Product Overview

This Wall and Floor Tiling Ceramic and Stone Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the step-by-step procedures and risk controls to safely plan and carry out tiling works on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of ceramic and stone tiling to support WHS compliance, risk management, and safe execution of High Risk Construction Work where applicable.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Abrading and mechanically preparing surfaces to facilitate effective bonding with tile adhesives and membranes
• Accessing difficult or restricted areas during the tiling process, including safe use of ladders, platforms, and access equipment
• Adhering tiles to walls and vertical surfaces, including correct adhesive application and support methods
• Application of grout sealers to protect joints and maintain performance in wet and high-traffic areas
• Balancing and installing precut tiles on raised platforms, ledges, and other elevated surfaces
• Caulking, grouting, and patching tile joints and defects to achieve a durable and safe finish
• General ceramic tiling activities for walls and floors, including layout, cutting, and installation
• Cross-checking tile alignment, levels, and set-out to minimise trip hazards and surface irregularities
• Ensuring slip resistance of tile surfaces in wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and external entries
• Filling gaps between tiles with grout, including mixing, application, tooling, and clean-up controls
• Handling and installing glass mosaic tiles, including protection from breakage and sharp edges
• Managing risks associated with sharp tile edges, broken tiles, and cutting offcuts
• Manual lifting and handling of heavy tiles, stone slabs, and flooring materials to reduce musculoskeletal strain
• Mixing tile adhesives, grouts, and other fixing materials, including dust control and chemical safety
• Use of tile cutters, grinders, and other powered tools for cutting and shaping ceramic and stone tiles

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for wall and floor tilers, stone and mosaic installers, bathroom and kitchen renovators, builders, and site supervisors overseeing ceramic and stone tiling works on residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Construction Work – Guidance on managing risks associated with construction activities, including tiling and associated tasks
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Requirements for working on ladders, platforms, and elevated areas during tiling
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Controls for lifting, carrying, and handling heavy tiles and stone products
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace – Safe use, storage, and handling of adhesives, grouts, sealers, and cleaning agents
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Risk controls for noise generated by cutting and grinding tiles
• AS/NZS 4586: Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials – Guidance on slip resistance requirements for tiled surfaces, especially in wet areas
• AS 3958.1: Ceramic tiles – Guide to the installation of ceramic tiles – Industry standard for installation practices and quality outcomes
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017