Product Overview

Summary: This Waterproofing Measures Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, step-by-step approach for planning, installing, and inspecting waterproofing systems on Australian worksites. It helps businesses prevent water ingress, structural damage, and slip hazards while aligning with WHS obligations and relevant Australian Standards.

Waterproofing failures are one of the most common and costly defects in Australian buildings and infrastructure, often leading to structural deterioration, mould growth, electrical hazards, and unsafe, slippery surfaces. This Waterproofing Measures Safe Operating Procedure provides a robust, WHS-aligned framework for planning, executing, and verifying waterproofing works across new builds, refurbishments, and maintenance projects. It covers everything from pre-start assessments and substrate preparation to application methods, curing, inspection, and documentation, ensuring that both performance and safety requirements are met.

The SOP is designed to help businesses control the specific risks associated with waterproofing activities, including working at heights, handling flammable or hazardous waterproofing products, confined or poorly ventilated spaces, and post-installation slip hazards. By standardising how waterproofing measures are selected, installed, and maintained, organisations can significantly reduce rework, warranty claims, and incident rates while demonstrating due diligence under Australian WHS legislation and building regulations. This document gives supervisors and workers a clear, practical reference that integrates product manufacturer requirements with Australian Standards and best-practice safety controls.

Key Benefits

• Ensure waterproofing works are completed safely, consistently, and in line with Australian WHS and building requirements.
• Reduce the risk of leaks, structural damage, mould growth, and associated insurance or warranty claims.
• Minimise worker exposure to hazardous chemicals, fumes, and high-risk environments such as heights and confined areas.
• Standardise training and competency expectations for staff and contractors undertaking waterproofing tasks.
• Provide clear evidence of due diligence and risk management for audits, client requirements, and regulatory inspections.

Who is this for?

• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• Waterproofing Technicians
• Builders and Contractors
• Facilities and Maintenance Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Strata and Property Managers
• Civil and Structural Engineers

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to hazardous chemicals, solvents, and isocyanate-containing waterproofing products
• Inhalation of vapours and fumes in poorly ventilated areas
• Fire and explosion risks from flammable waterproofing products and primers
• Slip, trip, and fall hazards on wet or newly coated surfaces
• Falls from height when waterproofing roofs, balconies, podiums, and external walls
• Manual handling injuries from lifting and moving heavy product containers, rolls, and equipment
• Contact dermatitis and skin/eye irritation from liquid membranes, adhesives, and primers
• Confined space risks when waterproofing pits, tanks, basements, and plant rooms
• Electrical hazards where moisture, conductive products, or equipment interact with live services
• Environmental contamination from spills, wash-out water, or incorrect disposal of surplus product

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Project Planning and Pre-Start Risk Assessment
• 5.0 Selection of Waterproofing Systems and Materials
• 6.0 Required Tools, Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 7.0 Substrate Inspection, Preparation and Environmental Conditions
• 8.0 Safe Handling, Storage and Mixing of Waterproofing Products
• 9.0 Step-by-Step Application Procedures (Internal Wet Areas, External Areas, Below-Ground)
• 10.0 Working at Heights and Confined Space Controls for Waterproofing Activities
• 11.0 Ventilation, Fume Control and Hazardous Chemical Management
• 12.0 Quality Control, Curing Times and Inspection Checkpoints
• 13.0 Managing Slip, Trip and Fall Risks During and After Application
• 14.0 Spill Response, Waste Management and Environmental Protection
• 15.0 Emergency Procedures and First Aid for Chemical Exposure
• 16.0 Training, Induction and Communication Requirements
• 17.0 Documentation, Records and Compliance Evidence
• 18.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and state/territory equivalents
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice
• AS 3740: Waterproofing of domestic wet areas
• AS 4654.1: Waterproofing membranes for external above-ground use – Materials
• AS 4654.2: Waterproofing membranes for external above-ground use – Design and installation
• AS 4858: Wet area membranes
• AS/NZS 4586: Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 2161 series: Occupational protective gloves
• National Construction Code (NCC) – Performance requirements relating to waterproofing and dampness