Product Overview

Summary: This Safe Operating Procedure sets out safe, consistent methods for selecting, inspecting and using bricklaying tools and equipment on Australian worksites. It helps bricklaying teams control common construction hazards, protect workers from preventable injuries, and demonstrate compliance with WHS obligations across residential, commercial and civil projects.

Bricklaying involves intensive manual handling, sharp and percussive tools, powered cutting equipment and working at height, often in fast-paced and high-pressure environments. Without a clear, documented procedure, variations in how tools are selected, set up, used and maintained can lead to serious injuries, damaged equipment, rework and non-compliance with Australian WHS legislation. This Bricklaying Tools and Equipment Use SOP gives your business a structured, work-ready framework that standardises safe work practices for everything from trowels and bolsters to brick saws, mixers, scaffolds and mechanical aids.

Designed specifically for the Australian construction context, the procedure walks workers and supervisors through pre-start inspections, correct PPE, safe handling and operating techniques, guarding and isolation requirements, and post-use cleaning and storage. It supports your duty of care by clearly defining responsibilities, documenting risk controls and integrating with existing SWMS, site rules and training programs. By implementing this SOP, you reduce the likelihood of strains, crush injuries, lacerations, eye injuries and noise-induced hearing loss, while also improving productivity through better tool care and fewer breakdowns.

This document is ideal for bricklaying contractors, builders and subcontractors who want a defensible, professional system that can be shown to clients, principal contractors and regulators as evidence of robust WHS management. It helps you embed safe habits into day-to-day bricklaying work, support apprentices with clear guidance, and create a consistent standard across all crews and sites.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, safe use of bricklaying tools and equipment across all sites and crews.
• Reduce the risk of manual handling injuries, cuts, eye injuries and hearing damage through clearly defined controls.
• Demonstrate compliance with WHS legislation, Australian Standards and principal contractor requirements during audits and inspections.
• Extend the life of tools and equipment by standardising inspection, maintenance and storage practices.
• Improve productivity and quality by minimising downtime, rework and incidents linked to incorrect tool use.

Who is this for?

• Bricklayers
• Apprentice Bricklayers
• Leading Hands
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Small Construction Business Owners
• Training Coordinators and RTO Trainers
• Maintenance and Workshop Personnel

Hazards Addressed

• Manual handling injuries from lifting and moving bricks, blocks, mortar and heavy tools
• Lacerations and puncture wounds from sharp hand tools such as trowels, bolsters and chisels
• Crush and pinch injuries from handling brick packs, pallets and mechanical aids
• Eye injuries from flying chips, dust and debris during cutting, chasing and chiselling
• Hearing damage from prolonged exposure to noisy equipment such as brick saws and mixers
• Respiratory hazards from inhaling brick, mortar and silica-containing dusts
• Electric shock from damaged cords, portable electrical equipment and wet conditions
• Slips, trips and falls caused by poor housekeeping, offcuts, hoses and cords in work areas
• Struck-by incidents from falling bricks, tools or equipment, particularly when working at height or on scaffolds
• Musculoskeletal disorders from repetitive movements, awkward postures and overreaching while laying bricks

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Supervisors, Bricklayers, Apprentices)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Required Competencies, Licensing and Training
• 6.0 Tools and Equipment Covered by this SOP
• 7.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 8.0 Pre-Start Checks and Inspection of Bricklaying Tools and Equipment
• 9.0 Safe Use of Hand Tools (trowels, bolsters, chisels, hammers, jointers)
• 10.0 Safe Use of Powered Equipment (brick saws, grinders, mixers, mechanical aids)
• 11.0 Manual Handling and Ergonomic Controls for Bricklaying Tasks
• 12.0 Working at Heights, Scaffolds and Access Equipment Interface
• 13.0 Housekeeping, Cords, Hoses and Site Layout Controls
• 14.0 Dust, Noise and Vibration Management Measures
• 15.0 Lock-out, Tag-out and Isolation for Faulty Tools and Equipment
• 16.0 Cleaning, Maintenance and Storage of Tools and Equipment
• 17.0 Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control Review
• 18.0 Incident, Near Miss and Equipment Fault Reporting
• 19.0 Emergency Procedures and First Aid Considerations
• 20.0 Monitoring, Audit and Review of the SOP

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Construction Work
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks
• AS/NZS 3012: Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites
• AS/NZS 2161 series: Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 1270: Acoustics – Hearing protectors
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices (where bricklaying involves work at height)