SWMS template · General Construction
Insulation Installation — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for the installation of glasswool, rockwool, and polyester bulk insulation batts and blankets in ceiling, wall, and underfloor applications, in compliance with Australian WHS legislation.
Last reviewed
- Category
- General Construction
- HRCW
- 2 categories
- Job steps
- 4
- Hazards rated
- 6
- PPE items
- 6
Insulation installation in ceiling spaces and wall cavities involves two distinct categories of risk: the hazards of the installation environment — particularly the fall-through-ceiling risk and the confined and hot conditions of roof voids — and the health hazards of the insulation materials themselves. The death of four young workers during the 2009–2010 Home Insulation Program highlighted the lethal consequences of inadequate risk management in ceiling insulation work, and regulatory requirements have been strengthened significantly since that time.
Ceiling insulation installation constitutes High Risk Construction Work under the model WHS Regulations where it involves working at height above two metres — specifically on ceiling joists or rafters where a fall through the plasterboard ceiling is possible. The preferred control is a stable work platform or crawl boards spanning the joists; workers must never stand on plasterboard ceiling sheets, which will not support body weight. Live electrical cables in roof voids are a critical hazard: insulation must not be placed over downlights or recessed light fittings unless they are rated IC (insulation contact) or the manufacturer specifies they may be covered, as overheating from insulation contact is a documented cause of house fires. All electrical cables must be identified before placement of insulation, and a licensed electrician must be engaged if any rewiring or cable rerouting is required.
Glasswool and rockwool (mineral fibre) insulation products are classified as synthetic vitreous fibres (SVF). Current evidence indicates that standard installation-grade mineral wool products do not cause mesothelioma at typical occupational exposure levels, but fibre inhalation causes upper respiratory tract irritation and dermal irritation in all exposed workers. A P2 respirator, long-sleeved clothing, and nitrile gloves are the minimum PPE for handling glasswool and rockwool products.
Customise this template by documenting the specific installation area (ceiling, wall, underfloor), the access method and fall prevention controls, the identification of electrical hazards in the installation zone, the insulation product specifications and SDS, and the heat stress management plan for roof void work in warm weather.
Important: This SWMS template is a starting point only. Review and customise it for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the work. Not legal advice.
High Risk Construction Work Types
- Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
- Work that involves, or is likely to involve, disturbing asbestos
Personal Protective Equipment
- P2 disposable respirator (for glasswool/rockwool)
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Long-sleeved shirt and long trousers (cotton preferred)
- Nitrile gloves
- Steel-capped safety boots
- Hard hat (in roof space)
Risk Assessment
RatingsCatastrophicHighModerateLow
Step 1Roof space and ceiling access
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall through ceiling lining if worker steps off battens or ceiling joists | Catastrophic | Before entering a roof space, identify the ceiling joist/rafter positions and mark them with a pencil or chalk line for reference during work. Always step only on structural roof or ceiling joists or purpose-built crawl boards — never on the ceiling lining itself. Install temporary crawl boards or a staged planked walkway when extended work is required in a roof space. Install a temporary lighting system to ensure adequate visibility throughout the roof space. Brief all workers on the layout before entry. Never enter a roof space alone — a second person must be at the access hatch entry point. | Moderate | Insulation Installer / Site Supervisor |
| Heat stress in confined roof space in hot weather | High | Roof space temperatures can exceed 60°C in Australian summer. Monitor ambient and roof space temperature before entry. Do not enter a roof space if the temperature exceeds 45°C at the work location. Limit work sessions in the roof space to 20 minutes and allow an equal recovery period in a cool area. Provide an adequate water supply — workers must drink at least 250 mL per 20-minute work period. Ventilate the roof space before entry by opening ridge vents and access hatch for 15 minutes. Have a spotter at the hatch to monitor for signs of heat exhaustion. | Moderate | Insulation Installer / Site Supervisor |
Step 2Asbestos assessment before working in roof space
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asbestos disturbance in pre-1990 roof spaces | Catastrophic | Before any insulation installation in a pre-1990 roof space, obtain an asbestos inspection report from a licensed asbestos assessor. Asbestos may be present in pipe lagging, flue insulation, duct insulation, or on top of existing ceiling sheets. If ACM is identified in the roof space, develop a specific asbestos management plan before commencement. Under no circumstances disturb, cut, or remove any asbestos or presumed asbestos material. If unexpected fibrous material is encountered during installation, cease work, exit, and contact the asbestos assessor. | Low | Site Supervisor / Asbestos Assessor |
Step 3Handling and installing glasswool or rockwool batts
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin, eye, and respiratory irritation from glasswool fibres | Moderate | Glasswool and rockwool fibres cause mechanical irritation to skin, eyes, and the upper respiratory tract. Wear a P2 disposable respirator, safety goggles, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, and nitrile gloves when handling glasswool or rockwool insulation. Do not tuck in your shirt — keep it loose so fibres do not become trapped against skin. After work, shower before changing into clean clothes. Wash work clothes separately from regular laundry. Change filters in respirators regularly. Polyester insulation does not require respiratory protection but still benefits from gloves and eye protection. | Low | Insulation Installer |
Step 4Electrical safety near existing wiring in roof space
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric shock from contact with live wiring in roof space | High | Before commencing work in any roof space, identify all electrical wiring and junction boxes. Do not touch, disturb, or overlay insulation directly on top of junction boxes — maintain clear air space around junction boxes and recessed lighting fixtures that are not rated for insulation contact (IC-rating). Maintain a minimum 50 mm clearance around non-IC-rated downlights — use a downlight cover if required. If faulty, damaged, or inadequately insulated wiring is discovered, cease work, exit the roof space, and arrange for inspection by a licensed electrician before re-entry. | Low | Insulation Installer / Licensed Electrician |
| Fire from insulation covering downlights or recessed lighting | High | Check the rating of all downlights and recessed fixtures in the ceiling before installing insulation above them. IC-rated (Insulation Contact) fixtures can have insulation placed directly on them. Non-IC-rated fixtures require a minimum 50 mm air gap maintained by an approved downlight cover or fire-rated shield. Never cover non-IC-rated downlights directly with insulation batts. Document all downlight locations and rating status before installation commences. Inform the client or builder of any non-compliant fixtures discovered during the work. | Low | Insulation Installer / 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.
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