Product Overview

Summary: This Fire Safety in Plasterwork Environments SOP sets out clear, practical steps for preventing and managing fire risks in plastering operations across construction and refurbishment sites. It helps Australian businesses control ignition sources, manage combustible materials, and respond effectively to fire incidents, supporting compliance with WHS legislation and building fire safety requirements.

Plasterwork environments present unique and often underestimated fire risks. From the use of heaters and heat guns for drying, to temporary electrical leads, dust accumulation, flammable sealants, and work conducted alongside other trades such as welders and electricians, the potential for ignition is significant. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, step‑by‑step approach to identifying, controlling, and monitoring fire hazards wherever plastering activities occur – whether in new builds, fit‑outs, or refurbishment projects.

Developed for the Australian construction and fit‑out sector, this SOP aligns fire safety practices in plasterwork areas with WHS obligations, building fire protection requirements, and site emergency procedures. It helps businesses standardise how fire risks are assessed before work starts, how hot works and drying equipment are controlled, how materials and waste are stored, and how workers are trained to respond if a fire breaks out. By implementing this procedure, organisations can reduce the likelihood of fires, protect workers and occupants, minimise property damage, and demonstrate a defensible, documented approach to fire risk management during plastering operations.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of fire ignition during plastering through consistent controls on heaters, hot works, and electrical equipment.
• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation and relevant fire safety standards in construction and refurbishment projects.
• Standardise fire risk assessment, housekeeping, and material storage practices across all plasterwork sites.
• Improve worker readiness and confidence in responding to fire incidents through clear emergency and evacuation procedures.
• Minimise costly project delays, damage, and insurance issues arising from preventable fire events in plasterwork areas.

Who is this for?

• Plasterers
• Plastering Supervisors
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers
• Fire Wardens and Emergency Coordinators
• Principal Contractors
• Facilities and Maintenance Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Ignition of combustible plasterboard dust, paper backing, and packaging materials
• Fire from misuse of portable heaters, heat guns, and drying equipment
• Fire resulting from hot works (e.g. grinding, cutting, welding) conducted near plasterwork
• Overloaded or damaged temporary electrical leads and power tools causing electrical fires
• Accumulation of combustible offcuts, timbers, and general construction waste in plastering areas
• Blocked or compromised fire exits, fire extinguishers, and fire detection devices during plastering works
• Use and storage of flammable sealants, adhesives, primers, and solvents
• Hidden smouldering fires behind walls or ceilings following hot works or heat application

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Fire Risk Profile of Plasterwork Environments
• 5.0 Pre‑Start Fire Risk Assessment and Planning
• 6.0 Control of Ignition Sources (Heaters, Hot Works, Electrical Equipment)
• 7.0 Management of Combustible Materials, Dust, and Waste
• 8.0 Storage and Handling of Flammable Liquids, Sealants, and Adhesives
• 9.0 Housekeeping, Access, and Protection of Fire Exits and Equipment
• 10.0 Use, Inspection, and Location of Fire Extinguishers and Fire Blankets
• 11.0 Interaction with Other Trades and Hot Work Permit Requirements
• 12.0 Step‑by‑Step Safe Work Procedure for Plastering Activities
• 13.0 Emergency Response, Evacuation, and Incident Reporting
• 14.0 Training, Induction, and Competency Requirements
• 15.0 Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
• 16.0 Records, Documentation, and Audit Checklist

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Fire and Explosion at the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Construction Work
• AS 1851: Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment
• AS 2444: Portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets – Selection and location
• AS/NZS 4836: Safe working on or near low-voltage electrical installations and equipment
• National Construction Code (NCC) – Fire safety and essential services provisions
• AS/NZS ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems