When working with jackhammers or handheld power chipping tools to break or demolish materials like concrete, stone, or masonry containing silica, it's important to recognize that this activity can generate respirable crystalline silica dust. Inhaling these small silica particles over time can lead to irreversible lung damage.
To address potential exposure, WorkCover Queensland advises the following controls in accordance with Appendix 4 of the Managing respirable crystalline silica in construction and manufacturing of construction elements code of practice 2022 (PDF, 1.71 MB) (the Code):
Use suitable engineering controls
Choose one of the following engineering control options:
- Use a tool that delivers a continuous stream or spray of water at the impact point.
- Implement a commercially available shroud connected to a dust extractor/vacuum meeting or exceeding the minimum air flow requirements recommended by the tool manufacturer and rated to either M-Class or H-Class.
Wet method
When jackhammering, apply water with an integrated continuous stream or spray at the point where the jackhammer’s tip strikes the surface material. Ensure water is applied at a flow rate sufficient to minimize the release of visible dust.
Dust collection system
Commercially available dust collection systems for jackhammers and handheld powered chipping tools must have:
- A shroud for the tool recommended by the manufacturer.
- A dust collector providing the air flow recommended by the tool manufacturer or greater.
- A rating of either M-Class or H-Class in accordance with AS/NZS 60335.2.69.
Select appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
The type of RPE needed depends on:
- The type of engineering controls in use.
- The duration of the task during the shift.
- The location where the work is being undertaken.
RPE is not required when using wet cutting or dust extraction outdoors for a time equal to or less than four hours, but is required in all other circumstances. Half face reusable or disposable RPE has a minimum protection factor (MPF) of 10.
| Engineering control used | Time spent doing task during shift | |
|---|---|---|
| Equal or less than 4 hours | Greater than 4 hours | |
| Wet cutting | Outdoors RPE not required | Outdoors P1 or P2 filtered RPE with a MPF 10 required |
| Indoors / enclosed area P1 or P2 filtered RPE with a MPF 10 required | Indoors / enclosed area P1 or P2 filtered RPE with a MPF 10 required | |
| Dust extraction | Outdoors RPE not required | Outdoors P1 or P2 filtered RPE with a MPF 10 required |
| Indoors / enclosed area P1 or P2 filtered RPE with a MPF 10 required | Indoors / enclosed area P1 or P2 filtered RPE with a MPF 10 required | |
For tight fitting RPE, workers must be fit-tested to the specific make and model before using it. See section 7.6 of the Code (PDF, 1.71 MB) for more information on fit-testing and other requirements for using RPE.
Health monitoring
A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must provide health monitoring to a worker if their tasks require them to wear RPE 30 times or more in 12 months.