Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out clear, practical controls for carrying out masonry work safely and to specification in hot, cold and rapidly changing Australian weather conditions. It helps supervisors and crews manage temperature-related risks to workers and masonry materials, reducing defects, rework and WHS incidents on site.

Temperature extremes and rapid weather changes can seriously affect both the safety of masonry workers and the performance of brick, block and mortar systems. In Australia’s climate, crews can be laying in near-freezing conditions one month and in extreme heat the next, with wind, humidity and direct sun all influencing curing, bond strength and worker wellbeing. This SOP provides a structured, WHS-aligned approach to planning and executing masonry work in varying temperatures so that both people and materials are properly protected.

The procedure outlines how to assess environmental conditions before and during work, when to adjust work methods, and when to stop work entirely due to safety or quality concerns. It details control measures such as shading, windbreaks, hydration protocols, mortar temperature control, protection of fresh work, and specific precautions for hot, cold and wet conditions. By implementing this SOP, construction businesses can reduce heat stress and cold exposure risks, prevent premature cracking and debonding of masonry, avoid costly rectification, and demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS legislation and relevant standards.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of heat stress, dehydration and cold exposure injuries among masonry workers.
• Improve masonry quality by controlling curing conditions, reducing cracking, efflorescence and bond failures.
• Ensure compliant, defensible decision-making about when to modify or cease masonry work due to adverse temperatures.
• Standardise site-wide controls for hot and cold weather masonry, improving coordination between supervisors, trades and WHS personnel.
• Minimise rework, delays and warranty claims caused by temperature-related defects in masonry construction.

Who is this for?

• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• Masonry Contractors
• Bricklayers and Blocklayers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Site Engineers
• Forepersons and Leading Hands
• Quality Assurance Managers in Construction

Hazards Addressed

• Heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke during masonry work in high temperatures
• Dehydration and fatigue due to prolonged work in hot, direct sun
• Cold stress, reduced dexterity and potential hypothermia in low temperature conditions
• Manual handling strain increased by stiff, chilled materials or accelerated work pace in extreme weather
• Reduced situational awareness and increased incident risk due to thermal discomfort and fatigue
• Structural and cosmetic masonry defects from rapid drying, freezing of green mortar or thermal shock
• Slip, trip and fall risks from ice, frost, wet sheeting or protective coverings used in temperature control
• Chemical exposure risks from accelerators, retarders or admixtures used improperly to compensate for temperature

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Temperature Thresholds
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Pre-Start Planning for Temperature-Impacted Masonry Work
• 6.0 Environmental Monitoring (Temperature, Humidity, Wind and Radiant Heat)
• 7.0 Hot Weather Masonry Work Controls
• 8.0 Cold Weather Masonry Work Controls
• 9.0 Wet, Humid and Rapid Temperature Change Considerations
• 10.0 Material Handling, Storage and Mortar Temperature Management
• 11.0 Worker Health, Hydration and Rest Break Protocols
• 12.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements for Temperature Extremes
• 13.0 Protection of Fresh Masonry (Shading, Covering and Curing Practices)
• 14.0 Criteria for Modifying or Ceasing Work Due to Adverse Temperatures
• 15.0 Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control Measures
• 16.0 Emergency Response for Heat and Cold Related Illnesses
• 17.0 Training, Competency and Toolbox Talks
• 18.0 Inspection, Quality Control and Record Keeping
• 19.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and harmonised state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and harmonised WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Guide for Managing the Risks of Working in Heat
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Construction Work
• AS 3700: Masonry structures
• AS 4773.1: Masonry in small buildings – Design
• AS 4773.2: Masonry in small buildings – Construction
• AS/NZS 1576 (series): Scaffolding (for safe access and work platforms in varying weather)
• AS/NZS ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use