Concrete Cutting and Coring

Prior to conducting any concrete cutting and / or coring, the floor, wall and / or ceiling must be assessed to verify the following:

• Exposure of silica or other hazards to workers (Exposure Control Plan);

• If utilities lie within the floor or wall area (i.e. electrical, plumbing, etc.);

• The structural integrity must be considered and if warranted, the cutting or coring conducted as per a Professional Engineer’s design (special shoring systems may be required).

Applications associated with concrete cutting and / or coring have concluded that silica dust within concrete may become airborne, of which the dust poses a serious health hazard to workers (silicosis). A walk-through survey must be conducted, and an Exposure Control Plan must be developed as per WorkSafeBC.

Local exhaust (vacuum systems) or water suppression must be utilized to reduce the dust levels as low as reasonably achievable. Workers must be fitted with half-mask fit- tested respirators as a minimum, equipped with a HEPA filter.