Hardscape: Paths & Patios Risk Assessment

Typical hazards & measures

• Public access and site security — Define the boundary with fencing and lockable gates; cover gaps and remove climbable stacked materials. Use clear signage, maintain a banksman at open fronts, and secure tools/fuel after hours. Create safe pedestrian diversions and inspect barriers daily for damage or movement.
• Hand-arm vibration — Select low-vibration tools, keep blades sharp, and limit trigger time with rotation and breaks. Use anti-vibration gloves for comfort, maintain warm/dry hands, and monitor exposure against EAV/ELV with a simple points system. Remove high-vibration tools from service until repaired.
• Lone working and welfare — Assess lone work necessity; maintain phone/radio contact and establish check-in times. Provide mobile welfare access, water and lighting. Restrict hazardous tasks to supervised periods, and ensure workers know emergency rendezvous and local hospital directions.
• Environmental runoff and washout — Contain wet saw slurry and concrete washout in lined tubs; never discharge to drains or watercourses. Use silt socks around gullies, keep spill kits on hand, and brief crews on disposal points. Store sand/cement under cover and re-grade to shed clean water away from stockpiles.
• Fuel handling and refuelling — Refuel petrol saws and plant in a ventilated area with engines cool; use spouts and trays to prevent spills. Keep fuel in approved containers away from ignition, and store separately from oxidisers. Carry extinguishers, clear bystanders, and wipe residues before restarting equipment.