Jackhammer & Demo Hammer Op.

The Jackhammer & Demo Hammer SOP (SOP-DEM-001) provides comprehensive guidelines to ensure safe operation and mitigate hazards associated with jackhammers and demolition hammers. It covers critical risks such as underground utility strikes, exposure to respirable crystalline silica, and the effects of noise and vibration on workers' health. This document is essential for any site using these tools, ensuring compliance with workplace safety regulations and promoting a safe working environment.

• Strike of underground utility (gas, electricity, water, telecommunications) → fatality, fire, explosion, electrocution
• Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) from sustained breaker operation → permanent nerve and circulatory damage
• Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust from concrete and masonry → silicosis, lung cancer
• Noise exposure exceeding 105 dB(A) → permanent hearing damage
• Flying chips, fragments, and chisel break-off → eye, face, and body injury
• Whole-body vibration from stand-up breakers → spinal injury
• Manual handling injuries — breakers can weigh 25-40 kg, plus reaction forces
• Electric shock from damaged cord or power supply on electric breakers → electrocution

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and applicable state/territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth) — Part 3.1 Plant; Part 4.1 Hazardous Chemicals (silica); Part 4.2 Hazardous Manual Tasks
• Safe Work Australia — Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks
• Safe Work Australia — Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work
• Safe Work Australia — Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia — Working with Silica and Silica-Containing Products (RCS)
• AS/NZS 1270 — Acoustics — Hearing protectors
• AS/NZS 1716 — Respiratory protective devices
• AS/NZS 4024.1 series — Safety of machinery
• AS/NZS 3760 — In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment
• Before You Dig Australia (BYDA / 1100) — Industry guidance for safe excavation
• Jackhammer / Demolition Hammer Pre-Start Checklist (associated document)