Jackhammers or handheld powered chipping tools
Using a jackhammer or handheld power chipping tools to break or demolish concrete, stone, masonry or other silica-containing materials can generate respirable crystalline silica dust. When inhaled over time, the small particles of silica can irreversibly damage the lungs.
Exposure controls needed 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) when using jackhammers or handheld powered chipping tools are explained below.
Step 1: Use suitable engineering controls
Engineering control options (one of the following two controls must be used):
- Use a tool that delivers a continuous stream or spray of water at the impact point. (Wet method)
- A commercially available shroud connected to a dust extractor/vacuum which meets or exceeds the minimum air flow requirements recommended by the tool manufacturer and is rated to either M-Class or H-Class. (Dust collection system)
Wet method
When using jackhammers or hand held chipping tools, there must be a continuous steam or spray of water (this could be from a hose) at the point where the tool’s tip strikes the surface material. Water must be applied at a flow rate sufficient to minimise 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 that is recommended by the manufacturer
- dust collector that provides the air flow recommended by the tool manufacturer or greater
- rating to either M-Class or H-Class in accordance with AS/NZS 60335.2.69.
Step 2: Select appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
The type of RPE you will need depends on:
- what type of engineering controls you are using
- how long the worker is going to do the task during the shift
- where the work is being undertaken.
RPE is not required when using the wet method 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 method |
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.