Product Overview

This General Flooring Installation Heating and Accessories Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the step-by-step process, hazards, and controls to safely manage all aspects of flooring installation works, including heating systems and accessories. It is a comprehensive document that consolidates multiple activities into one easy-to-use SWMS to support WHS compliance and safe installation of a wide range of floor coverings and underfloor heating systems.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Cable avoidance procedures during flooring installation to prevent contact with live services and underground utilities
• Development of safe and compliant floor design layouts, including consideration of movement joints and slip resistance
• Selection and installation of floor coverings such as tiles, vinyl, carpet, laminate, and engineered timber
• Safe installation of stair nosings to minimise trip hazards and ensure durable, non-slip stair edges
• Installation of underfloor heating systems, including electrical and hydronic radiant floor heating components
• Radiant floor heating installation controls, including isolation, testing, and verification before covering
• Installing tactile ground surface indicators (TGSI) to meet accessibility and wayfinding requirements
• Laying new flooring over various substrates, including preparation, levelling compounds, and adhesive use
• Loading, unloading, and storing tiles and flooring materials to reduce manual handling and crush injuries
• Protection of finished flooring surfaces from damage, contamination, and premature wear during construction
• Routine safety inspection and maintenance of flooring tools and equipment, including cutting and grinding tools
• Stabilising loose rugs over tiles and hard surfaces to prevent slips, trips, and falls in high-traffic areas
• Use of adhesives, primers, and sealants with appropriate ventilation and hazardous chemicals controls
• Housekeeping, waste removal, and control of offcuts and packaging to maintain clear access and egress routes
• Use of portable power tools, extension leads, and temporary power in accordance with electrical safety requirements

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for flooring installers, tilers, carpet layers, underfloor heating contractors, tactile indicator installers, and site supervisors responsible for managing flooring and associated heating/accessory works.

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 flooring installation
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – requirements for working on stairs, landings, and elevated areas during flooring works
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – controls for lifting, carrying, and handling tiles, rolls of flooring, and heating components
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – controls for cutting, grinding, and power tool noise during installation
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace – safe use of adhesives, primers, sealants, and other chemical products
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules) – requirements for electrical safety relevant to underfloor heating and connection of electrical components
• AS 1428.1: Design for Access and Mobility – General Requirements for Access – New Building Work – guidance relating to tactile indicators and accessible flooring design
• AS 4586: Slip Resistance Classification of New Pedestrian Surface Materials – slip resistance criteria for floor coverings and stair nosings
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017