending on
specific requirements (e.g. lower
horsepower saws generally require low
concentration blades for best overall
performance, high horsepower saws
generally require high concentration
blades for best overall performance).
Steel Core
The segments are attached to a
premium steel alloy core.
The steel core is a precision-made
steel disc that has slots. The slots (also
called “gullets” provide faster cooling
by allowing water or air to flow
between the segments.
Most blade cores are tensioned at the
factory so the blade will run straight at
cutting speeds. Proper tension allows
the blade to remain flexible enough
to bend slightly under cutting pressure
and snap back into position. An
arbour hole is precisely bored into the
centre.
HOW DO DIAMOND BLADES WORK?
Diamond blades do not really “cut”
like a knife…. they grind. During the
manufacturing process, individual
diamond crystals are exposed on
the outside edge and sides of the
diamond segments or rim. These
exposed diamonds do the grinding
work.
The metal bond locks each diamond
70
in place. Trailing behind each exposed material being cut. If in any doubt,
diamond is “bond tail” which helps consult the manufacturers or their
05
support the diamond. agents.

Core Drill Bits and Cutting Blades

While the blade rotates on the arbour - A constant check should be kept
shaft of the saw, the operator pushes the on the condition of the blade and
blade into the material. The blade begins attention should be paid to: -
to cut (grind) through the material, whilst
the material begins wearing away the - Uneven or excessive wear
blade (segment). - Undercutting
Exposed surface diamonds score the - A cracked blade core or segment
material, grinding it into a fine powder.
- Segment loss
Embedded diamonds remain beneath
the surface. - Overheating (blue blade)
Exposed diamonds crack or fracture as - Eccentricity and the arbour hole out
they cut, breaking down into even smaller of round.
pieces. Hard, dense materials cause the - The British Standard BS 2064 Part 3
diamonds to fracture even faster. lays down dimensions of segmented
The metal bond also begins to wear, steel blades.
allowing new layers of diamond exposure
to continue cutting.
This continuous grinding and wearing
process continues until the blade is “worn
out”.
Sometimes a small, unusable part of the
segments or rim may remain.
It is important to understand that the
diamond blade and the material must
work together (or intact) for the blade to
cut effectively.
For a diamond tool to work properly, the
diamond type, quality and grit size must
be suited for the saw and the material.
The metal matrix must be matched to the
material to be cut. The following points
are also important:
- Using wet cutting blades without
water, even for a very short period
can cause excessive heat, blade
damage, and result in a health and
safety hazard. Although dry cutting
blades will run without water, they
should only be used intermittently
for shallow cutting i.e. up to 5 cm
maximum, or step cutting. Dry
cutting blades can usually cut
equally well when used wet.
- Choosing the right blade is a critical
decision depending on the type of
saw, the nature of the job and the

