This Slurry Management & Disposal SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how to collect, vacuum, settle, neutralise and lawfully dispose of concrete slurry from cutting, grinding, coring and polishing. It covers protecting stormwater drains and waterways, containing slurry at the source, using wet vacuums and slurry pumps, settlement tanks, checking pH, storing slurry on site and arranging collection through a licensed waste receiver. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Concrete cutting and core drilling contractors
Concrete grinding and polishing businesses
Concreters and concrete finishers
Civil and construction contractors
Building and renovation contractors
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Chemical burns to skin and eyes from highly alkaline wet cement slurry
Slurry entering stormwater drains, gutters and waterways
Slips on wet, slurry-covered or setting surfaces
Lifting and emptying slurry containers and tank waste
Moving parts of vacuum units, slurry pumps and agitators
Electric shock from powered equipment near water and slurry
Dust from dried slurry residue and filter media
Illegal discharge of slurry to stormwater, land or waterways
Clearing blockages in energised vacuum or pump equipment
What's included
9 pre-operational checks, from training and drain locations to drain protection, the SDS, equipment condition and the disposal arrangement
An 11-step operating procedure covering drain protection, source containment, vacuuming, settlement, pH checks, storage and disposal
Isolation and energy control for vacuum units, slurry pumps and agitators before clearing blockages or changing filters
6 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for slurry escaping into drains or waterways and wet cement contact with skin or eyes
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Concreting SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover operating the concrete saw or grinder?
No. The concrete saw, core drill, grinder and polisher are covered by their own equipment-specific SOPs. This SOP covers managing the slurry they produce.
Can settled water go down the stormwater drain?
No. The SOP prohibits discharging slurry, wash water or settled liquid to stormwater, gutters, waterways, sewer or land. Collection and disposal is arranged through a licensed liquid waste or trade waste contractor.
Can slurry be diluted to neutralise it?
No. Workers check the pH and neutralise using an approved method rather than diluting it.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
