Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out clear, safe and consistent standards for the storage, handling and application of glues and adhesives in Australian workplaces. It helps businesses control chemical, fire and manual handling risks while improving product quality and reducing rework across manufacturing, construction and maintenance activities.

The "Gluing and Adhesive Application Standards Safe Operating Procedure" provides a structured, WHS-aligned approach to working with adhesives of all types, including solvent-based, water-based, epoxy, polyurethane and hot-melt products. Adhesives are often treated as low-risk consumables, yet they can introduce significant hazards such as flammability, harmful vapours, skin and eye irritation, and repetitive strain injuries from poor application techniques. This SOP turns fragmented, informal practices into a documented, repeatable system that protects workers while ensuring consistent bond quality.

Designed for Australian manufacturing, construction, joinery and maintenance environments, the procedure covers the full adhesive lifecycle: selection of the correct product, safe decanting and mixing, application methods, curing controls, clean-up, waste disposal and emergency response. It aligns with SDS requirements and relevant Australian Standards, helping duty holders demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation. By adopting this SOP, businesses can reduce incidents, avoid costly rework and product failures, and provide clear, practical instructions that support both new starters and experienced trades.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of chemical exposure, fire and burns when handling and applying adhesives.
• Ensure consistent bond quality and reduce product failures, rework and warranty claims.
• Standardise adhesive selection, mixing and application methods across teams and shifts.
• Demonstrate compliance with WHS duties, SDS requirements and relevant Australian Standards.
• Improve onboarding and refresher training with clear, step-by-step instructions and checklists.

Who is this for?

• Production Supervisors
• Workshop Managers
• WHS Managers
• Construction Site Supervisors
• Cabinetmakers and Joiners
• Manufacturing Line Operators
• Maintenance Technicians
• Quality Assurance Managers
• Safety Representatives / HSRs
• Operations Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Inhalation of solvent vapours and hazardous fumes
• Skin and eye contact with irritant or sensitising adhesives
• Fire and explosion risks from flammable and combustible adhesives and solvents
• Thermal burns from hot-melt glue guns and heated adhesive systems
• Manual handling strains from repetitive application or handling heavy containers
• Slips, trips and falls from spilled adhesives on floors and work surfaces
• Allergic reactions and respiratory sensitisation from isocyanate-containing products
• Environmental contamination from improper disposal of adhesive waste and containers

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Types of Adhesives
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and SDS Requirements
• 5.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for Adhesive Use
• 6.0 Adhesive Selection and Compatibility with Materials
• 7.0 Storage, Labelling and Inventory Management of Adhesives
• 8.0 Required PPE and Safety Equipment
• 9.0 Ventilation and Environmental Controls
• 10.0 Pre-Use Checks and Preparation of Work Area
• 11.0 Safe Decanting, Mixing and Thinning Procedures
• 12.0 Standard Methods for Adhesive Application (Brush, Roller, Spray, Bead, Hot-Melt)
• 13.0 Curing, Clamping and Handling of Bonded Assemblies
• 14.0 Housekeeping, Spill Management and Clean-Up
• 15.0 Waste Management and Environmentally Responsible Disposal
• 16.0 Emergency Response (Exposure, Fire, Spills and Burns)
• 17.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 18.0 Inspection, Monitoring and Quality Control of Bonded Joints
• 19.0 Document Control, Review and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations (as implemented in relevant Australian jurisdiction)
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals: Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves
• AS 1940: The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
• AS 1319: Safety signs for the occupational environment