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 71

06
Legislation

The Health & Safety at Work

Etc. Act. 1974 73
Regulations 77
EU “Six Pack” 83
Legal Publication 86
6.1 The Health and Safety at
Work Etc. Act. 1974
6.1.1 Scope and Objectives
This Act is the major piece of
legislation in the United Kingdom for
Health and safety. It provides the legal
framework to promote, stimulate and
encourage high standards of Health,
safety and Welfare whilst at work.
The act was created to replace the
mass of existing safety legislation
with one Act applying generally to
all persons at work, and in doing so
replaced a mass of detail with a few
simple and easily assimilated precepts
of general application. It established
the principle that prosecution was not
always the first resort and led to the
formation of the Health and Safety
Commission (HSC) and its executive
arm the Health and Safety Executive
(HSE) which now operate as one body
called HSE. The Act ensured for the first
time that occupational safety should
also protect visitors and members
of the public from work activities. It
also placed more emphasis on the
requirement to develop and maintain
safe systems of work rather than
industry specific technical standards.
The Act requires that workers are
actively involved in the procedures
for accident prevention in their
workplace.
The Act was originally drafted as an
enabling Act. This meant that the
Secretary of State or other Ministers
are permitted to make regulations
under the Act. The enabling powers of
the Act are exercised through section
15 of the Act whereby either the
Secretary of State or other Ministers
may without referring the matter to
Parliament require regulations to
be drawn up by the Executive and
submitted through the Executive to
him.
The need to provide guidance on the
regulations is recognised in section 16
of the Act which gives the Commission
power to prepare and approve
Codes of Practice on matter not only
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
contained in the regulations but also
06
in sections 2 to 7 of the Act. The Act
was also used to implement the EU
Legislation
framework and its daughter directives.
This led to a “Six Pack” of regulations
being introduced in 1992, some of
which have already been updated.
Refer to section 2.3 for further details.
Details of current regulations, codes of
practice, etc. are available from the
DSA Office. Details are not included
in this publication as they change
regularly.
6.1.2 The Health and Safety
Executive
These two separate bodies (The
HSE and H&S Commission) were
merged in recent years to become
the Health and Safety Executive. The
Health and Safety Board through
the HSE Executive takes over the
role for Health and Safety policy
setting and has overall responsibility
for occupational health and safety
regulations in Great Britain. The
Health and Safety Executive and
Local Authorities are the enforcing
authorities that work in support of the
board.
The Health and Safety Executive is
the principal authority responsible
for the enforcement of the Act and
any associated legislation. Provision
is made for the appointment of
inspectors who have wide ranging
powers to enter and inspect
premises at any reasonable time,
accompanied if appropriate by the
police or other authorised person.
Inspectors can basically undertake
any investigation considered
necessary. They have greater powers
than the Police or Customs and can
demand entry at any time. If entry is
denied the Police will do it for them.
Their powers include: -
1. The taking of measurements,
photographs and recordings;
2. The taking of samples of items found
on the premises;
73
 3. The dismantling, processing or testing
06 of any article;
4. The interviewing and taking of signed
Legislation
written statements from any one they
think might give information relevant
to their examination;
5. The inspection and copying of any
books or documents;
6. The ability to do anything else
necessary to enable them to carry
out their duties.
In addition, the inspectors have an
advisory role on matters affecting
health and safety at work. From
October 1st, 2012 the HSE introduced
a fee for ‘intervention’ which enforces
the new ‘Health and Safety Fees for
Intervention Regulations’.
This allows the HSE to charge
and recover any costs from an
intervention required which will involve
investigating a breach, site visits, letter
writing and items such as drafting an
improvement or prohibition notice.
From time to time the HSE publishes
the above- mentioned Codes of
Practice and Guidance Notes
in support of specific aspects of
health and safety covered by the
Act. A schedule of HSE offices and
information points is detailed in
Appendix 10.1.
Apart from the Inspectors appointed
under the Act, local authorities
continue to have a role in enforcing
certain aspects of the legislation.
The Act also gives powers to the
Executive, and Employers to ensure,
in relation to fire precautions that
the requirements within the CDM
regulations, specifically in relation to
regulations 38, 39 and 40 regarding
general fire precautions, control of
work premises such as construction
sites for fire and appointments for fire
control are enforced and that the
Regulatory Reform Fire Order 2005 is
enforced.
Where an inspector believes that an
article or substance is a source of
immediate danger or serious personal
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
injury, he has the power to seize it
and have it made harmless but must
prepare a written report for the owner.
It is an offence under Section 33 of
the Health and Safety at Work Act
to obstruct or fail to comply with any
requirements imposed by an HSE
Inspector.
6.1.3 Enforcement
An inspector has two main methods of
enforcement: -
a) Improvement Notices -
The inspector may serve a notice
on any person contravening the
Act requiring them to comply with
the legislation within a specified
period which must be at least 21
days.
b) Prohibition Notices -
If an inspector considers that
an activity involves or is likely
to involve personal injury, he
may serve a prohibition notice
terminating that activity until the
regulations have been complied
with. This may come into effect
immediately or after a specified
period.
In the case of both these notices
there is a process for lodging an
appeal within 21 days. In the case
of the Improvement Notice, after
an appeal, which can be made
immediately, it is suspended until
the appeal is heard.
Failure to comply with the
requirements of the Act or to
comply with a Notice also renders
a person liable to prosecution and
a substantial fine.
6.1.4 The Duties of Employers
Generally, under Section 3 of the
Act, it is the duty of every employer
to ensure, so far as is reasonably
practicable, the health, safety and
welfare at work of all his employees
including the requirement to: -
a) Provide and maintain safe plant
and safe systems of work;
74
 b) Ensure that the use, handling,
storage, maintenance and
transport of articles and
substances is safe and without
risk to health;
c) Provide such necessary
information, instruction, training
and supervision to enable
employees to carry out their
work safely;
d) Ensure a safe place of work with
safe access and egress;
e) Provide a safe working
environment with adequate
welfare facilities.
Employers also have a duty to ensure
that persons not in their employ, who
may be affected by their activities,
are not exposed to risks to their health
and safety.
However, the introduction of the
Management of Health and safety
at Work Regulations in 1993 revised in
1999, brought in specific requirements
for employers as set out in Section
2.3.1 of this code.
When it is proved that an offence is
committed by a limited company
through the neglect of a director or
other official, the person as well as the
company will be considered guilty
and liable to prosecution. This is also
the case where the offence occurs
with the consent or connivance of
an official. Steps have been taken
to introduce stronger legislation on
corporate liability for health and
safety, and there have been many
principals denied their liberty!
These include the Corporate Man-
slaughter Act and the Health and
Safety (Offences Act) both of which
express clearer accountability to
individuals and the structured penalty
that can be imposed.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
6.1.5 The Duties of Employees
06
It is the duty of every employee under
Sections 10 & 11 of the Act whilst at
Legislation
work to: -
Take reasonable care for the health
and safety of himself and of other
persons who may be affected by his
acts or omissions at work;
Co-operate with his employer so far
as is necessary to enable any duty
or requirement under the Act or
relevant legislation to be performed or
complied with. In addition, no person
shall intentionally or recklessly interfere
with, or misuse, anything provided
in the interests of health, safety or
welfare. The term ‘employee’ now
includes all people receiving training
or work experience.
6.1.6 The General Duties of
Manufacturers, etc. regarding
articles and substances for use at
work
Under Section 7 of the Act, it is the
duty of any person who designs,
manufactures, imports or supplies
any article i.e. plant, machinery or
equipment for use at work, to: -
a) Ensure, so far as is reasonably
practicable, that it is designed and
constructed to be safe and without
risk to health when being set up,
used, cleaned or maintained by a
person at work. Emphasis is required
of manufacturers to continually
reduce noise and vibration
exposure levels.
b) Carry out, or arrange for the
carrying out, of such testing and
examination as may be necessary;
c) Carry out such steps as are
reasonably practicable to make
sure that adequate information
about the use for which the article
is designed and has been tested
is provided to persons who will be
using it;
d) Take such steps as are reasonably
practicable to ensure that persons
provided with such information are
75
 also provided with any revisions
06 to that information, should new
evidence come to light of anything
Legislation
which gives rise to a serious risk to
health or health and safety.
e) Necessary research.
The above has now been supported
by the Provision and Use of Work
Equipment Regulations 1998, which
lay down specific requirements in
areas such as suitability, maintenance,
etc.
In addition, the Supply of Machinery
(safety) Regulations places an
obligation on employers to ensure
that work equipment complies with
any legislation which implements the
appropriate EU product directives.
When buying equipment, members
should check whether items conform
to these directives and are fitted
with a CE mark. This requirement
complements the duties placed on
manufacturers and suppliers.
The Act also places the same
obligations upon manufacturers etc.
of substances for use at work, when
these are being used, handled,
processed, stored or transported.
Designers and manufacturers are also
required to arrange for appropriate
research to minimise any health and
safety risk.
6.1.7 Health and Safety Policy
Any employer who has five or more
employees at any one time must
have a written statement of general
policy with respect to their health and
safety at work, and the arrangements
in force for carrying out that policy.
There is a need to continually update
a policy especially when legislation
changes or there is material change in
the nature of the business. Generally,
this tends to be done annually.
Each company should prepare and
bring to the notice of the workforce its
own policy based on its requirements.
To enable members to prepare a
health and safety Policy document,
the Drilling and Sawing Association
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
publishes a set of guidelines for use
by its members, copies of which
is available from the Secretary.
Alternatively, advice may be sought
from a recognised firm of health
and safety consultants or the HSE
publishes a document explaining the
requirements for smaller companies.
The Act requires the employer to
control, monitor and review the
effectiveness of its policy, and all
employees are therefore encouraged
to review the health and safety
performance of their organisation and
to make recommendations for new or
improved safe working practices.
Where a company employs,
compliance with the employer’s
health and safety policy should be
a condition of the sub-contract
agreement.
6.1.8 Health and Safety
Committees & Representatives
There is provision under the Act for
recognised Trade Unions to appoint
health and safety representatives to
represent employees in negotiations
with employers. The Health and safety
Representatives and Health and
safety Committees Regulations 1977,
as amended by the Management of
Health and safety at Work Regulations
1999, lay down requirements covering:
- Representatives’ experience;
- Information and documents;
- Time off work;
- The functions and liabilities of the
representatives.
- The same regulations cover the
rules governing the establishment
and conduct of health and
safety committees, including
their objectives, functions and
membership.
Regular Health and safety Forums,
keeping a record of attendees, are
an excellent way of communication in
discussing any item of health, safety or
procedure.
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6.1.9 Charges
Section 9 of the Act forbids an employer
to charge employees for any measures
which they are required by statute to
provide in the interests of health and
safety i.e. personal protection equipment
or training.
6.2 Regulations
Most of the main Regulations relevant to
construction work are identified at the
relevant place in this Code. Further details
of the overall list of current Regulations
are available on application to the DSA.
