Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured, step-by-step approach to managing risks associated with concrete finishing, polishing and sealing activities on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document that brings together multiple stages of concrete finishing, polishing and sealing to support robust WHS compliance and effective risk management.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Preparation of concrete floors, including inspection, cleaning, and surface defect identification prior to finishing or sealing
• Bedding and screeding floor areas to achieve correct levels, falls and tolerances
• Operation of mechanical and manual concrete screeds for accurate levelling and compaction
• Use of mechanical concrete trowels for high-quality surface finishing and edge detailing
• Hand trowelling techniques for small areas, edges, corners and detailed finish work
• Floating concrete to consolidate the surface and achieve the correct finish prior to trowelling
• Finishing fresh concrete, including timing, sequencing and controls to minimise defects and rework
• Joint smoothing and detailing of control and expansion joints to maintain structural performance and appearance
• Safe use of concrete slab polishers, including dust control, noise, vibration and electrical safety
• Application of concrete sealers using sprayers, rollers or other equipment, including ventilation and overspray control
• Use, cleaning and maintenance of concrete sealer sprayers, including management of blockages and pressure hazards
• Application of decorative concrete sealing systems, including colour, texture and slip-resistance considerations
• Applying sealants after finishing the concrete, with controls for chemical exposure and ignition sources
• Finish cementing operations, including final inspections, defect rectification and curing protection measures
• Housekeeping, waste management and clean-up of slurry, dust, wash water and leftover sealant products

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for concreters, floor finishers, decorative concrete contractors, commercial and residential builders, and site supervisors overseeing concrete finishing, polishing and sealing works.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – for controlling slip, trip and fall hazards during concrete finishing and polishing activities
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace – for safe handling, storage and use of concrete sealers, solvents and cleaning agents
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – for managing noise exposure from mechanical screeds, polishers and trowelling equipment
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace – for the safe use, inspection and maintenance of mechanical screeds, trowels and slab polishers
• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – for applying a risk management framework to concrete finishing, polishing and sealing tasks
• Code of Practice: Construction Work – for general WHS duties and controls relating to concrete works on construction sites
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment – for respiratory protection against concrete dust and vapours from sealants
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational Protective Gloves – for selection of gloves when handling wet concrete and chemical sealers
• AS/NZS 2210: Occupational Protective Footwear – for appropriate footwear on wet, uneven and potentially slippery concrete surfaces
• AS/NZS 1337: Personal Eye Protection – for eye protection from splashes, dust and flying particles during grinding and sealing
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017