Product Overview

This Tiling Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the high-level safety controls, step-by-step procedures, and responsibilities required to carry out tiling works safely and in line with site requirements. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of tiling operations and WHS compliance for internal and external surfaces on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Preparation of work areas, including housekeeping, exclusion zones, and protection of adjacent finishes
• Selection, safe handling, and storage of tiles, adhesives, grouts, and associated tiling materials
• Use of electric and manual tile cutters, grinders, and other cutting tools, including dust and noise control measures
• Mixing and application of tile adhesives, mortars, and grouts, with controls for skin contact and inhalation risks
• Manual handling of tiles, bags of adhesive, and equipment to minimise musculoskeletal injuries
• Setting out, laying, and levelling of floor and wall tiles to maintain safe access and prevent trip hazards
• Work on wet areas such as bathrooms, laundries, and balconies, including waterproofing interface considerations
• Working at heights on scaffolds, platforms, or ladders when tiling walls or elevated areas
• Use of power tools and electrical equipment with appropriate tagging, testing, and RCD protection
• Control of silica and other respirable dusts generated during cutting, chasing, or grinding of tiles or substrates
• Safe use of chemical cleaners, sealers, and primers, including ventilation and PPE requirements
• Housekeeping, waste management, and disposal of offcuts, packaging, and surplus materials
• Emergency response procedures for injuries, chemical exposure, and electrical incidents during tiling works

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for wall and floor tilers, bathroom and wet-area renovators, commercial tiling contractors, and site supervisors overseeing 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 related tasks
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Requirements for safe systems of work when tiling at height or on elevated surfaces
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Controls for noise generated by tile cutting and grinding equipment
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace – Safe use, storage, and handling of adhesives, grouts, sealers, and cleaning agents
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Respirable Crystalline Silica from Engineered Stone in the Workplace – Applied principles for controlling silica dust generated during cutting and grinding of tiles and substrates
• AS/NZS 3012: Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites – Requirements for electrical safety, including power tools and temporary supply used during tiling
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment – Guidance on appropriate respiratory protection when controlling dusts and fumes
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices – Performance requirements for respirators used in tiling operations
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves – Selection and use of gloves to protect against cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017