More detailed information may also
be available in one of the reference
publications mentioned in section 1.6 of
this code.
Specific attention is drawn to the following
Regulations which have a major impact
on our work.
6.2.1 Control of Substances
Hazardous to Health Regulations
2002 (COSHH)
This is the latest set of COSHH
regulations which incorporate
previous amendments. The regulations
impose duties on employers for the
protection of employees who may
be exposed at work to substances
hazardous to health and of other
persons who may be affected by such
work i.e. third parties. The requirements
for employers are as follows: -
a) An employer must not carry on
any work which is liable to expose
any employee to a substance
hazardous to health unless a
suitable and enough assessment
has been made of the risks to
health created by the substance.
b) To introduce appropriate
measures to prevent or control
the risk. Control is only permitted
where prevention is impractical,
and adequate control must be
achieved, if possible, by means
other than personal protection.
It is only where control measures
on their own are inadequate that
employers may resort to personal
protection.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
c) Where control measures are used,
to ensure that they are properly
06
applied. Equipment must also be
Legislation
properly maintained, and records
kept of examination and testing.
d) Where necessary, to monitor the
exposure of workers and carry out
health surveillance.
e) To inform, instruct and train
employees about the risks and the
precautions to be taken.
f) For drilling and sawing contractors,
substances hazardous to health
occur both in the construction
workplace and in the office
and workshop environment
etc. Dust, slurries and lubricants
caused by cutting operations are
typical examples. Therefore, it is
mandatory that members prepare
a COSHH assessment either
separately or as part of an overall
risk assessment.
6.2.2 Electricity at Work
Regulations 1989
The regulations lay down duties
on employers and employees
regarding electrical equipment
and the use of electricity, with the
purpose of avoiding personal injury
or death. Specific areas covered
by the Regulations are Selection of
Equipment, Testing, Responsibilities
including Supervision and Training,
Precautions and Protection (Earthing,
Insulation etc.)
The HSE also publish a range of
Guidance Notes on electricity at
work, portable and transportable
electric equipment i.e. the electrically
operated tools and machines used in
our industry.
These Regulations require that “all
electrical systems be maintained so
as to prevent, so far as is reasonably
practicable, danger”. This applies
to all workplaces and requires
proper standards of maintenance;
particularly as far as portable
electrical equipment is concerned.
77
 The HSE have published a Booklet No.
06 HS(G)107
“Maintaining Portable & Transportable
Legislation
Electrical Equipment” – (third edition)
2013. This confirms that Electric Cables
and Extension Leads are included in
the requirements of the Regulations,
as they are part of the electrical
apparatus. In fact, they are one of the
main sources of hazard.
In practice, portable electrical
equipment can best be maintained
by carrying out regular inspection and
testing as described in the Booklet.
It is recommended that companies
have a system of inspection, testing
and recording of results, particularly
for portable electrical tools, although
technically other appliances such
as kettles and copiers should also be
regularly inspected and tested.
Although the Regulations do require
the keeping of maintenance records
the EAW memorandum does
refer to the benefits of recording
maintenance including test results.
Therefore, it is recommended that all
portable electrical equipment should
be identified by a serial number which
should be recorded in a register. For
each item, there should be a job card
which states details of the inspection,
testing and maintenance to be
carried out. A dated record should
be kept of the work done signed by a
competent person.
At a practical level, inspection may
be a simple visual task which is carried
out daily, but which does not need
to be performed by a highly- trained
person in order to detect possible
faults. During inspection, the item is
being checked for damage to the
unit together with any connection
leads and plugs. If there is any
evidence of damage the equipment
should be withdrawn from use and
identified in some way to prevent it
being used until repairs have been
carried out.
Testing is a more detailed inspection
incorporating an appropriate
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
electrical test which should be carried
out by a trained person at pre-
determined intervals using a portable
appliance tester or other instrument.
As far as Portable Electric Tools are
concerned, the testing requirements
may be different for Class 1 Tools
which are earthed and Class 2 Tools
which are double insulated. The latter
give added protection against the risk
of electrical shock.
There are reputable manufacturers of
Portable Appliance Test equipment
who will advise on the appropriate
tests which consist mainly of
earth bonding and high voltage
insulation tests. You should consult
the manufacturers or a health and
safety advisor regarding suitable
test equipment. The manufacturers
can also supply standard forms for
recording inspections and tests,
including data on the actual test
results. They can also provide labels for
attaching to the tools once they have
been tested.
The manufacturers will also advise on
the safe conditions for the use of test
equipment i.e. insulated mats and
bench tops. Members may find that
it is more practical to have their tools
tested by an outside company.
About the frequency of inspection
and testing, it is recommended by
the Health and safety Executive
that, in the construction industry, a
simple visual inspection of equipment
is carried out daily and that full
inspection and testing is performed on
each tool every three months. Indeed,
most management of construction
sites require this to be done at these
intervals and records kept. These
intervals are not laid down in the
Regulations but should be adhered to.
Office electrical equipment is
subject to the Regulations but
the recommendations regarding
inspection and testing are stated in
table 1 of the HSG 107 document
from the HSE. Office equipment
should be visually inspected 2-4-year
78
intervals and not tested at all if double
insulated. If not double insulated
tested very 5 years or less.
Also, the Electrical Equipment (safety)
Regulations 1994 require equipment to
be of safe construction. All equipment
put on for sale must have a CE
identification. Electrical equipment
will also be covered by the Provision
& Use of Work Equipment Regulations
1998.
6.2.3 Noise at Work Regulations
2005
Employers are required under this
legislation, which came into force on
6 April 2006, to protect workers who
are exposed to noise. Employees
are required to make proper use
of equipment provided for their
protection. When the sound pressure
level measure at the operator’s ear
exceeds 80 dB(A) (the first action
level), noise levels have to be
measured, records have to be kept,
workers advised, and ear protectors
issued to anyone who requests them.
In addition, all machinery should
be marked with its noise level and
maintained to stay within it, although
this tends to be impracticable, due
to the differing nature of tool usage.
Good risk assessment may alleviate
this problem.
Above 85 dB (A), the second action
level, employers should attempt to
suppress the plant, mark out high
noise zones or machines where ear
protectors must be worn, and insist
that they are worn.
As well as defining sound ‘action
levels’, the Regulations also deal with
Noise Assessments and Reduction,
Training in the wearing of Ear
Protection particularly plugs, Provision
of Information to Employees and
Medical Supervision.
The measurement of sound is a
technical operation requiring
specialist knowledge and equipment.
If necessary, call in an independent
assessor. Noise assessments are now
a mandatory requirement prior to
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
the use of noisy plant, unless there
is reasonable evidence of known
06
emissions which fall into or below the
Legislation
first action level. To calculate the level
of protection required employers
can use “the estimated noise value
minus 76 = SNR value for protection
i.e. 100dB-76=34dB” This ensures that
the level of noise exposure is below
80dB with protection in place. The
regulations require the employer to
make an estimate of the noise value
for the Risk Assessment an actual
measurement is not required.
6.2.4 Reporting of Injuries,
Diseases and Dangerous
Occurrences Regulations 2013
(RIDDOR 2013)
These regulations require an employer to
report certain incidents and occupational
diseases to the Health and safety
Executive.
The following types of incidents require
reporting: -
- Death (must be reported
immediately to the HSE, usually by
phone). Death is also reported to the
HSE if it occurs within 12 months of an
accident at work.
- Specified injuries to Workers
(regulation 4). This includes: Any
fracture other than to a finger,
thumb or toe;
Amputations;
- Any injury likely to lead to permanent
loss of sight or reduction in sight
- Any crush injury to the head or torso
- Serious burns which cover more than
10% of the body
- Serious burns that causes significant
damage to the eyes, respiratory
system or other vital organs
- Any scalping requiring hospital
treatment
- Any loss of consciousness caused by
head injury or asphyxia
- Any injury arising from working in an
79
 enclosed space which leads to;
06
- Hypothermia or heat induced illness
Legislation
- Requires resuscitation or admittance
to hospital for more than 24 hours.
- These must be reported immediately
to the HSE, usually undertaken by
phone and then followed up in
writing on form F2508 within 10 days
of the incident.
- An accident which results in
someone being absent from work
for more than seven days must be
reported on the F2508 within 15
days of the date of the injury, not
including the day of the injury.
- Members of the public who
are injured and require hospital
treatment as a result of your work
activities. Over 3 day injuries do not
have to be reported but do need to
be recorded.
- These must be reported immediately
to the HSE, usually undertaken by
phone and then followed up in
writing on form F2508.
- Injuries which are a result of physical
violence at work.
- Dangerous occurrences (schedule 2
of RIDDOR 2013).
For the members of the Association,
the type of Reportable Dangerous
Occurrences which may be relevant
would be a fire explosion or an
incident where a live electric cable is
struck or accidentally cut.
Reporting Form F2508 must be
completed by the employer and
submitted to the HSE within 10 days
for Death, Major (Specified) Injuries &
Dangerous occurrences and within 15
days for an over seven-day injury
Occupational Diseases
- Any disease which has been
diagnosed as being induced
through work related activities and
is specified in regulations 8 or 9 in
RIDDOR 2015, need to be reported
using the form F2508a.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
6.2.5 Construction Regulations -
General
Although members are covered
generally by the requirements of
the Act, when they are working
on construction sites, they must
conform to the Regulations which
are specifically designed to deal with
hazards on construction sites. In April
2015, the Construction (Design and
Management) regulations 2015 came
into force.
6.2.6 The Construction (Design
and Management) regulations
2015 (from 6th April 2015) require
that:
- There will still be five duty holders,
The Client, the principal Contractor,
Contractors and Designers, with the
CDM Coordinator being re-named
from the 2007 regulations as the
Principle Designer.
- The ACOP’s (approved code of
practice) will be removed and
may not be replaced as ‘Industry
Guidance Documents’ will be
produced by the Construction
Industry
- Training Board (CITB) for the duty
holders as follows –
- CDM 2015 – Industry Guidance for
Clients
- CDM 2015 – Industry Guidance for
Principal Designers
- CDM 2015 – Industry Guidance for
Designers
- CDM 2015 – Industry Guidance for
Principal Contractors
- CDM 2105 – Industry Guidance for
Contractors
In addition to the Duty Holders,
specific reference in the New CDM
2015 regulations is given to ‘Workers’.
They in themselves will also have
an ‘Industry Guidance Document’
produced by the Construction Industry
Training Board (CITB)
- CDM 2015 – Industry Guidance for
80
 Workers
The term ‘domestic client’ has been
re-visited and now allows a ‘house-
holder’ to expect the contractor or
principal contractor to assume the
duties of a ‘client’ as the industry
experts. The Domestic Client can
appoint themselves as a client subject
to written notice of this from the
Principle Designer.
This is a summary of roles and duties
under CDM 2015:
Clients
Organisations or individuals for whom
a construction project is carried out.
Make suitable arrangements for
managing a project. This includes
making sure that:
- Other duty holders are appointed
- Enough time and resources are
allocated. Clients must also make
sure that:
- Relevant information is prepared
and provided to other duty holders
- The principal designer and principal
contractor carry out their duties
- Welfare facilities are provided.
Domestic clients
People who have construction work
carried out on their own home, or the
home of a family member, that is not
done in furtherance of a business,
whether for profit or not.
Domestic clients are in scope of CDM
2015, but their duties as a client are
normally transferred to:
