Concrete Cutting RAMS Guide for UK Contractors

Key Topics in a Concrete Cutting RAMS

Silica dust controls — hierarchy

The RAMS must demonstrate the hierarchy of controls: (1) wet cutting with continuous water supply as the primary engineering control; (2) on-tool dust extraction (OTE/LEV) for situations where wet cutting is impractical; (3) RPE (FFP3 minimum) only as a supplementary control when engineering controls cannot eliminate exposure. Dry cutting without engineering controls is not an acceptable safe system of work.

Blade guarding and kickback

All angle grinder and disc cutter blades must be guarded in accordance with the manufacturer’s specification. No modification to guards is permitted. Kickback risk must be addressed: blade speed matched to disc rating, blade inspected before use for damage or delamination, and no cutting discs used on angle grinders rated for grinding only.

Service detection

As with diamond drilling, the RAMS must require: drawings reviewed, CAT/Genny survey before floor sawing, and confirmation of service-free zones. Floor sawing near drainage or electrical conduits embedded in the slab carries specific service strike risk that must be addressed explicitly.

Noise and vibration

Floor saws and wall chasers exceed the action value (80 dB(A) / 2.5 m/s²) for both noise and HAV. The RAMS must state the noise and HAV levels for each tool used, daily exposure limits, ear protection zones, and health surveillance requirements for regular users.

Slurry management

Wet cutting generates slurry which creates slip hazards and must not enter drainage without treatment. The RAMS must describe containment, collection, and disposal method. Slurry vacuum recovery is the preferred system for floor sawing operations.