Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the high-level hazards, controls and safe work procedures for Floor Stripping Removal and Surface Preparation activities on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive, ready-to-use document that covers multiple aspects of floor removal, preparation and levelling to support strong WHS compliance and consistent site safety standards.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and sequencing of floor stripping, removal and surface preparation works, including site-specific risk assessments and permits
• Fixing base layers and substrates to achieve a stable, sound surface prior to new floor coverings
• Rectification of uneven warehouse floors, including grinding, patching and levelling to minimise trip hazards
• Safe operation and handling of mechanical floor strippers, including vibration, noise and kick-back controls
• Pouring, spreading and smoothing self-levelling compounds, with controls for manual handling, slips and chemical exposure
• Pulling up and removing old linoleum or vinyl floors, including managing sharp edges, dust and potential asbestos or hazardous materials
• Removal of existing carpeting materials, including cutting, rolling, stacking and safe manual handling techniques
• Removal of hard flooring such as tiles, including chipping, breaking, prying and managing flying fragments
• Scraping residual glues, adhesives and contaminants from substrates using hand and powered tools
• Use of dust control measures, including local exhaust, wet methods and appropriate respirators where required
• Selection and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as eye, hearing, respiratory, hand and foot protection
• Housekeeping, waste segregation and safe disposal of stripped floor materials, adhesives and packaging
• Managing electrical safety for powered tools and equipment, including leads, RCDs and lock-out/tag-out where applicable
• Control of slips, trips and falls in work areas, including barricading, signage and access management
• Emergency response procedures for injuries, exposure to hazardous substances and equipment failures

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for flooring contractors, commercial fit-out teams, warehouse maintenance crews, builders, renovation specialists and site supervisors responsible for floor stripping, removal and surface preparation works.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Guidance on identifying hazards, assessing and controlling risks associated with floor stripping and preparation activities.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities – Requirements for safe access, amenities, lighting and ventilation during floor removal works.
• Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Controls for lifting, pulling, pushing and handling heavy floor coverings and equipment.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Applicable to the use of mechanical floor strippers, grinders and other powered tools.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace – Relevant where adhesives, primers, self-levelling compounds or solvents are used.
• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work – Overarching guidance for construction-related floor removal and preparation activities.
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment – For tasks generating dust or fumes during floor stripping and scraping.
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational Protective Gloves – Selection of appropriate hand protection when handling sharp, abrasive or chemical materials.
• AS/NZS 2210: Occupational Protective Footwear – Requirements for safety footwear on construction and warehouse floors.
• AS/NZS 1269: Occupational Noise Management – Additional guidance for noise assessment and hearing protection programs.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017