- The contractor, on a single
contractor project, or the principal
contractor, on a project involving
more than one contractor.
However, the domestic client can
choose to have a written agreement
the principal designer to carry out the
client duties.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
Principal designers**:
06
Designers appointed by the client
in projects involving more than
Legislation
one contractor. They can be an
organisation or an individual with
enough knowledge, experience and
ability to carry out the role.
Plan, manage, monitor and co-
ordinate health and safety in the
preconstruction phase of a project.
This includes:
- Identifying, eliminating or controlling
foreseeable risks
- Ensuring designers carry out their
duties.
Prepare and provide relevant
information to other duty holders.
Liaise with the principal contractor to
help in the planning, management,
monitoring and co- ordination of the
construction phase.
Designers:
Those who, as part of a business,
prepare or modify designs for a
building, product or prepare or
modify designs to system relating to
construction work.
When preparing or modifying
designs, eliminate, reduce or control
foreseeable risks that may arise during:
- Construction
- The maintenance and use of a
building once are built.
Provide information to other members
of the project team to help them fulfil
their duties.
Principal contractors: Contractors
appointed by the client to co-
ordinate the construction phase of a
project where it involves more than
one contractor.
Plan, manage, monitor and co-
ordinate the construction phase of a
project. This includes:
- Liaising with the client and principal
designer
81
 - Preparing the construction phase
06 plan
- Organising co-operation between
Legislation
contractors and co-ordinating their
work.
Ensure that:
- Suitable site inductions are provided
- Reasonable steps are taken to
prevent unauthorised access
- Workers are consulted and engaged
in securing their health and safety
- Welfare facilities are provided.
Contractors:
Those who do the actual construction
work. They can be either an individual
or a company.
Plan manage and monitor
construction work under their control
so that it is carried out without risks to
health and safety.
For projects involving more than one
contractor, co-ordinate their activities
with others in the project team – in
particular, comply with directions
given to them by the principal
designer or principal contractor.
For single-contractor projects, prepare
a construction phase plan.
Workers:
The people who work for or under
the control of contractors on a
construction site
They must:
- Be consulted about matters which
affect their health, safety and
welfare
- Take care of their own health and
safety and that of others who may
be affected by their actions
- Report anything, they see which is
likely to endanger either their own or
others’ health and safety
- Co-operate with their employer,
fellow workers, contractors and other
duty holders.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
* Organisations or individuals can
carry out the role of more than one
duty holder, provided they have the
skills, knowledge, experience and (if
an organisation) the organisational
capability necessary to carry out
those roles in a way that secures
health and safety.
** Principal designers replace the role
undertaken by CDM co-ordinators
under CDM 2007.
All duty holders within the regulations
must comply with the general duties.
These are:
- Check own competence.
- Co-operate with others and co-
ordinate work to ensure the health
and safety of construction workers
and others who may be affected by
the work.
- Report obvious risks.
- Comply with the requirements
in schedule 3 and part 4 of the
regulations for any work under their
control.
- Take account of and apply the
general principles of prevention
when carrying out their duties.
For DSA members, the most important
practical aspect of the Regulations is
the need to prepare risk assessments
and health and safety method
statements for each individual
project, particularly where that
project covers any unusual risks and
hazards. However, the Association has
prepared several standard generic risk
assessments and method statement
forms covering the various drilling and
sawing activities and techniques.
These standard documents are for use
by members where the project only
involves basic drilling and sawing tasks
based on marking out by the client’s
representative. Copies of these
Standard Risk Assessment and Health
and safety Method Statement forms
are available from the DSA office.
Where a job goes beyond simple
drilling and sawing or where there is
82
any doubt about site conditions a site
inspection should be carried out. A
specific risk assessment and method
statement should then be prepared
for that job.
It is recommended that members
prepare a Risk Assessment and
Method Statement for every job that
they undertake and that the Method
Statement is incorporated in the Job
Sheet supplied to the operatives. This
file is a record of work undertaken
and or conditions found, which need
to be given to new building owners
on completion. It is a Client duty to
ensure that a Construction Phase
Health & Safety Plan is prepared by
the contractor. If they do not do this, it
automatically falls to the contractor to
do so. This includes Domestic clients.
6.3 EU “Six Pack”
Several Regulations came into force
from 1st January 1993, mainly in order
to implement European directives, as
follows.
6.3.1 Management ofHealth and
Safety at Work Regulations 1999
The main requirements on employers are
to: -
a) Undertake risk assessments;
b) Manage those risks through
effective Planning, Organisation,
Control and Monitoring and Review
of health and safety arrangements;
c) Provide health surveillance where
required by COSHH or other
regulations;
d) Appoint a competent person
(health and safety advisor) to assist
on complying with Health and
safety legal requirements;
e) Organise emergency procedures
to deal with serious and imminent
danger;
f) Co-operate with other employees
at a shared workplace such as a
construction site;
g) Provide employees with information
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
on health and safety risks identified
from the assessment and organise
06
procedures and training for
Legislation
undertaking the work safely.
Where there are more than 5
employees, the assessment and the
arrangements for implementation
must be recorded in writing. The
process of risk assessment need not
be complicated, providing it identifies
hazards and estimates the amount
of risk attached. It is only a means to
an end whereby the employer can
implement the necessary measures
to protect employees and others. The
measures should then be monitored
for effectiveness and reviewed
periodically. Competent people
should be appointed to assist with
this implementation, monitoring and
review.
Separate written assessments must
be undertaken in respect of specific
regulations dealing with COSHH,
Noise, Vibration, Manual Handling
and Personal Protection Equipment.
Alternatively, these may form part of
the general risk assessment. Members
requiring further advice on risk
assessments should contact the DSA.
6.3.2 Provision & Use of Work
Equipment Regulations 1998
These Regulations apply to work
equipment provided by employers
or by self- employed persons for their
own work. Work equipment must
be suitable for the work which it is
intended.
The Regulations then lay down
detailed requirements for employers in
relation to:
- Maintenance
- Inspection
- Information and Training
- Dangerous Parts of Machinery and
Guards
- Controls and Control Systems
- Stability
83
 - Conformity with EU Requirements.
06
Plus, several other areas. The
Approved Code of Practice and
Legislation
Guidance Document L22 (fourth
edition 2014) is available from HSE
Books and gives detailed guidance
on each of the Regulations and drill
guarding.
6.3.3 Personal Protective
Equipment Regulations 1992
Unless risks can be adequately
controlled by other means, PPE must
be supplied by employers. Therefore,
PPE is a last resort or is a temporary
protection. These are general
Regulations and there are more
specific
Regulations dealing with areas such
as Noise, Vibration etc.
The employer must ensure that: -
- Risks are assessed;
- PPE is selected which gives
protection and which fits properly,
is compatible with the work and
complies with design requirements;
- PPE is provided free of charge;
- PPE is maintained in good order;
- Workers are involved in selection;
- There is information and instruction
on its use.
There is an obligation on employees
to use PPE in compliance with
instructions.
All PPE purchased must carry a CE
mark confirming that it complies with
the latest European Standards. If in
any doubt regarding the standard
of any PPE, members should speak
to the Trading Standard Department
of their local authority who enforce
these Regulations. Supplies should be
bought from a reputable company
and appropriate PPE should be worn
for the task. PPE should be compatible
with other PPE where there is an
interface on the wearer.
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
6.3.4 Manual Handling
Operations Regulations 1992
As far as possible, employers must
protect their employees by avoiding
the need for manual handling. Where
this cannot be done, they must
undertake a thorough assessment
of the risks and adopt procedures
designed to reduce the risk of injury.
For example, mechanisation can be
used, and loads can be spilt.
The employer should consider the
following factors:
- The size and nature of the load;
- The nature of the task;
- The working environment.
Employees also have a duty of care
for them own health and that of
others. The HSE publish guidance on
manual handling.
6.3.5 Workplace (Health, safety &
Welfare) Regulations 1992
In most workplaces, except
Construction Sites and certain other
special locations, employers and
others will have to comply with
requirements on health, safety and
welfare.
This is for fixed premises and does
not include Construction site welfare
which is outlined within the CDM
Regulations 2015. This will include items
such as ventilation, temperature,
lighting, cleanliness, washing facilities
etc. An approved Code of Practice
No. L24 (second edition 2013) from
HSE Books offers practical guidance.
6.3.6 The Work at Height
Regulations 2005
Working at height means working in
any position above or below ground
level at a height which an injury may
occur in the event of a fall from it.
The Regulations set out a simple
hierarchy for managing and selecting
equipment for working at height.
Everyone must avoid working
at height if they can. Use work
84
equipment to prevent falls where
they cannot avoid working at height
and where the risk of a fall cannot be
eliminated, to minimise the distance
and consequences of a fall should
one occur.
The Regulations require:
- All work at height is properly planned
and organised.
- All work at height takes account of
weather that could endanger health
and safety.
- Those involved at working at height
are properly trained and competent.
- The place where work is done at
height is safe.
- Equipment for work is appropriately
inspected.
- The risks from fragile surfaces are
properly controlled.
- The risks from falling objects are
properly controlled.
6.3.7 The Control of Vibration at
Work Regulations 2005
Vibration at work in our activity will
generally be restricted to Hand Arm
Vibration.
Hand Arm vibration can be caused by
the holding of any type and hand tool
that transmits vibration.
The effects on people include:
- Pain, distress and sleep discomfort.
- Inability to do fine work.
- Reduced ability to work in cold
or damp conditions, which would
trigger painful finger blanching
attacks.
- Reduced grip strength on the hand
tool might affect the ability to work
safely.
- The Regulations require employers to:
- Assess the vibration risk.
- Decide if operatives are likely to be
exposed above the daily exposed
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
action value (EAV) (see below), and
if they are, introduce a programme
06
of controls.
Legislation
- Decide if operatives are likely to be
exposed above the daily exposure
limit value (ELV) (see below), and if
they are, reduce their exposure to
below that value.
- Provide information and training on
health risks.
- Keep a record of risk assessments
and control factors.
- Keep health records for operatives
under health surveillance.
- Review and update assessments
regularly.
The exposure action value (EAV), is
the daily amount of vibration above
which employers are required to take
action to control exposure.
The exposure limit value (ELV), is the
maximum amount of vibration may
be exposed to in any 8-hr day. The
Regulation allow for a transitional
period until July 2010, for the limit
value. This only applies to work
equipment in use before July 2007.
The problem at the present time is
working out the values. Manufacturers
are obliged to give vibration levels,
but these are based on factory tests
on brand new equipment.
The vibration levels are measured in
metres per second square m/s2, and
the level for (EAV) is 2.5 and for (ELV)
5.
The difficulty therefore is to get an
accurate amount of vibration level
when the tool is being used in site
conditions. The only way one can do
this is by attaching an accelerometer
to the tool, but conditions of tool use
can vary every minute.
The best advice at present is to always
have tools in tip-top condition, assess
risks and above all apply frequent job
rotation to reduce exposure levels.
Always encourage operatives to keep
hands warm and fingers moving.
85
 Continual monitoring i.e. rotation
06 logs, HAV meters etc. HSE guidance:
Vibration exposure monitoring Q&A
Legislation

