Product Overview

This Tile Removal and Demolition Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is developed to help PCBUs, contractors and workers safely plan and carry out tile demolition works while maintaining strong WHS compliance. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of tile removal and demolition activities, from preparation and isolation through to waste handling and site clean-up.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Chiselling tiles off walls, including safe use of hand tools and powered chisels to minimise flying debris and impact injuries
• Cutting out old grout with manual and powered tools, managing dust, vibration and noise exposure
• Removing ceramic or stone floor tiles, including manual handling techniques, trip hazard control and floor stability checks
• Wrapping tiles in a blanket or similar material before breaking to control flying fragments and sharp edge risks
• Selection and use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as eye, respiratory, hand, foot and hearing protection
• Identification and control of hazardous materials, including potential asbestos-containing materials, silica dust and lead-based products
• Use of dust suppression methods, local exhaust ventilation and housekeeping to reduce airborne contaminants and maintain clear access ways
• Safe operation of powered demolition tools (e.g. jackhammers, rotary hammers, grinders) including cord management and lock-out procedures
• Manual handling of debris, rubble and waste bins to reduce the risk of strains, sprains and crush injuries
• Segregation, stacking and disposal of broken tiles and rubble to avoid collapse, cuts and puncture wounds
• Noise and vibration management, including exposure limits, task rotation and tool maintenance
• Site set-up, barricading, signage and exclusion zones to protect other workers and members of the public from demolition hazards
• Emergency response procedures for lacerations, eye injuries, dust inhalation and structural damage incidents

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for tilers, demolition contractors, bathroom and kitchen renovators, builders, maintenance teams and site supervisors involved in tile removal and associated demolition works.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Model Code of Practice: How to Safely Remove Asbestos – where asbestos-containing materials may be present in older tile systems and adhesives
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Respirable Crystalline Silica from Engineered Stone in the Workplace – guidance relevant to controlling silica dust generated during cutting and demolishing tiles and grout
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – for controlling noise exposure from powered demolition tools
• Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – for managing risks associated with lifting, carrying and handling tiles and rubble
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities – for maintaining safe access, egress and housekeeping during demolition activities
• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work – for general construction and demolition WHS requirements
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment – for choosing and managing respirators used during dusty tile removal tasks
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational Protective Gloves – for appropriate hand protection against sharp tiles and tools
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal Eye Protection – for eye protection against flying tile fragments and dust
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017