Product Overview

This Brick And Block Laying SWMS is a site-ready Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards and implement controls for bricklaying and masonry activities, helping you achieve strong WHS compliance on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of brick and block laying operations, including preparation, handling, cutting, laying, cleaning, and finishing of masonry units for high risk construction work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and sequencing of brick and block laying works, including set-out of walls and work areas
• Safe laying of core-filled concrete blocks, including reinforcement placement and concrete filling controls
• Block splitting and dressing using hand tools and mechanical aids to minimise flying debris and manual handling risks
• Use of brick saws, including guarding, water suppression, dust control and noise management
• General brickwork and blockwork tasks, including mortar mixing, trowelling and alignment of masonry units
• Construction of external leaf walls, including stability controls, temporary bracing and tie-in to structural elements
• Face brickwork tasks where appearance is critical, including joint finishing and protection of finished surfaces
• Fixing of wall ties, flashings and related masonry accessories to maintain structural integrity and corrosion resistance
• Hebel and lightweight masonry construction, including cutting, handling and fixing of autoclaved aerated concrete panels or blocks
• Safe stacking, storage and de-stacking of bricks and blocks to prevent crush injury from toppled stacks
• Controls for cuts and abrasions when handling bricks, blocks, ties and reinforcing, including PPE and safe handling techniques
• Correct selection and use of brick grips and lifting devices to reduce strain and prevent dropped loads
• Joining masonry units and forming joints, including joint raking, tooling and curing considerations
• Brick and masonry cleaning, including acid washing, pressure cleaning and run-off/environmental controls
• Housekeeping, waste management and maintaining safe access/egress around scaffolds, work platforms and mixing areas

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for bricklayers, block layers, Hebel installers, masonry contractors, builders, and site supervisors responsible for overseeing brick and block laying activities on residential, commercial, and civil construction projects.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Construction Work – Guidance on managing risks associated with construction activities, including masonry and bricklaying tasks.
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Requirements for working at height on scaffolds, platforms and incomplete structures during brick and block laying.
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Controls for lifting, carrying and handling bricks, blocks, mortar and equipment.
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Risk management for noisy equipment such as brick saws and cutting tools.
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace – Safe use of acids, cleaners, cement-based products and other hazardous substances used in masonry work.
• AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding (series) – Requirements for scaffolding used to access and construct brick and block walls.
• AS/NZS 4576 Guidelines for Scaffolding – Practical guidance on safe use of scaffolds for bricklaying and block laying operations.
• AS 3700 Masonry Structures – Design and construction requirements for masonry, including brick and block walls.
• AS 4773 Masonry in Small Buildings (Parts 1 & 2) – Masonry design and construction guidance for low-rise buildings.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017