Product Overview

Summary: This Damp Proof Course Installation SOP provides a clear, step-by-step method for safely and correctly installing damp proof courses on Australian building sites. It helps builders control moisture-related structural damage while protecting workers from common construction hazards and ensuring compliance with WHS and building code requirements.

A correctly installed damp proof course (DPC) is critical to preventing rising damp, mould growth and long-term structural deterioration in Australian buildings. At the same time, DPC installation typically occurs in active construction zones where workers are exposed to manual handling risks, slips and trips, cuts, and environmental conditions. This Safe Operating Procedure brings those two priorities together—technical installation quality and worker safety—into a single, practical document tailored for Australian construction sites.

The procedure sets out a consistent, compliant method for planning, preparing and installing DPC materials in masonry and concrete construction. It details how to coordinate with engineering drawings and NCC requirements, manage product handling and storage, and control site hazards around trenches, scaffolds, wet concrete and brickwork. By implementing this SOP, businesses can reduce rework and defects, protect workers from avoidable injuries, and demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation and relevant Australian Standards. It becomes a ready-made training and supervision tool that supports both quality assurance and safety management across residential, commercial and civil projects.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, code-compliant damp proof course installation aligned with Australian building and waterproofing requirements.
• Reduce moisture-related defects, rework and warranty claims by standardising installation quality across all crews and projects.
• Improve worker safety by clearly controlling manual handling, cutting, working at height and site access risks associated with DPC installation.
• Streamline training and onboarding for new workers and apprentices with a clear, step-by-step reference document.
• Demonstrate due diligence and support WHS and quality audits with a documented, repeatable procedure.

Who is this for?

• Site Supervisors
• Leading Hands
• Bricklayers
• General Builders
• Apprentice Bricklayers and Labourers
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Advisors
• Quality Assurance Managers (Construction)
• Residential and Commercial Builders
• Building Inspectors and Clerks of Works

Hazards Addressed

• Manual handling injuries from lifting, carrying and positioning rolls of damp proof course material, bricks and blocks
• Cuts and lacerations from knives, shears and sharp edges of DPC materials and masonry
• Slips, trips and falls around trenches, uneven ground, wet concrete and cluttered work areas
• Falls from height when installing DPC on elevated slabs, scaffolds or blockwork
• Exposure to dust and debris when cutting masonry or grinding surfaces for DPC installation
• Heat stress, UV exposure and dehydration when working outdoors for extended periods
• Pinch and crush injuries from handling bricks, blocks, lintels and pallets near the DPC line
• Chemical exposure from adhesives, primers, sealants or bituminous products used with some DPC systems

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Required Licences, Competencies and Training
• 5.0 Tools, Equipment and Materials
• 6.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 7.0 Pre-Start Planning and Documentation
• 8.0 Site Preparation and Hazard Identification
• 9.0 Material Handling, Storage and Inspection
• 10.0 Step-by-Step DPC Installation Procedure
• 11.0 Working at Height and Access Controls
• 12.0 Manual Handling and Ergonomic Controls
• 13.0 Quality Control, Inspection and Testing Requirements
• 14.0 Non-Conformance, Defect Management and Rework
• 15.0 Environmental Considerations and Waste Management
• 16.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting
• 17.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 18.0 Recordkeeping, Forms and Checklists
• 19.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• National Construction Code (NCC) – Performance Requirements for Damp and Weatherproofing
• AS 3700: Masonry Structures
• AS 4773.1 & AS 4773.2: Masonry in small buildings
• AS 2870: Residential slabs and footings
• AS/NZS 3500: Plumbing and drainage (for interface with moisture management and subfloor drainage)
• 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
• Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations (applicable state or territory)