released 18/08/2011 indicates that this

practice is not necessary, planning
of the activity so as not to exceed
exposure is what is required to comply
with the Regulations, based on the
information available and should be
the basis of a risk assessment.

6.4 Legal Publications

In general, official copies of Acts of
Parliament and their accompanying
official Regulations can be obtained
through HMSO - see details of
addresses in Appendix 10.1.
However Approved Codes of Practice
and other documents produced by
the HSE covering the implementation
of health and safety legislation can
be obtained through HSE website -
also see address in Appendix 10.1.
Approved Codes of Practice are free
to download or can be purchased as
a printed copy.
British Standards which define
technical and manufacturing
specifications can be obtained
from BSI - Information Services - see
Appendix 10.1. for details these are
not regulations but provide guidance
If you are in any doubt about the
source of any health and safety
documentation, contact the DSA
Head Office.

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 86

 07
Policies

Policies 88
 07 Policies
This is a sample of recommended
Policies

policies, which is not exhaustive:

- Integrated Management Policy
- Training Policy Statement
- Drugs& Alcohol Policy Statement
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy
Statement
- Disciplinary Policy
- Grievances Policy
- Zero Tolerance Policy
- Stress and Well-being Policy
- Bribery Act 2010 Policy Statement
- Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking
Policy
- Fatigue Management
- GDPR Data Retention Policy
- GDPR Data Protection Policy
- Social Media Policy
- Information Security Policy Statement

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 88

 The Drilling &
08
Sawing Industry &
The Cost Benefits
of Diamond
Cutting
The Driling & Sawing Association 90
DSA Information Services 90
The Benefits of Diamond Cutting
Techniques 92
 08 8.1 The Drilling & Sawing
Association
The Drilling and Sawing Association
The Association was established in
1984 to group together organisations
engaged in: -
- Supplying a professional drilling
and sawing service using
diamond cutting equipment
and technology i.e. specialist
contractors.
- Supplying the specialist
machines, tools and accessories
used in this work i.e.
Manufacturers and distributors.
The aim of the Association is to
promote the use of diamond drilling
and sawing techniques, both for the
benefit of members and their clients.
The objectives of the Association
include: -
- The provision of Codes of Practice
where appropriate;
- The encouragement of training and
education of members’ personnel;
- The improvement of efficiency;
- The dissemination of information;
- The encouragement of the use of
new equipment and methods.
Membership is open to all contractors
and suppliers engaged in the
diamond drilling and sawing industry,
providing that they have been trading
for at least two years in that industry
and agree to comply with the Rules
of the Association and its Code of
Conduct. Prospective members
are also required to complete an
Application Form, which asks for
details of two existing members as
sponsors. A current list of members
can be obtained by applying to
the Head Office of the Association
or accessing the website at www.
drillandsaw.org.uk.
Apart from the Code of Safe Working
Practice, the DSA introduced
a Certification/Accreditation
Programme for operators in the
REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020
industry, in conjunction with the
Construction Industry Training Board. In
2001, the DSA Scheme for Certification
was integrated into the CSCS Card
Scheme based on the achievement
of an NVQ Diploma Level 2 in Drilling
and Sawing.
Any person requiring further
information on the activities of the
DSA should contact: -
The Drilling and Sawing Association
Unit 3 Brand Street Nottingham NG2
3GW
Tel: 0844 8793452/ 01159867029
Fax: 0115 9850341
E-Mail: dsa@drillandsaw.org.uk
Website: www.drillandsaw.org.uk
8.2 DSA Information Services
In order to promote the use of drilling
and sawing techniques, the DSA
publishes a Journal “The Concrete
Cutter” and circulates it widely in the
construction industry.
Further details of the journal are
available on our website. We also
publish a periodic Newsletter for
members.
The DSA can provide information and
documentation which may be of
benefit to members in the following
areas: -
- Risk Assessments / Method
Statements
- Health and safety Policy
- Accident Reporting
- Sources of external publications and
information on Health and safety.
- Insurance
- Full details of member benefits are
available from the DSA office in
booklet form.
90
Members are encouraged to raise
queries regarding health and safety
08
and other matters with the Association

The Drilling and Sawing Association

as we may be able to offer guidance
or help. The DSA maintains a
comprehensive Website with details
of:
- List of members on a Regional basis
with addresses, etc.
- Information on drilling and sawing
techniques.
- The Concrete Cutter Journal
- Membership
- Case studies of drilling and sawing
applications.
This website is regularly updated,
but please advise us if you have any
suggestions for improving its content
or layout.

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 91

 08 8.3 The Benefits of Diamond Cutting Techniques
Increasingly clients, professional advisers and main contractors are recognising the
benefits of using diamond cutting techniques as opposed to conventional systems
The Drilling and Sawing Association

for the removal of concrete and other construction materials. The chart below
illustrates some of these benefits:

CUTTING TECHNIQUES CONVENTIONAL METHODS

TIME
Fast Slow and repetitive
Reduced labour costs Labour-intensive
Reinforcing bar can be cut Separate cutting required
TOLERANCES
Accurate cuts Limited control of tolerances
Minimum making good required Extensive making good likely
STRUCTURAL
Limited vibration Risk of vibration damage to
surrounding structure
Removal of large sections will not Potential damage to adjacent
affect structure structures
ENVIRONMENTAL
Low noise levels High noise levels
Minimum amount of debris Creation of large-scale debris
Dust free Very dusty
Ease of removal of debris Expensive cleaning up
ACCESS
Remote machine operation possible Inflexibility of machinery
Cutting possible in confined spaces Working in confined spaces difficult
Possibility of underwater operations Underwater operations difficult
Ease of cutting around existing Problems working in areas where
services services are located
OPERATOR
Less fatigue Fatigue causing accidents
Minimal vibration High vibration causing HAVS

Downtime due to vibration ratings.

