Product Overview

This Epoxy Resins Flooring Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and document safe work methods for the installation and maintenance of epoxy resin floor systems. It is a comprehensive document that supports WHS compliance and effective risk management across all stages of epoxy flooring works.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Selection of suitable epoxy resin systems, hardeners, and additives based on substrate, environment, and usage requirements
• Inspection and preparation of work areas, including barricading, signage, and exclusion zones to protect other workers and the public
• Mechanical and manual surface preparation of concrete substrates, including grinding, shot blasting, and dust control measures
• Use of industrial vacuum systems and dust extraction to minimise exposure to respirable crystalline silica and airborne contaminants
• Safe handling, storage, and decanting of epoxy resins, solvents, and associated hazardous chemicals
• Mixing of multi‑component epoxy products, including correct ratios, mixing techniques, and controls for splashes and spills
• Application of primers, base coats, and topcoats using rollers, squeegees, trowels, and specialised application tools
• Control of fumes, vapours, and odours through ventilation, air movement, and appropriate respiratory protection
• Management of slip, trip, and fall risks during and after application, including wet floor controls and anti‑slip finishes
• Use, inspection, and maintenance of PPE such as gloves, eye protection, coveralls, and respiratory protective equipment
• Emergency response to spills, skin or eye contact, inhalation exposure, and fire involving flammable solvents
• Waste management, including collection, labelling, storage, and disposal of leftover resins, solvents, and contaminated materials
• Coordination with other trades and site management to control simultaneous operations and prevent cross‑contamination of finished floors
• Safe use of powered equipment and portable tools associated with epoxy flooring works, including electrical safety and leads management
• Post‑installation inspection, curing management, and safe re‑entry of areas once floors are trafficable

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for epoxy flooring contractors, industrial and commercial floor installers, painters and decorators, builders, and site supervisors responsible for overseeing epoxy resins flooring works.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on identifying, assessing, and controlling risks from epoxy resins, hardeners, and solvents.
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Controls for slips, trips, and falls on wet or freshly coated floor surfaces.
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Requirements for controlling noise from grinding and surface preparation equipment.
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for hazard identification, risk assessment, and implementation of control measures.
• Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants: Exposure limits for solvents, dusts, and vapours generated during epoxy flooring works.
• Safe Work Australia – Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals Code of Practice: Requirements for correct labelling and identification of epoxy products and solvents.
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment: Guidance for choosing and maintaining respirators for vapours and dusts.
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices: Performance requirements for respiratory protective equipment used during epoxy works.
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves: Selection of suitable chemical‑resistant gloves for handling resins and hardeners.
• AS 1319: Safety signs for the occupational environment: Requirements for safety signage, barricading, and warning notices around work areas.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017