Product Overview

This Fibrous Plastering Cornice and Heritage Mouldings Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, implement controls, and support safe methods of work for decorative and heritage plastering activities. It is a comprehensive, task-specific document that covers multiple aspects of fibrous plastering, heritage restoration and installation to support WHS compliance and effective control of High Risk Construction Work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe handling, cutting, and preparation of fibrous plaster cornices and heritage mouldings
• Installation of bracketed cornices, including fixing methods, alignment, and support during installation
• Centreflower installation, including safe access, fixing techniques, and adhesive application
• Securing detached cornices or mouldings and managing the risk of falling objects and unstable sections
• Historic lath and plaster work restoration, including removal of damaged material and compatible repair techniques
• Installing ceiling roses, including lifting, positioning, fixing, and finishing overhead
• Installing cornice mouldings to ceilings and walls, including measuring, cutting, mitres, and joint finishing
• Ornamental plaster repair, including crack repairs, patching, and reinstatement of decorative profiles
• Use of hand and power tools for cutting, drilling, sanding, and fixing fibrous plaster products
• Working at height from ladders, trestles, and mobile scaffolds when installing cornices and mouldings
• Manual handling of long and fragile fibrous plaster sections to minimise strain and breakage
• Dust control and respiratory protection when sanding, cutting, or demolishing old plaster surfaces
• Safe use of adhesives, fillers, and sealants, including chemical handling and clean-up procedures

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for fibrous plasterers, heritage plaster restoration specialists, ceiling fixers, renovation contractors, and site supervisors overseeing decorative and heritage plastering works.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Construction Work – Managing risks associated with construction and installation activities
• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Risk management principles applied to fibrous plastering and restoration tasks
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls in Housing Construction – Controls for working at height when installing cornices and ceiling features
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Guidance on safe lifting, carrying, and handling of fibrous plaster components
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Relevant to power tool and cutting operations
• AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding – Requirements for the safe use of scaffolds and work platforms
• AS/NZS 1892 Portable ladders – Safe selection and use of ladders for access and installation work
• AS/NZS 1715 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment – For dust and airborne contaminant control during plaster work
• AS/NZS 2161 Occupational protective gloves – Hand protection when handling plaster, tools, and chemicals
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017