Product Overview

Summary: This Brick Alignment and Levelling Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, repeatable method for laying bricks safely, accurately and in compliance with Australian WHS and quality requirements. It standardises how workers set out, align and level brickwork, reducing rework, preventing structural defects and controlling the key risks associated with manual handling, working at height and use of hand tools on site.

Brick alignment and levelling are fundamental to the structural integrity, durability and visual finish of any masonry project. Poorly aligned or out‑of‑level brickwork can lead to cracking, water ingress, failed inspections and costly rectification works. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, step‑by‑step approach to planning, setting out, laying, checking and correcting brickwork so that every course is true to line, plumb and level while maintaining a strong safety focus in line with Australian WHS legislation.

Developed for Australian construction environments, this SOP integrates safe work methods with practical bricklaying techniques. It addresses how to prepare the work area, manage materials to minimise manual handling strain, use string lines, levels, profiles and laser levels correctly, and coordinate with other trades. It also outlines control measures for common hazards such as unstable scaffolds, working near edges, repetitive movements and silica dust from cutting bricks. By implementing this procedure, businesses can lift workmanship standards, reduce rework and defects, and demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and principal contractors.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, high‑quality brick alignment and levelling that meets project specifications and client expectations.
• Reduce rework, defects and associated labour and material costs through a standardised, step‑by‑step laying process.
• Improve worker safety by integrating WHS controls into everyday bricklaying tasks, including manual handling, access and tool use.
• Support compliance with Australian WHS legislation, principal contractor requirements and relevant Australian Standards for masonry and construction work.
• Streamline onboarding and training of new bricklayers and apprentices with a clear reference document for expected methods and tolerances.

Who is this for?

• Bricklayers
• Bricklaying Apprentices
• Leading Hands (Bricklaying)
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Advisors and Safety Officers
• Residential and Commercial Builders
• Quality Assurance Inspectors (Construction)

Hazards Addressed

• Musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive lifting, bending and twisting while handling bricks and mortar
• Falls from height when aligning and levelling brickwork on scaffolds, platforms or incomplete structures
• Trips and slips caused by poor housekeeping, uneven surfaces, mortar spills and offcuts in work areas
• Eye and respiratory irritation or injury from brick and mortar dust, including silica dust when cutting bricks
• Hand and finger injuries from handling bricks, using trowels, hammers and brick saws
• Struck‑by incidents from falling bricks, tools or equipment from higher courses or scaffolds
• Strains from overreaching or working in awkward postures to achieve alignment and level
• Noise exposure from powered masonry tools such as brick saws and grinders

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Bricklayers, Supervisors, WHS Personnel)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Required Competencies, Licences and Training
• 6.0 Tools, Equipment and Materials for Brick Alignment and Levelling
• 7.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 8.0 Pre‑Start Planning and Site Preparation
• 9.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for Bricklaying Activities
• 10.0 Safe Manual Handling and Material Storage Practices
• 11.0 Setting Out Walls, Profiles, String Lines and Control Points
• 12.0 Establishing First Course Alignment and Level
• 13.0 Step‑by‑Step Procedure for Laying, Aligning and Levelling Bricks
• 14.0 Use of Spirit Levels, Laser Levels and Plumb Tools
• 15.0 Working Safely on Scaffolds, Platforms and at Heights
• 16.0 Managing Dust, Noise and Environmental Conditions
• 17.0 Quality Control Checks, Tolerances and Rectification Methods
• 18.0 Coordination with Other Trades and Site Sequencing
• 19.0 Housekeeping, Waste Management and Site Clean‑up
• 20.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting
• 21.0 Inspection, Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
• 22.0 Document Control and Record Keeping

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and state/territory equivalents
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Construction Work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks
• AS 3700: Masonry structures
• AS 4773.1: Masonry in small buildings – Design
• AS 4773.2: Masonry in small buildings – Construction
• AS/NZS 1576: Scaffolding (series)
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1801: Occupational protective helmets
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS 1270: Acoustics – Hearing protectors