Product Overview

Summary: This Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical controls for managing dust generated during bricklaying activities, with a strong focus on silica exposure and respiratory health. It helps Australian construction businesses implement effective dust suppression methods that protect workers, meet WHS obligations, and maintain productivity on busy sites.

Bricklaying tasks such as cutting bricks, mixing mortar, raking joints and cleaning surfaces can generate significant levels of respirable crystalline silica and nuisance dust. Without a structured approach to dust suppression, workers are exposed to long‑term health risks including silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other respiratory illnesses, while sites face complaints, non‑compliance notices and potential shutdowns. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step‑by‑step framework for controlling dust at the source, along the pathway, and at the worker, using proven engineering, administrative and PPE controls suited to Australian construction environments.

The document guides businesses through planning and setting up bricklaying work with dust control in mind, selecting appropriate suppression methods such as wet cutting, on‑tool extraction and local exhaust ventilation, and implementing housekeeping and decontamination practices that prevent dust build‑up and spread. It also clarifies roles and responsibilities, training requirements, health monitoring considerations and record‑keeping so that duty holders can demonstrate compliance with WHS legislation and relevant Codes of Practice. By adopting this SOP, organisations can standardise best‑practice dust management across their projects, reduce the risk of regulatory action, and foster a safer, cleaner and more professional worksite.

Key Benefits

• Reduce worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica and other hazardous dusts through structured, practical control measures.
• Ensure alignment with Australian WHS legislation and Codes of Practice for managing silica and construction dust.
• Standardise dust suppression practices across bricklaying crews, subcontractors and sites to improve consistency and accountability.
• Minimise dust‑related complaints, rework and potential project delays caused by poor visibility, contamination or regulator intervention.
• Support effective training, toolbox talks and inductions by providing a clear, easy‑to‑follow reference for safe bricklaying practices.

Who is this for?

• Bricklayers
• Bricklaying Leading Hands
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Advisors and Coordinators
• Principal Contractors
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Small Construction Business Owners

Hazards Addressed

• Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica from cutting, chasing and drilling bricks and masonry
• Respiratory irritation and illness from general construction dust and mortar particles
• Reduced visibility and housekeeping issues from uncontrolled airborne and settled dust
• Environmental and neighbouring property impacts from wind‑blown dust
• Skin and eye irritation from cement and mortar dust
• Slip, trip and fall hazards created by dust and debris accumulation on walking and working surfaces
• Contamination of vehicles, plant and amenities leading to secondary dust exposure

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (including respirable crystalline silica and dust types)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Consultation
• 4.0 Planning Bricklaying Works and Dust Risk Assessment
• 5.0 Required Plant, Equipment and Dust Control Systems
• 6.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 7.0 Dust Suppression Methods for Common Bricklaying Tasks
• 8.0 Safe Work Method – Step‑by‑Step Procedure
• 9.0 Housekeeping, Decontamination and Waste Management
• 10.0 Health Monitoring, Training and Competency
• 11.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Response
• 12.0 Inspection, Monitoring and Airborne Dust Verification
• 13.0 Record Keeping and Documentation
• 14.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risks of Respirable Crystalline Silica from Engineered Stone in the Workplace: Code of Practice (as guidance for silica risk management)
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Code of Practice
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations – Hazardous chemicals and airborne contaminants
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices
• AS/NZS 4501: Occupational protective clothing
• AS/NZS ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use