Milwaukee’s New Cordless SDS MAX Demo Hammers: Silica, Vibration and Noise Rules to Know
Milwaukee now sells cordless SDS MAX demolition hammers. Milwaukee says the big one gives corded power with no cord. No cord means you can chip concrete anywhere on the job. But the hazards did not go away. Chipping concrete still makes silica dust. It shakes your hands and arms. And it is loud.
What’s new
- M18 FUEL 18 lb SDS MAX Demolition Hammer (3018-22HD): 11.4 ft-lbs of impact energy. Milwaukee says it is for small to medium chipping, 4 inches thick or less. It also scrapes tile and drives ground rods in soft soil.
- MX FUEL SDS MAX Demolition Hammer (MXF365): 19.3 ft-lbs of impact energy. It weighs about 27 lb. It is for heavier work, like breaking concrete and pulling up block and tile.
Both have Milwaukee’s anti-vibration system. Both also have VACLINK. With VACLINK, a matching dust vacuum turns on when you pull the trigger.
Hazard 1: Silica dust
Concrete, block and stone have crystalline silica in them. Breathing the fine dust can cause silicosis, lung cancer and kidney disease. OSHA’s construction silica rule covers this tool. Learn the rule in our silica course for construction workers.
OSHA’s Table 1 lists jackhammers and handheld chipping tools. You can follow it in one of two ways:
- Water: a steady spray of water where the bit hits, or
- Shroud and vacuum: a shroud with a dust vacuum. The vacuum must move the air flow the maker says. Its filter must catch 99% of dust or more, and it must have a way to clean the filter. Milwaukee sells an SDS MAX chipping boot (5318-DE) for the 18 lb hammer.
Respirators under Table 1: Outdoors, you need none for 4 hours or less in a shift. For more than 4 hours, you need an APF 10 respirator. Indoors or in a closed-in area, you need an APF 10 respirator for any amount of time.
Hazard 2: Hand-arm vibration
Anti-vibration handles help. But a big hammer still shakes your hands. NIOSH says, over time, this can cause numb, tingling or pale fingers. Your fingers can also lose feel and skill. NIOSH gives these tips:
- Hold the tool as lightly as you safely can. Let it do the work.
- Take a 10-minute break after each hour of steady use. Rotate chipping jobs.
- Keep your hands warm and dry. Wear dry gloves.
- Tell your boss early about tingling, numbness, or pale or blue fingers. See a doctor.
Hazard 3: Noise
Demo hammers are loud. OSHA’s construction noise rule says what to do when noise is over the limit. First, the boss must use controls to cut the noise. If that is not enough, workers must get and wear hearing protection. The job also needs a hearing program. See Noise and Hearing Loss in Construction.
Hazard 4: Flying chips, weight and the work area
- Wear safety glasses with side shields. Add a face shield for overhead or wall chipping.
- Wear safety-toe boots. Bits and chunks of concrete drop.
- Lift and carry the hammer with good form. Use the side handle.
- Before you chip walls or floors, check for rebar, conduit and live wires. Our Demolition Safety course covers the pre-work survey.
PPE checklist
- Respirator when Table 1 calls for it
- Hearing protection
- Safety glasses plus face shield
- Work gloves
- Safety-toe boots
Also see Hand and Power Tool Safety and PPE in Construction.
Get your crew trained
A new tool is a good time to train. Our silica course for construction workers shows your crew how to follow Table 1. See all Black Belt Safety courses.
Sources
- M18 FUEL 18 lb SDS MAX Demolition Hammer Kit (3018-22HD), Milwaukee Tool. Checked 2026-10-15.
- MX FUEL SDS MAX Demolition Hammer press release, Milwaukee Tool. Checked 2026-10-15.
- 29 CFR 1926.1153, Respirable crystalline silica (Table 1), eCFR / OSHA. Checked 2026-10-15.
- 29 CFR 1926.52, Occupational noise exposure, eCFR / OSHA. Checked 2026-10-15.
- Vibration Syndrome, Current Intelligence Bulletin 38, NIOSH. Checked 2026-10-15.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a respirator when chipping concrete with a demo hammer?
Outdoors, you need none for 4 hours or less in a shift under Table 1. For more than 4 hours, or any time indoors or in a closed-in area, you need an APF 10 respirator.
What are the OSHA Table 1 controls for chipping tools?
Use a steady spray of water where the bit hits, or a shroud with a dust vacuum. The vacuum filter must catch 99% of dust or more.
Can a demolition hammer hurt your hands?
Yes. NIOSH says hand-arm vibration over time can cause numb, tingling or pale fingers. Tell your boss early and see a doctor.
What PPE do you need for a demo hammer?
Wear a respirator when Table 1 calls for it, hearing protection, safety glasses plus a face shield, work gloves and safety-toe boots.