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

Tiling Work — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for wall and floor tiling operations including substrate preparation, adhesive application, tile cutting, grouting, and silicone application in compliance with Australian WHS legislation.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Safety glasses or gogglesP2 half-face respirator (during cutting and mixing dry grout)Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or rubber)Knee padsSteel-capped safety bootsHearing protection (during wet saw use)

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.Substrate preparation and waterproofing

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Asbestos exposure during removal of old tiles and adhesive	Catastrophic	Tiles installed before 1990 and associated adhesive must be assessed for asbestos by a licensed asbestos assessor before removal. Do not mechanically chip, grind, or saw tiles presumed to contain asbestos. If asbestos is confirmed, engage a Class A or Class B licensed removalist as appropriate. If legacy tiles are to remain as the substrate (encapsulate-in-place method), the surface must be firmly adhered with no loose edges, and this approach must be approved by the asbestos assessor. Keep a copy of the asbestos report on site at all times.	Low	Site Supervisor / Asbestos Assessor
Chemical exposure from waterproofing membrane and primer products	Moderate	Review the SDS for all waterproofing and priming products before use. Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses during application. Ensure adequate ventilation (minimum 6 air changes per hour) when applying solvent-based waterproofing or primer in enclosed wet areas such as shower recesses or bathrooms. If ventilation is inadequate, use a half-face respirator with OV/P2 combination cartridge. Never mix two-part epoxy or polyurethane waterproofing products without reading the mixing ratio and the SDS.	Low	Tiler

2.Tile cutting with wet bench saw

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Eye and skin injury from tile shard and water spray during cutting	High	Wear safety glasses or goggles and chemical-resistant gloves at all times during wet saw tile cutting. Ensure the saw's water cooling system is operational and provides consistent flow to the blade before commencing. Keep both hands firmly on the tile and use the saw fence or guide for straight cuts. Use a tile vice or push-through jig for narrow cuts. Never hold a tile with fingers within 30 mm of the blade. Clean up tile shard waste regularly from the saw tray to prevent slip hazards.	Low	Tiler
Silica dust inhalation from porcelain and engineered stone tile cutting	Catastrophic	Porcelain and engineered stone tiles contain high concentrations of crystalline silica (up to 95% for engineered stone). Wet cutting using a bench wet saw with continuous water suppression is mandatory for all porcelain and engineered stone tiles — dry cutting is prohibited. Wear a minimum P2 half-face respirator during all cutting, even with wet suppression, as mist droplets can carry respirable dust particles. Keep the cutting area ventilated. Monitor and replace water in the saw reservoir regularly to maintain suppression effectiveness. Do not dry-sweep tile dust — use a wet vacuum.	Moderate	Tiler / Safety Officer

3.Tile adhesive mixing and application

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Respiratory and skin sensitisation from epoxy or cement adhesive	Moderate	Mix powdered cement-based adhesives in a well-ventilated area. Wear a P2 respirator during mixing of dry powder adhesive. Wear nitrile gloves when mixing and applying any tile adhesive — particularly two-part epoxy adhesives, which are strong skin sensitisers. Review the SDS for the specific adhesive and follow manufacturer mixing ratios. Do not mix more adhesive than can be used within the pot life. Change gloves if contaminated and wash hands before eating, drinking, or using the toilet.	Low	Tiler

4.Floor tiling and grouting

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Musculoskeletal injury from sustained kneeling and floor-level working postures	High	Wear knee pads rated for hard-floor work throughout all floor-level tiling. Use a kneeling board or foam mat on hard tile surfaces. Pre-mix grout in a standing position before applying at floor level. Take regular standing breaks of 5 minutes for every 30 minutes of kneeling work. Perform daily stretches for knees, lower back, and wrists. Report persistent knee or wrist pain to the site supervisor. Where possible, tile in sections and alternate between floor and wall tiling to vary working postures.	Moderate	Tiler
Cement burn from prolonged grout and adhesive skin contact	Moderate	Wet cement grout (pH 12–13) causes delayed cement burns with prolonged skin contact — burns may not be immediately painful. Wear nitrile or rubber gloves throughout all grouting operations. Change gloves if they become soaked with grout. If grout contacts skin, wash immediately and thoroughly with clean water. Keep clean water and a first-aid kit accessible on-site at all times. Grouting work boots should be cleaned regularly during the day to avoid grout hardening inside the boot.	Low	Tiler

5.Tile and material manual handling

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Back strain from lifting heavy large-format tiles	High	Large-format tiles (600 mm x 600 mm and larger) can weigh 10–25 kg each. Two-person lifts are required for tiles exceeding 15 kg. Use a purpose-built tile carrying clamp for all large-format tiles to prevent manual grip failure. Deliver tile pallets to the room of installation using a pallet jack — do not carry tile boxes further than 5 metres. Store tiles vertically in A-frame racks rather than flat-stacked where possible. Conduct a manual task risk assessment for the specific tile weight, format, and installation method.	Moderate	Tiler / 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: ___________________