In addition, drilling and sawing and allied techniques can supply a possible solution
to Hand/Arm Vibration by providing an alternative to more traditional methods of
concrete cutting and treatment.
For further details of the benefits of Diamond Cutting please contact the Drilling & Sawing
Association Head Office.

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 92

 09
Appendices

Appendix 1 94
Appendix 2 96
 09 APPENDIX1 Head Office
Daniel House Trinity Road Bootle
Sources of Information
Appendices

Merseyside L20 3TW

1. HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE
(PUBLIC ENQUIRIES)
2. FIELD OPERATIONS DIRECTORATE
3. HM INSPECTORATE OF MINES
4. HM NUCLEAR SAFETY DIVISION
5. RAILWAY INSPECTORATE
6. THE EVIRONMENT AGENCY
7. SCOTTISH ENVIRONMENT
PROTECTION AGENCY
8. EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS SERVICE
(EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS)
Tel: 0151 951 4000
The office for the South covers:
Berkshire, Hampshire, Isle of Wight,
Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire (except
construction-related enquiries, as
these should be referred to Luton).
Regional Office - London and the
South
3. HM INSPECTORATE OF MINES
Headquarters:
Edgar Allen House 241

9. EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS SERVICE Glossop Road

(EMPLOYMENT APPEAL TRIBUNALS) Sheffield
10 HSE BOOKS
S1Q 2GW
10. 11 THE STATIONERY OFFICE
Tel: 0114 291 2390
Addresses are taken from the latest
available information provided by Fax: 0114 291 2399
the organisations listed. Individual
Website: www.hse.gov.uk/mining/
addresses are listed in alphabetical
contacts.htm.
order.
4. HM NUCLEAR SAFETY DIVISION
1. HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE
Rose Court
Website for all branches of the HSE:
www.hse. gov.uk. 2 Southwark Bridge London
Public Enquiries (written) SE1 9HS
HSE Office & Information Centre Tel: 020 7717 6000
Bootle Information Centre Health and
safety Executive Magdalen House Fax: 020 7717 6717

Trinity Road 5. HM RAILWAY INSPECTORATE

2SW Rose Court
Bootle, Merseyside L20 3QZ
2 Southwark Bridge London
HSE Infoline
SE1 9HS
Tel: 08701 545500
Tel: 020 7717 6533
2. FIELD OPERATIONS
DIRECTORATE (FOD) Fax: 020 7717 6548
This Directorate incorporates the 6. ENVIRONMENT AGENCY
factory, agricultural and quarries Website: www.environment-agency.
inspectorates, as well as the gov.uk.
Employment Medical Advisory Service
(EMAS). Communications should be E-Mail: enquiries@environment-
addressed to the nearest office. agency.gov.uk.

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 94

7. SCOTTISH ENVIRONMENT 10. HSE Books 09
PROTECTION AGENCY P O Box 1999 Sudbury
Website: www.sepa.org.uk

Appendices
Suffolk CO10 2WA
E-mail: info@sepa.org.uk
Tel: 01787 881165
Head Office
Fax: 01787 313995
Erskine Court
Website: www.hsebooks.com
Castle Business Park Stirling FK9 4TR
11. THE STATIONERY OFFICE
Tel: 01786 457700 (Formerly HMSO)
Fax: 01786 446885 Website for all branches:
www. thestationeryoffice.com.
8. EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS
SERVICE (EMPLOYMENT
TRIBUNALS)
Employment Tribunals Service Head
Office:
Ground Floor
19 - 29 Woburn Place London,
WC1H 0LU
Tel: 020 7273 8575
Fax: 020 7273 8686
E-mail: londoncentralet@ets.gsi.gov.
uk
Website: www.employmenttribunals.
gov.uk
9. EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS SERVICE
(EMPLOYMENT APPEALS TRIBUNAL)
England & Wales
Audit House, 58 Victoria Embankment
London EC4Y 0DS
Tel: 020 7273 1041
Fax: 020 7273 1045
Website: www.employmentappeals.
gov.uk
Scotland
52 Melville Street Edinburgh EH3 7HS
Tel: 0131 225 3963
Fax: 0131 220 6694

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 95

 09 Appendix 2
9.1 Recommended Blade Speeds & Cutting Depths For
Appendices

Segmented Diamond Saw Blades

The following figures are produced for general guidance but the DSA cannot accept
responsibility for their accuracy. If necessary, the suitability of any blade for an operation
must be checked with the blade manufacturer.
DRY CUTTING
Most portable machines run at speeds between 60 and 80 metres per second. These
speeds are suitable for virtually all applications. Speeds higher than those recommended
should not be used, but lower speeds may be used safely. For blades to run at speeds
higher than 80 metres per second, you should contact your blade manufacturer.
Below is a guide to recommended operating speeds for various materials: -
MATERIAL MACHINE TYPE RECOMMENDED OPERATING
SPEEDS
Refractory Bricks Masonry Saw 40 – 50 m.p.s.
Building Materials Masonry Saw 40 – 50 m.p.s.
Concrete / Asphalt Floor Saw 60 – 80 m.p.s.
General Hand-held Saw 40 – 80 m.p.s.

SPEED CONVERSION TABLE – RPM DRY CUTTING BLADES

Nominal Diameter mm Peripheral Speed - Metres per Second
40 50 60 70 80
100 7640 9550 11460 13370 15280
115 6640 8300 9960 11620 13280
125 6110 7640 9170 10690 12220
150 5090 6370 7640 8910 10190
175 4240 5310 6550 7640 8490
200 3820 4780 5730 6680 7640
230 3320 5150 5090 5940 6640
250 3060 3820 4580 5350 6110
300 2550 3180 3820 4460 5090
350 / 356 2150 2680 3270 3820 4290
400 / 406 1880 2350 2860 3340 3760
450 / 457 1670 2090 2550 2970 3340

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 96

9.2 Wet Cutting 09
Most machines designed for wet cutting operate between 36 – 60 metres per second. The

Appendices
table below gives the recommended operating speeds for various materials. Speeds higher
than these should not be used, but lower speeds may be used safely. For blades to run at
speeds higher than 60 metres per second, contact your blade manufacturer.

MATERIAL MACHINE TYPE RECOMMENDED

OPERATING SPEEDS
Bricks / Blocks / General Masonry Masonry Saw 40 – 50 m.p.s
Hard Reinforced Concrete Floor Saw 35 – 40 m.p.s.
Medium Concrete Floor Saw 40 – 50 m.p.s.
Soft / Green Concrete Floor Saw 45 – 55 m.p.s.
Asphalt Floor Saw 50 – 60 m.p.s.
Concrete Wall Saw 30 – 45 m.p.s.
Bricks / Blocks Wall Saw 40 – 50 m.p.s.
High Quartziferous Granite Stone Saw 25 – 30 m.p.s.
Low Quartziferous Granite Stone Saw 30 – 35 m.p.s
Marble / Hard Limestone / Hard Stone Saw 45 – 50 m.p.s.
Sandstone
Soft Limestone/ Soft Sandstone Stone Saw 50 – 60 m.p.s.

