Product Overview

Summary: This Corner Bonds and Junctions Safe Operating Procedure sets out safe, consistent methods for constructing and tying corner bonds and junctions in masonry and blockwork. It helps Australian businesses control structural, manual handling and site safety risks while delivering high-quality, compliant walls on every project.

Poorly constructed corner bonds and junctions can compromise structural integrity, create latent defects, and significantly increase the risk of collapse or failure during and after construction. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step framework for planning, setting out, constructing and checking corners and junctions in brick and block masonry. It addresses both the technical requirements of correct bonding patterns and reinforcement, and the WHS controls needed to protect workers from manual handling injuries, falling objects and unstable walls.

Tailored specifically for Australian construction environments, this SOP supports compliance with WHS legislation, relevant Australian Standards and typical project specifications. It gives supervisors and tradespeople a consistent reference for how corners, returns, T-junctions and intersections are to be formed, braced and tied, from first course to completion. By implementing this procedure, businesses can reduce rework, prevent structural defects, improve site safety culture and provide defensible evidence of due diligence during audits, incident investigations and client inspections.

Key Benefits

• Ensure structurally sound corner bonds and junctions that align with Australian Standards and engineering requirements.
• Reduce the risk of wall instability, partial collapse and falling masonry during construction and throughout the building’s life.
• Standardise workmanship and quality across teams, minimising rework, defects and disputes with clients or certifiers.
• Support WHS compliance by embedding safe work methods, manual handling controls and exclusion zones into daily practice.
• Improve training outcomes for apprentices and new workers through a clear, step-by-step guide to correct bonding and tying techniques.

Who is this for?

• Bricklayers
• Blocklayers
• Stonemasons
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers
• Forepersons
• Apprentice Bricklayers and Blocklayers
• Building Inspectors
• Quality Assurance Coordinators (Construction)

Hazards Addressed

• Wall instability and partial or full masonry collapse during construction
• Falling bricks, blocks and tools from poorly supported or misaligned corners and junctions
• Manual handling injuries from lifting, carrying and positioning bricks, blocks and reinforcement
• Musculoskeletal disorders from repetitive bending, twisting and overhead work at corners and junctions
• Trips and falls around set-out lines, profiles, scaffolds and temporary bracing
• Crush injuries from working near inadequately braced or unsupported walls
• Exposure to cement and mortar products causing skin and eye irritation
• Use of hand and power tools (e.g. brick saws, grinders) around corners and junctions creating cutting, dust and noise hazards

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (Corners, Junctions, Bonds, T-Junctions, Returns)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Required Competencies, Licensing and Training
• 6.0 Tools, Equipment and Materials
• 7.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 8.0 Pre-Start Planning and Site Preparation
• 9.0 Set-Out of Corners and Junctions (Lines, Profiles and Levels)
• 10.0 Construction of Corner Bonds (Bond Patterns, Course-by-Course Method)
• 11.0 Construction of Junctions and Intersections (T-Junctions, Cross Junctions, Returns)
• 12.0 Installation of Reinforcement, Ties and Control Joints at Corners and Junctions
• 13.0 Temporary Bracing and Stability Controls for Partially Completed Walls
• 14.0 Working at Height and Scaffolding Considerations Around Corners and Junctions
• 15.0 Manual Handling and Ergonomic Controls for Masonry Units
• 16.0 Quality Control, Tolerances and Inspection Checkpoints
• 17.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Control Measures
• 18.0 Housekeeping and Waste Management in Masonry Work Areas
• 19.0 Emergency Procedures (Wall Movement, Collapse, Injury Response)
• 20.0 Documentation, Records and Sign-Off
• 21.0 Review, Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Construction Work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• 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 4455: Masonry units, pavers, flags and segmental retaining wall units
• AS/NZS 2210.1: Safety, protective and occupational footwear
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1801: Occupational protective helmets