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.

General Construction

Flooring Installation — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for the installation of floating floors, direct-stick timber, vinyl plank (LVP/SPC), and engineered flooring systems, including adhesive handling, subfloor preparation, and cutting operations, in compliance with Australian WHS legislation.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Safety glasses or gogglesChemical-resistant gloves (for adhesive handling)P2 respirator (for subfloor grinding and adhesive with VOCs)Steel-capped safety bootsKnee padsHearing protection (when using power tools)

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Work involving the disturbance of a structure or part of a structure that contains or is likely to contain asbestos

Risk Assessment

1.Subfloor assessment and preparation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Asbestos exposure during removal of old vinyl or adhesive from subfloor	Catastrophic	Pre-1990 vinyl tiles, vinyl sheet, and adhesive (black "cutback" adhesive) are presumed to contain asbestos and must be tested before any removal, sanding, or grinding. Obtain an asbestos assessment from a licensed asbestos assessor before any subfloor preparation commences. Do not sand, grind, or mechanically remove any material presumed to contain asbestos — this requires a licensed asbestos removalist. If asbestos is confirmed in adhesive, use a wet encapsulation method or full removal by a licensed contractor. Never dry-sand any legacy flooring adhesive on a subfloor.	Low	Site Supervisor / Asbestos Assessor
Silica dust inhalation during concrete subfloor grinding	High	All concrete subfloor grinding must use a vacuum shroud connected to a HEPA-filtered dust extractor. Wet grinding with continuous water is preferred where the equipment permits. Operators must wear a minimum P2 half-face respirator; PAPR is recommended for prolonged grinding. Establish a restricted entry zone for the grinding area and enforce respiratory protection within it. Never dry-grind concrete subfloors without dust extraction.	Moderate	Floor Layer / Safety Officer

2.Adhesive application for direct-stick flooring

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Skin sensitisation and respiratory effects from flooring adhesive VOCs	High	Review the adhesive SDS before use. Many flooring adhesives contain solvents or isocyanates that are respiratory sensitisers or toxic by inhalation. Ensure cross-ventilation with a minimum of 6 air changes per hour, or use forced mechanical ventilation. Wear a half-face respirator with OV/P2 combination cartridges when using solvent-based or two-part adhesives. Wear nitrile or PVC chemical-resistant gloves throughout application. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in adhesive application areas. Keep ignition sources away from solvent-based adhesives.	Moderate	Floor Layer / Safety Officer

3.Cutting flooring boards and panels

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Laceration or amputation from power saw during cutting	High	Use a purpose-built compound mitre saw or table saw with blade guard in place for all flooring board cuts. Inspect the saw blade before use — replace blunt or damaged blades. Keep hands a minimum of 150 mm from the blade path. Use a push stick or push block for ripping cuts narrower than 150 mm. Never reach across or behind the blade. Wear safety glasses at all times when using power saws. Ensure the workpiece is fully supported on both sides of the cut to prevent binding. Never remove the blade guard.	Low	Floor Layer
Dust inhalation from cutting timber or composite flooring products	Moderate	Connect a dust extraction bag or HEPA vacuum to the saw during all cutting. Position the cut-off saw outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Wear a P2 disposable respirator when cutting MDF-core, composite, or engineered timber products, which may contain formaldehyde-based binders. Do not use compressed air to clean saw dust — use a vacuum. Dispose of sawdust in a sealed bag in general waste (unless laminate products require specific disposal per the SDS).	Low	Floor Layer

4.Manual handling during flooring installation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Musculoskeletal injury from sustained kneeling and floor-level work	High	Wear knee pads rated for construction use throughout all floor-level work. Use a kneeler board or foam kneeling mat as additional protection. Where possible, pre-assemble flooring rows in a standing position before positioning. Take regular standing breaks — minimum every 30 minutes for kneeling work. Alternate tasks to vary posture. Report any knee pain or discomfort to the site supervisor immediately. Stretch calf, quadricep, and lower back muscles during rest breaks.	Moderate	Floor Layer

5.Transition installation and final finishing

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Puncture injury from nail gun or brad nailer misfire	High	Inspect the nail gun before use for damage and correct operation. Load fasteners as per the manufacturer's instructions. Never point a nail gun towards any person. Keep the trigger safety in the safe position until ready to fire. Use a contiguous contact trigger (single-fire mode) rather than a bump-fire mode for all flooring nailers. Wear safety glasses at all times. Disconnect the nail gun from the air supply before clearing jams or performing any maintenance. Never use a nail gun for tasks other than its intended purpose.	Low	Floor Layer

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: ___________________