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 97

 09 9.3 Speed Conversion Table – Rpm Wet Cutting Blades

Nominal Peripheral Speed - Metres per Second

Appendices

30 35 40 45 50 55 60
300 1910 2230 2550 2860 3180 3500 3820
350 / 356 1610 1880 2150 2410 2680 2950 3220
400 / 406 1410 1650 1880 2120 2350 2590 2820
450 / 457 1250 1460 1670 1880 2090 2300 2510
500 / 508 1130 1320 1500 1690 1880 2070 2260
600 / 610 940 1100 1250 1410 1570 1720 1880
700 820 950 1090 1230 1360 1500 1640
750 / 762 750 880 1000 1130 1250 1380 1500
800 / 813 700 820 940 1060 1170 1290 1410
900 / 915 620 730 830 940 1040 1140 1250
1000 / 1020 560 650 750 840 930 1030 1120
1060 / 1066 540 620 710 800 890 980 1070
1100 520 610 690 780 860 950 1037
1200 / 1220 470 550 620 700 780 860 940
1350 420 490 560 630 700 770 850
1500 380 440 510 570 630 700 760
1600 360 420 480 530 590 650 710
1750 330 380 430 490 540 600 650
2000 290 330 380 430 480 520 570
2500 230 270 300 340 380 420 460
2700 210 250 280 320 350 390 420
3000 190 220 250 290 320 350 380

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 98

9.4 Cutting Depths - Operating Speeds 09
Diameter Operating Speed* Maximum Safe Speed ** Maximum Cutting

Appendices
Depths

4” (102mm) 9,072 RPM 15,000 RPM 1” (25mm)

4-1/2” (114mm) 8,063 RPM 13,300 RPM 1-1/4” (32mm)
5” (127mm) 7,257 RPM 12,000 RPM 1-1/2” (38mm)
6” (152mm) 6,048 RPM 10,000 RPM 1-3/4” (45mm)
7” (178mm) 5,184 RPM 8,500 RPM 2-1/2” (63mm)
8” (203mm) 4,536 RPM 7,500 RPM 3” (76mm)
9” (228mm) 4,032 RPM 6,800 RPM 3-1/4” (83mm)
10” (254mm) 3,629 RPM 6,100 RPM 3-3/4” (95mm)
12” (305mm) 3,024 RPM 5,100 RPM 4” (101mm)
12” (305mm HS) 6,300 RPM
14” (356mm) 2,592 RPM 4,400 RPM 5” (127mm)
14” (356mm HS) 5,400 RPM
16” (406mm) 2,268 RPM 3,800 RPM 5-5/8” (143mm)
18” (457mm) 2,016 RPM 3,400 RPM 6-6/8” (168mm)
20” (508mm) 1,814 RPM 3,000 RPM 8” (203mm)
22” (558mm) 1,649 RPM 2,800 RPM 8-1/2” (216mm)
24” (610mm) 1,512 RPM 2,500 RPM 9-5/8” (241mm)
26” (660mm) 1,396 RPM 2,300 RPM 10-5/8” (270mm)
28” (711mm) 1,296 RPM 2,300 RPM 11” (279mm)
30” (762mm) 1,210 RPM 2,000 RPM 11-5/8” (292mm)
32” (813mm) 1,134 RPM 1,900 RPM 12-5/8” (321mm)
36” (914mm) 1,008 RPM 1,800 RPM 14-5/8” (368mm)
42” (1067mm) 8,64 RPM 1,500 RPM 17-3/4” (450mm)
48” (1219mm) 7,56 RPM 1,200 RPM 20-3/4” (527mm)
NOTE: Diamond blade cutting depths listed above are approximate. Actual cutting depths will vary with
the exact blade diameter or saw type (or brand), or the exact diameter of the blade collars (flanges).
Cutting depths will also be reduced if saw components (motor housing, blade guard, etc.) extend below
the blade collars.
For the tile saws and power hand saws, it is recommended to cut no more than ¾” (20mm) deep with each
pass for small diameter blades [up to 5” (125mm)]. For 6” (150mm) diameter and larger, the cutting depth
should be no more than 1-1/8” (30mm) with each pass.
*Based on 9,500 SFPM (surface feet per minute) (48 meters per second) – the general optimum performance
range for cutting concrete and masonry products is +/- 10%. For hard, dense materials such as stone and
tile, the optimum performance speed is 10-25% less than the speed shown above. Blade shaft speeds (RPMs
at no load) for most tools will be higher than the recommended operating speeds shown above. Under
normal sawing conditions, the actual blade shaft speed of the tool will slow down under load and should
fall within the optimum speed range.
** The speed (RPM) represents the maximum safe speed (in revolutions per minute) at which each blade can
be used. Before using any blade, make sure the blade shaft (arbour) speed of the tool is within the maximum
safe limit of that blade.
HS – High Speed diamond blades.

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 99

 09 9.5 Tolerances and Limits For Construction Drilling and Sawing
For concrete core drilling with diamond tools in horizontal and vertical structures
Appendices

Alignment accuracy for all core drilling diameters and lengths: Centre of circle to be drilled:
± 5 mm (0.2 in) plus 2,5% of the diameter.

Ø < 300mm (11.8 in)

Core
drilling
d < 1000mm d ≥ 1000mm

(39.4in) (39.4in)
1 Angle accuracy 1% 2%
2 Directional accuracy in oblique drilling 2% 3%
3 Vertical -- --
4 Horizontal -- --
5 Surface roughing drilled wall (evenness) ± 2 mm ± 3 mm
6 Diameter of deviation from specified ± 2 mm ± 5 mm
dimension
7 Specified depth for pocket hole ± 10 mm ± 15 mm

Ø < 301mm – 1000mm (11.8in –

39.4in)
Core
drilling
(cont.)
d <1000 mm d ≥ 1000 mm
(39.4in) (39.4in) to max
1 Angle accuracy 1% 2%
2 Directional accuracy in oblique drilling 2% 3%
3 Vertical -- --
4 Horizontal -- --
± 10
5 Surface roughing drilled wall (evenness) ± 5 mm
mm
Diameter of deviation from specified ± 10
6 ± 5 mm
dimension mm
± 20
7 Specified depth for pocket hole ± 10 mm
mm

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 100

Maximum tolerances for diamond sawing with rail-mounted wall and plunge blade
saws in horizontal and vertical concrete structures
09
Alignment accuracy for all wall and diving blade saws: ± 10 mm (0.4 in) from target line.

Appendices
Ceiling or wall thickness

Diamond cutting Ceilings + walls

Remark: Tolerances are only valid for ceiling cuts from above
d < 300mm d ≥ 300 - 600mm
(11.8in) (11.8-19.7 in)

1 Angle accuracy 2% 4%
2 Directional accuracy in relation to specified ± 10 mm/m 1
± 20 mm/
dimension in longitudinal direction m1
3 Vertical 2% 4%
4 Horizontal 2% 4%
5 Surface roughing of cut surface (evenness) ± 2 mm ± 5 mm
6 Cut width, deviation from specified ± 10 % ± 10 %
dimension
From target value From
target
value
7 Specified depth ± 10 mm ± 15 mm

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 101

 Maximum tolerances for diamond cutting with rail-mounted (track- mounted) floor
09 saws in horizontal concrete structures
Alignment accuracy for all rail-mounted floor saws: ± 10 mm (0.4 in) from target line.
Appendices

Thickness, cutting depth

Diamond cutting of floors

Remark: Unevenness of the floor can´t be compensated

d < 100mm d ≥ 100 - 500mm

(3.9in) (3.9-19.7 in)

1 Angle accuracy 2% 4%
Directional accuracy in relation to specified ± 20 mm/
2 ± 10 mm/m1
dimension in longitudinal direction m1
3 Vertical 2% 4%
4 Horizontal - -
Surface roughing of drilled wall
5 ± 2 mm ± 5 mm
(evenness)
Cut width, deviation from specified
6 ± 10 % ± 10 %
dimension
7 Specified depth at joint depth ± 10 mm ± 15 mm

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 102

9.6 Maximum tolerances 09
For diamond cutting with wheel driven floor saws in horizontal concrete structures

Appendices
Alignment accuracy for all wheel driven floor saws: ± 10 mm (0.4 in) from target line.

Diamond cutting of floors Thickness, cutting depth

Precondition: a level track next to the cut to cater for the width of the
equipment to be used (max. 1.3m, 51.2 in) is necessary to ensure that
the scheduled requirement figures can be achieved.
Remark: Manually driven machines can be more
accurate than motor driven machines.

d < 100mm d ≥ 100 - 500mm

(3.9in) (3.9-19.7 in)

1 Angle accuracy 2% 4%
Directional accuracy in relation to specified ± 10 mm ± 20 mm
2 dimension in longitudinal direction, cut 4m long

3 Vertical 2% 5%
4 Horizontal - -
5 Surface roughing of cut surface (evenness) ± 2 mm ± 5 mm
Cut width, deviation from specified dimension ± 10 % ± 10 %
6 From target value From target
value
7 Specified depth at joint depth ± 10 mm ± 15 mm

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 103

 Maximum tolerances for diamond wire saws in horizontal and vertical concrete structures
09
Wire sawing Body thickness
Appendices

d < 150cm d ≥ 150cm- d ≥ 300cm

Remark: Manually driven machines can be (59in) 300cm (118.1 in)
more accurate than motor driven ma-
(59 - 118.1 in)
chines.

