Product Overview

Summary: This Safe Operating Procedure sets out a safe, consistent method for installing flashing in masonry walls on Australian construction sites. It combines best-practice building techniques with robust WHS controls to prevent water ingress, structural damage, and onsite injuries during bricklaying and remedial works.

Flashing installation in masonry is critical to the long-term performance of a building, yet it is often rushed or inconsistently executed on busy sites. Poorly installed or omitted flashing can lead to water ingress, mould growth, corrosion of structural elements, and costly rectification works that damage your reputation with clients and certifiers. This SOP provides a clear, step‑by‑step method for planning, preparing, and installing flashing in brick and block masonry, from setting out and cavity preparation through to termination details, weep holes and final inspection.

Beyond build quality, the procedure is designed to integrate with your WHS management system so that flashing works are carried out safely and in compliance with Australian legislation. It addresses common site risks such as working at height on scaffolds, cutting and handling sharp flashing materials, mortar handling, and silica dust exposure when chasing or cutting masonry. By adopting this SOP, your business gains a repeatable, auditable process that supports compliance with the National Construction Code and Australian Standards, improves coordination between trades, and reduces rework, defects, and safety incidents on residential, commercial and civil projects.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, code-compliant flashing installation that reduces water ingress, damp and mould issues.
• Reduce safety incidents related to working at height, sharp edges, manual handling and silica dust during masonry works.
• Streamline communication between bricklayers, site supervisors and other trades with a clear, documented process.
• Minimise costly rework, defect claims and warranty call-backs arising from poorly detailed or missing flashing.
• Support WHS and building compliance audits with a structured, evidence-based procedure and inspection checkpoints.

Who is this for?

• Bricklayers
• Masonry Contractors
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers
• Building Inspectors
• Apprentice Bricklayers
• Quality and Compliance Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from height when installing flashing on upper storeys or parapets
• Slips, trips and falls around scaffolds, work platforms and uneven masonry surfaces
• Cuts and lacerations from sharp metal or plastic flashing edges and cutting tools
• Eye injuries from flying particles when cutting masonry or flashing materials
• Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust when cutting or chasing brick and blockwork
• Musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive trowel work, awkward postures and manual handling of bricks, blocks and rolls of flashing
• Contact with wet cement-based products causing skin and eye irritation or chemical burns
• Struck-by hazards from falling tools, bricks or offcuts during wall construction
• Electrical hazards when working near embedded services or temporary electrical installations

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (Flashing Types, Damp-Proof Courses, Weep Holes, Cavity Trays)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Bricklayers, Site Supervisors, WHS Personnel)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes
• 5.0 Required Tools, Materials and Equipment
• 6.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 7.0 Pre-Start Planning and Site Preparation
• 8.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Controls for Flashing Works
• 9.0 Scaffolding, Access and Working at Height Requirements
• 10.0 Material Handling, Storage and Inspection of Flashing Products
• 11.0 Step-by-Step Procedure – Installation of Flashing in Masonry
• 12.0 Detailing of Corners, Joints, Penetrations and Terminations
• 13.0 Integration with Windows, Doors, Lintels and Roof-Wall Junctions
• 14.0 Quality Control, Tolerances and Inspection Checkpoints
• 15.0 Housekeeping, Waste Management and Environmental Considerations
• 16.0 Emergency Procedures (Injury, Falls, Exposure to Dust or Chemicals)
• 17.0 Training, Competency and Supervision Requirements
• 18.0 Documentation, Records and Sign-off
• 19.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• National Construction Code (NCC) – Volume Two: Performance Requirements and Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions for moisture management and damp-proofing
• AS 3700: Masonry structures
• AS 4773.1: Masonry in small buildings – Design
• AS 4773.2: Masonry in small buildings – Construction
• AS/NZS 1579: Arc-welded steel mesh reinforcing materials for concrete (where applicable to cavity ties and related elements)
• 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: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Respirable Crystalline Silica from Engineered Stone in the Workplace (principles applied to masonry cutting)
• Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations in the relevant state or territory