Important: This SWMS template is provided as a starting point only. It must be reviewed and customised to reflect the specific conditions, hazards, and controls for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the specific work. This template does not constitute legal advice. Refer to your state or territory WHS regulator for compliance requirements.

Concrete, Masonry & Roofing

Tile Roof Installation — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for the installation of concrete and terracotta roof tiles including batten installation, tile handling, roof access, fall protection, and ridge capping, in compliance with Australian WHS legislation.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Full harness and shock-absorbing lanyard compliant with AS/NZS 1891Hard hatSafety glasses or gogglesWork gloves (leather or anti-vibration)Steel-capped non-slip safety bootsP2 respirator (during cutting)Hearing protectionHigh-visibility vest

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Work at height involving the risk of falling more than 2 metres
•Work on or near energised electrical installations or services

Risk Assessment

1.Setting up scaffolding and roof access

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Fall from height during roof access and installation	Catastrophic	Erect perimeter scaffolding with full guardrail and toe-board system before any workers access the roof. Scaffolding must be designed, erected, altered, and dismantled by a licensed scaffolder. Roof access ladders must be secured at the top and extend at least 1 metre above the roof eaves. Where scaffolding is not practicable, install an engineered static line or anchor points and use full harness with a SRL or lanyard, ensuring the attachment point is above the worker's dorsal D-ring at all times. Inspect all harness and fall-arrest equipment before each use and remove damaged equipment from service. No roof access without fall protection in place.	Moderate	Scaffolder / Site Supervisor

2.Manual handling of roof tiles

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Musculoskeletal strain from repetitive lifting of heavy tiles	High	Concrete roof tiles weigh 3–5 kg each; a standard roof requires 10–15 tiles per square metre, creating significant cumulative load. Use a crane or roof tile conveyor to lift packs of tiles to roof level — do not manually carry tiles up ladders in quantities exceeding one at a time. Set tile packs down on the roof in small stacks (maximum 4 tiles) distributed evenly across battens to avoid point loading. Rotate tilers every 45 minutes between different tasks. Use a knee pad when kneeling on battens. Take regular breaks and maintain hydration. Conduct a manual task risk assessment for the overall task.	Moderate	Roofer / Site Supervisor
Crush injury from tile pack collapse or falling tiles	High	Deliver tile packs to the roof using crane and spreader bar with tiles packed no higher than 1.2 metres and strapped securely. Do not crane tiles over personnel. Establish a ground-level exclusion zone around the building perimeter while tiles are being lifted. Stack tiles on the roof across a minimum of 3 battens and keep packs stable. Toe-boards on scaffold platforms must be in place to prevent tiles rolling off. Secure loose tiles at the end of each working day.	Low	Roofer / Dogger / Site Supervisor

3.Tile cutting with angle grinder or masonry saw

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Silica dust inhalation from dry-cutting concrete or terracotta tiles	Catastrophic	Wet cutting using a bench masonry saw with continuous water suppression is the preferred method for all tile cutting. If wet cutting is not practicable, use a HEPA vacuum shroud on the cutting tool and wear a minimum P2 half-face respirator. Never dry-cut tiles without dust extraction on an open, unprotected roof or in any enclosed area. Establish a designated cutting station downwind of the main work area. Place the cutting station at ground level where possible. Restrict access to the cutting zone to essential personnel only.	Moderate	Roofer / Safety Officer

4.Laying tile courses and fixing

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Slip on wet or moss-covered roof battens and sarking	High	Wear non-slip soled safety boots with a rubber compound sole on all roof work. Never work on a wet or frost-covered roof — suspend operations until the surface dries. Inspect sarking and battens for moss or algae growth before commencing on existing structures and clean with a brush if required. Always maintain three points of contact when moving across the roof. Ensure fall-arrest equipment remains connected throughout the task. Use roof hooks (jacks) or a purpose-built roof ladder for steeper pitches (above 25°).	Moderate	Roofer

5.Ridge capping and mortar bedding at ridge

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Chemical skin burns from cement mortar contact at ridge	Moderate	Wear nitrile or rubber chemical-resistant gloves when mixing and applying all wet cement mortar. Change gloves that become saturated with mortar. Wear safety glasses when mixing to prevent cement splashing into eyes. If cement contacts skin, wash immediately with copious water. If cement contacts eyes, flush for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep a clean water source readily accessible at the work area — the use of a water bottle on the roof is acceptable for short-duration ridge work.	Low	Roofer
Falls while working at the ridge (highest point)	Catastrophic	Workers at the ridge must remain connected to the fall-arrest system at all times. When working at the apex of a gable roof, use a ridge hook secured over the ridge cap combined with the full harness and lifeline system. The anchor point must be on the opposite pitch to the worker's working side or at the apex. Ridge work must not be performed during high winds (above 40 km/h) or during adverse weather. Two workers should be present for all ridge work — one working and one acting as a safety observer.	Moderate	Roofer / Site Supervisor

Relevant Codes of Practice

Worker Acknowledgement

By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.

Name: ___________________Date: ___________________