1 Angle accuracy 5% 10% 15%

2 Directional accuracy in relation to specified
5% 10% 15%
dimension in longitudinal direction
3
Vertical ± 50mm/ m1 ± 50mm/ m1 ± 50mm/ m1
4
Horizontal ± 50mm/ m1 ± 50mm/ m1 ± 50mm/ m1
5 Surface roughing of cut surface (evenness) ± 10mm ± 15 mm ±20 mm
6 Width of cut ± 5 mm ± 10 mm ±15 mm

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 104

9.7 Temporary fixation of Diamond cutting and coring equipment 09
Recommendations and load considerations during operation

Appendices
Solid concrete Standard type anchors
Cracked or damaged concrete Anchors with approval for cracked concrete
Lean concrete Chemical anchors or through bolting
Masonry Chemical anchors or through bolting
In case of doubt about the concrete quality, is recommended the use of mechanical
anchors with approvals foe cracked concrete.
For lean concrete or masonry, chemical anchors or through bolting must be used.

Recommendations for diamond sawing

Applications in solid or cracked concrete:

Wall saw systems M12x50 H10x100 M12

Wire saw systems M12x50 Not advised Not advised

Applications in lean concrete of masonry:

Wall saw systems Through bolting or chemical anchors

Wire saw systems Through bolting or chemical anchors

Recommendations for diamond coring

DD Tools more M16 M16 Through bolting Through bolting or

than 3 kW or chemical chemical anchors
anchors
DD Tools up to M12x50 M12x50 Through bolting Through bolting or
2.5 kW or chemical chemical anchors
anchors

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 105

 09 9.8 Anchoring Manufacturers current recommendations for R/
Concrete* brick/block use through-bolt with plate
Appendices

Equipment Hilti Pentruder Tyrolit Husqvarna Golz

Drill Rig & M12 MDU+MDI 660 kg

Motor M12 pull out
value
High M16 M12 “
Frequency (DD350/
Large
500)
diameter 2x
M16
Track Saw M12- M12 “
HKD-D
Wire Saw M12 M16 “

This document has been extracted from- The DSA Anchoring Fastening of diamond drilling
and sawing equipment

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 106

9.10 CSCS Cards – Drilling & Sawing Matrix 09
QUD864-Specialist Concrete Operations (Concrete Drilling & Sawing)

Appendices
NVQ Qualification Units Tools / Endorsements Card Categories
QCF220 Reshape using Hand 1207 – Power Saw Hand Sawing – Power Sawing
Sawing Techniques 1208 – Ring Saw Hand Sawing – Ring Sawing
1209 – Chainsaw Hand Sawing – Chain Sawing
Chasing machine Chasing machine
Angle grinder Angle grinder
QCF220 Reshape using Hand 1207, 1208 & 1209 Diamond Hand Sawing
Sawing Techniques
QCF221 Form Drill Holes or 1210 – Static Diamond Core Drilling – Drill Rig
Core in Structural Fabric Core Drill
1211 – Trailer Rig Core Drilling – Trailer Rig
Diamond Drill
Percussive drill Percussive drill
Hand-held Diamond Hand-held Diamond
Core Drill Core Drill
QCF222 Form Saw Cuts in 1212 – Self Propelled Sawing – Floor Sawing
Structural Fabric Floor Saw
1213 – Diamond Bladed Sawing – Track Sawing
Track Sawing
QCF223 Carry Out Concrete Concrete Bursting
Bursting Operations
QCF224 Carry Out Concrete 1215 – Portable Portable
Crushing Operations Hand Crusher Hand Crushing

Carry Out Concrete 1216-Remote-controlled Remote-Controlled

Crushing Operations Equipment Crusher/ Equipment Crusher/Breaker
Breaker
QCF226 Carry Out Wire Sawing Diamond Wire Sawing

QCF 245 Apply Sealants

Mechanically

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 09 9.11 The Drilling & Sawing Association Air Monitoring Results
Sample HSL Task Task RCS Estimated Estimated* 8h Estimated* 8h
Appendices

Respirable typical TWA

Sample TWA RCS
Number dust duration Respirable
(mg/m³) (mg/m³) (h) dust (mg/m³) (mg/m³)
1. Hand-held 1700359 0.27 0.016 3† 0.10 0.006
saw

2. Rig 1700360 0.11 <0.010 6 0.08 <0.008

mounted drill

3. Hand-held 1700361 0.08 <0.010 4 0.04 <0.005

drill
4. Ring saw 1700362 0.20 0.011 3† 0.08 0.004

5. Floor saw 1700363 0.09 <0.010 4 0.04 <0.005

6. Track saw 1700364 0.10 0.016 4 0.05 0.008

*Assuming no other sources of exposure during the shift.

†Two workers rotating over a 6 hour period.
The RCS 8 h TWA exposure can be compared to the WEL of 0.1 mg/m³.
The respirable dust 8 h TWA exposure can be comparable to a value of 4 mg/m³
from the COSHH ACOP. The limit of detection of MDHS14/4 for respirable dust was
0.009 mg.
The limit of detection of NIOSH method 7500 for RCS was 0.005 mg. All samples
were of around one hour duration, i.e. around 540 litres.

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 10
Index

Index 110
 Index
Environment 27
10
Entanglement 33
Index

EU \“Six Pack\” 83
A Exclusion Zones 32
Access 24
Air Monitoring 28
F
Air Receivers 14 Fire Precautions 21
Air Tools 19 First Aid 11
Alcohol & Drugs 10 Flammable Liquids 19
Apprenticeship Training 7
G
Asbestos 22
Gas Cylinders 20
C General Duties of Manufacturers 75
Carriageways and Streetworks 31
H
Company Responsibilities 6
Confined Spaces 31 Health and Safety Committees &
Representatives 76
Construction Regulations 80
Health and Safety Policy 76
Controlled Demolition- Bursting 55
Hired Plant 19
Controlled Demolition- Crushing 56
Horseplay 10
Control of Vibration at Work Regulations
2005 85 Hydraulic Power Packs 59

COSHH 77
L
D Legal Publications 86

Diamond Blade 70 Lifting & Carrying 11

Diamond Chain Saw 60 Lifting Equipment 16

Diamond Cutting and Coring 27 Lone Working 32

Diesel 20.20
M
Diesel fumes 20
Diesel Fumes 15 Maintenance & Servicing 17

Drilling- Core Bits 43 Management of Health and Safety at Work

Regulations 1999 83
Dry Drilling 45
Duties of Employees 75 N
Duties of Employers 74
Night Working 32
Noise at Work 79
E
Noise at Work Regulations 79
Electrical Requirements 15
Electricity at Work Regulations 77
Electric Power Lines 32

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 110

 O U 10
Operator Certification 6 Unfair Dismissal 10

Index
Over Water 32
V
P Ventilation 24
Personal Protective Equipment 84 Vibration White Finger 14
Petrol 20. 20
Plunge Saws and Corner Cutting Saws 52
W
Pollution 27 Walls 31
Portable Electric Tools 60 Walls and Roofs 31
Provision & Use of Work Equipment 83 Waste 27
Welding & Cutting 18
R Welfare Arrangements 13
Reference Sources 7 Working Practices 5
Refuelling 17 Workplace (Health, safety & Welfare) 84
Regulations 77
Reporting Defective Machinery 19
Y
RIDDOR 79 Young Persons 10

Roofs, Working on 31

S
Sawing - Floor Saws 46
Sawing - Hand-held Saws 52
Sawing - Wall Saws (Rail Mounted) 50
Sawing - Wire Saws 54
Scaffolding 25
Scaffold Towers 25
Scope 5, 73
Site Appraisal 30
Site Working Conditions 30
Storage 19

T
Thermic Lancing 57
Tolerances 27
Trailer Mounted Drill Rigs 46
Training 7
Transport 21

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 111

10
Notes

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 112

 10

Notes
Notes

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 113

10
Notes

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2020 114

This Code of Practice is published by the Drilling and Sawing
Association on behalf of its members, who are employed as:-

a) Specialist sub-contractors within the construction industry

engaged in the drilling, sawing and cutting of concrete
and other building materials.

b) Suppliers of equipment, tools and accessories to firms

engaged in this specialist work.

The members of The Drilling and Sawing Association recognise

their responsibilities with regard to the promotion of safe
working practices, and have compiled this Code as a guide to
all persons involved in the above activities.

The Drilling & Sawing Association

Unit 3, Brand Street
Nottingham
NG2 3GW
Tel: 0844 879 3452 / 0115 986 7029
Email: dsa@drillandsaw.org.uk
Web: www.drillandsaw.org.uk