Confirm who approves the cut
The cutting provider should receive an approved line, centre, diameter and depth. Structural openings, suspended slabs, post-tensioned elements, walls and load-bearing members may require engineering or design approval.
Record the permitted tolerance and who can authorise a change. Moving a hole or line on site may solve one obstruction while conflicting with the service design or structure.
- Approved drawing or marked set-out
- Opening or hole dimensions
- Specified depth and tolerance
- Structural approval or temporary-support detail
- Named person who can approve changes
Review services, reinforcement and post-tensioning
Use available drawings, as-constructed information, service records and isolation procedures. Concrete scanning or other locating may help interpret embedded items, but the limitations should be understood.
SafeWork NSW guidance for cutting and drilling highlights the need to check service asset locations and clearly mark exact cut or drill positions. A blank surface is not evidence that the area is clear.
- Known electrical, plumbing, gas, fire and communications services
- Reinforcement and post-tension information
- Scan area and interpretation deliverable
- Required isolations and lock-out process
- Hold point before intrusive work
Walk the equipment route and work environment
Measure the narrowest gate, doorway, stair, lift or corridor. Identify slopes, soft ground, finished floors, overhead restrictions and the position available for a saw, drill rig, drive unit or extraction equipment.
For indoor or confined work, discuss ventilation and power. Fuel-driven equipment can introduce exhaust hazards, while wet cutting can create water and electrical risks if the area is not prepared.
- Unloading and parking position
- Equipment route and operating clearance
- Indoor, outdoor, overhead or confined position
- Available water and suitable electrical supply
- Protection for finishes, occupants and sensitive equipment
Control dust, slurry and concrete waste
Concrete can contain crystalline silica. Effective wet suppression, on-tool extraction or other higher-order controls may be required, with respiratory protection used as part of the risk-control plan where residual exposure remains.
Wet methods create slurry that can make floors slippery, damage finishes and enter drains. Plan bunding, wet extraction, collection and lawful disposal. Dry sweeping or uncontrolled runoff is not an acceptable cleanup plan.
- Engineering controls selected for the task
- Water and slurry collection
- Barriers and warning signs
- Concrete pieces, cores and spoil handling
- Final cleanup and waste responsibility
Support the section before the final cut
A core, wall panel or slab section may become unstable as the cut completes. Agree how it is supported, divided, lifted or lowered and where people are excluded.
For suspended slabs or large sections, competent design may be needed for propping, segment size and lifting. Do not complete the final release without the handling plan ready.
Pre-cut questions
What measurements should I provide?
Give length, width or diameter, target depth, surface orientation and approximate concrete thickness. Include photos with a tape or scale where safe.
Do I need drawings for a small hole?
The need depends on the structure and risk. A small hole can still intersect post-tensioning, reinforcement, waterproofing or services.
Who contains the slurry?
The quote should state who supplies water, bunding, extraction, collection and disposal. Confirm protection for drains and finished areas.
Can the cutter choose the structural opening position?
No. The responsible designer or asset owner should approve the location. The cutter can advise on practical access and method.