Post-Tension Cable Truncation & Cutting in Concrete Slabs SWMS

Product Description

Working on post-tensioned concrete slabs presents some of the highest-risk structural demolition activities undertaken in the construction industry. The Post-Tension Cable Truncation & Cutting in Concrete Slabs SWMS is intended for demolition contractors, structural remediation businesses and principal contractors carrying out controlled post-tension cable truncation, tendon exposure and slab removal works. It helps construction businesses safely plan, manage and document these specialised activities while supporting site-specific risk management and Australian WHS compliance requirements.

Post-tensioned slabs store significant structural energy, requiring careful engineering coordination, controlled work sequencing and strict exclusion zones before any cutting or demolition begins. This SWMS follows the documented work process from engineering review and slab scanning through tendon exposure, controlled cutting, materials handling and final site clean-up, helping businesses establish a structured and documented approach to managing these high-risk operations.

Rather than simply focusing on demolition, the document supports careful planning to minimise structural risks, protect surrounding building elements and coordinate safe work between engineers, supervisors and construction personnel throughout the project.

Activities Covered

• Reviewing engineering drawings and slab scan reports.
• Locating post-tension tendons and embedded services.
• Establishing exclusion zones and obtaining required permits.
• Installing engineered back-propping and catch decks where required.
• Exposing and inspecting post-tension tendons.
• Stabilising exposed tendon pockets.
• Controlled slab cutting and tendon severing.
• Removal of concrete segments using approved lifting methods.
• Ongoing structural integrity inspections.
• Treatment of exposed slab edges and final site cleanup.

Hazards Addressed

The documented work activity addresses hazards that may include:

• Uncontrolled release of post-tension cable energy.
• Structural instability or progressive collapse.
• Falling concrete and debris.
• Concrete shrapnel and cable whip.
• Contact with live underground or embedded services.
• Silica dust and power tool hazards.
• Mobile plant and lifting operations.
• Working at height.
• Manual handling and housekeeping hazards.

Control Measures Included

Depending on the selected work method and project requirements, the SWMS outlines controls such as:

• Engineering review and verification before work begins.
• Ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanning to locate tendons and services.
• Engineered back-propping and catch deck installation where required.
• Clearly established exclusion zones across work levels.
• Controlled exposure and inspection of tendons before cutting.
• Approved cutting sequences for slab isolation and tendon severing.
• Ongoing supervision and structural integrity inspections.
• Dust suppression, lifting controls and safe housekeeping practices.

PPE Requirements

The source document specifies PPE including:

• Hard hat.
• High-visibility clothing.
• Safety footwear.
• Gloves.
• Eye protection.
• Hearing protection.
• Dust mask.

Additional PPE may be required depending on the selected work method, cutting activities and project-specific hazards.

Plant and Equipment

Plant and equipment may include:

• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scanner.
• Electric demolition hammers.
• Concrete saws and quick-cut saws.
• Abrasive cut-off saws or hydraulic shears.
• Remote demolition machines where applicable.
• Concrete coring rigs.
• Mobile cranes, gantries and hoists.
• Rated lifting equipment.
• Temporary propping systems.
• Scaffolding and edge protection.
• Blast blankets and steel plates.
• Dust suppression systems.
• Excavators and tipper trucks.

Hazardous Chemicals

Where applicable, the work may involve:

• Epoxy grout.
• Non-shrink grout.
• Concrete cutting additives.
• Diesel fuel.
• Hydraulic oil.
• Aerosol lubricants and maintenance products.

Chemical products should be managed in accordance with Safety Data Sheets and project-specific procedures.

Emergency Planning

The SWMS includes emergency response procedures covering medical emergencies, utility strikes, electric shock, fire, explosion and the unexpected discovery of asbestos-containing materials, together with reporting and communication requirements.

What’s Included

This editable Microsoft Word SWMS may include:

• Sequential work activities.
• Hazard identification and control measures.
• PPE requirements.
• Plant and equipment considerations.
• Emergency response procedures.
• Worker responsibilities.
• Legislative references.
• Consultation and worker sign-off records.

Who This SWMS Is For

Suitable for:

• Demolition contractors.
• Structural demolition businesses.
• Construction businesses undertaking post-tension slab modifications.
• Principal contractors coordinating structural demolition works.
• Workers carrying out the documented post-tension cable truncation and slab cutting activities.

Australian WHS Requirements

The source document references applicable Australian WHS legislation, regulations and Codes of Practice relating to demolition work, plant, falls, excavation, hazardous chemicals and workplace risk management. Every SWMS should be reviewed and customised to reflect the engineering requirements, structural conditions and hazards specific to the project before work commences.

Why Choose Tradies Compliance?

Tradies Compliance SWMS documents are developed to help construction businesses implement professional, practical safety documentation for complex high-risk construction activities. Delivered in an editable Microsoft Word format, they can be customised to suit individual projects while supporting consistent planning, supervision and safe work practices.