Timber Floor Laying Safe Work Method Statement

Timber flooring moisture content must be appropriate for installation environment preventing excessive expansion or contraction after installation. For most Australian locations (excluding tropical far north and arid regions), timber flooring moisture content between 8-14% is acceptable at installation, with 10-12% optimal for most environments. Coastal locations typically have higher equilibrium moisture content (12-14%) compared to arid inland locations (8-10%). Measure moisture content using pin-type moisture meters inserting pins into board faces or edges reading electrical resistance which correlates with moisture content. Take multiple readings across flooring delivery as moisture content can vary between boards. Compare flooring moisture content with subfloor moisture content - difference should not exceed 2% indicating adequate acclimatization. For concrete substrates, test using calcium carbide moisture meters (destructive test requiring drilling into concrete) or non-invasive electronic meters measuring relative humidity. Concrete moisture content must be below 5.5% (calcium carbide method) or relative humidity below 75% (in-situ probe method) before installing timber flooring. Building environment during installation and acclimatization should approximate operational conditions - heating and cooling systems should operate creating stable conditions. Timber flooring stored in hot warehouses or cold transport and delivered directly to site requires extended acclimatization (potentially 2-3 weeks) equilibrating to installation environment. Installing flooring with excessive moisture content causes shrinkage as building dries creating gaps between boards. Installing flooring too dry causes expansion when building humidity increases creating cupping, buckling, and finish cracking. Manufacturers typically specify acceptable moisture content ranges for their products - verify specifications before installation. Document moisture test results with date, location tested, and meter readings providing evidence of proper installation practices and protecting against future disputes if flooring develops problems.

Hardwood dust is classified as a carcinogen under Australian WHS regulations requiring comprehensive dust control measures following hierarchy of control. Primary control is on-tool dust extraction connecting all saws (circular saws, mitre saws), routers, and sanders to HEPA-filtered vacuum systems rated H-class per AS 60335.2.69. Vacuum systems must have adequate air flow capacity typically 100-200 litres per minute depending on specific tool. Use vacuum hoses maximum 10 metres length preventing excessive pressure drop reducing suction. Position vacuums close to work areas and empty collection systems regularly (typically at 50-70% full) maintaining extraction efficiency. For floor sanding operations generating extreme dust levels, use sanders with integrated dust collection bags or connection ports to industrial vacuum systems. Conduct sanding in well-ventilated conditions opening windows and doors maximizing natural air exchange. Perform cutting operations in external or well-ventilated areas where practicable rather than in enclosed rooms where dust accumulates. Secondary control is respiratory protection - provide minimum P2 respirators to all workers conducting cutting or sanding operations even when extraction systems operate. For workers conducting extended sanding operations (exceeding 2 hours daily), provide P3 respirators or powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) giving higher protection factors. Conduct atmospheric monitoring measuring hardwood dust concentrations during typical work activities verifying combined controls achieve concentrations below workplace exposure standard of 1 mg/m³. Administrative controls include work procedures minimizing dust generation including cutting boards to exact lengths reducing recutting, and scheduling dust-generating operations when other trades are not present preventing secondary exposure. Conduct regular housekeeping using HEPA vacuum equipment removing settled dust from all surfaces - never use compressed air or brooms dispersing dust into breathable range. Brief workers on carcinogenic nature of hardwood dust and necessity for consistent dust control compliance. Maintain dust extraction equipment including filter replacement, motor servicing, and hose integrity checks per maintenance schedules. Document atmospheric monitoring results, respiratory protection provision, and worker training demonstrating due diligence in dust control management.

Floor squeaking results from wood-to-wood friction when floor components move relative to each other under loading. Primary causes include inadequate subfloor fixing allowing subfloor movement, insufficient flooring fastening allowing boards to move on substrate, excessive subfloor deflection creating movement, and inadequate adhesive or improper adhesive selection for glue-down installations. Prevent squeaking through comprehensive installation practices. For timber subfloors, verify subfloor is adequately fixed to joists using appropriate fastener schedule (typically screws at 200-300mm centres) before installing flooring. Check subfloor for loose areas walking across while listening and feeling for movement - additional fixing required to eliminate movement. Verify joist spacing and subfloor thickness provide adequate stiffness limiting deflection to L/360 under live loads per AS 1720 Timber Structures - excessive deflection allows movement causing squeaking. Use appropriate flooring fasteners at specified centres - for secret-nailed floors typically 300-450mm centres depending on board width and substrate. Ensure nailer operates at correct air pressure (typically 70-100 PSI) and nails set properly without under-driving leaving proud nails or over-driving crushing tongues. For glue-down installations, use adhesive specifically formulated for flooring applications with adequate grab strength and flexibility. Apply adhesive at specified coverage rates (typically using notched trowel providing specified adhesive thickness) - insufficient adhesive causes bond failure allowing movement. For moisture-sensitive areas or installations over concrete, use moisture-resistant adhesives or install moisture barriers preventing adhesive bond breakdown. Address substrate irregularities before installation - high spots create hollow areas beneath boards allowing deflection and squeaking. Use levelling compounds or sanding addressing deviations exceeding 3mm over 2 metres. Allow adequate flooring acclimatization to installation environment - improper moisture content causes dimensional changes after installation creating movement and squeaking. Install flooring with appropriate expansion gaps (typically 10-15mm at perimeters) allowing seasonal movement without floor binding against walls creating compression forces and squeaking. For renovation work, remove existing flooring and inspect subfloor condition before installing new flooring - deteriorated subfloors require replacement or reinforcement eliminating movement. Document substrate assessment, fixing schedules, and adhesive specifications for future reference if squeaking develops requiring investigation and rectification.

Pneumatic floor nailers require specific safe operating procedures preventing puncture injuries from nail gun operation. Use only sequential trigger nailers (also called restrictive trigger or single-shot trigger) which require full trigger release between activations preventing double-fire incidents - contact-trip trigger nailers allow unintended double-firing creating puncture injury risk. Verify nailer air pressure matches manufacturer specifications typically 70-100 PSI for floor nailers - excessive pressure increases nail velocity creating deeper penetration and deflection risk. Inspect nailers before use checking trigger function operates correctly requiring full depression and release cycle, safety mechanism prevents firing unless nose contacts work surface, nose guard is intact preventing premature nail ejection, and air hose connections are secure with no leaks. Load nailers only with fasteners specified by manufacturer for specific nailer model and flooring thickness - incorrect fasteners cause jamming, misfires, and deflection problems. Position nailer at correct angle against board tongue (typically 45-50 degrees depending on nailer design and board dimensions) ensuring stable positioning with nose guard fully contacting work before striking. Strike nailer with appropriate mallet (typically 0.5-1 kg weight) using firm controlled strike - excessive force unnecessary with pneumatic operation. Maintain constant awareness of hand positions keeping hands clear of potential nail trajectory - position hands on nailer body and mallet handle only, never reaching in front of nailer or positioning fingers near nail discharge point. Brief co-workers before commencing nailing operations ensuring they maintain safe distance and never position knees or feet on boards adjacent to nailing area where deflected nails could penetrate. Never point nailer at any person even when unloaded - maintain directional control at all times treating nailer as loaded firearm. Disconnect air supply before attempting to clear jammed nails, adjusting nailer settings, performing maintenance, or when nailer is not in active use - never attempt to clear jams with nailer under pressure. If nail jams occur, refer to manufacturer clearing procedures typically involving removing magazine, releasing trapped nails, and inspecting for damage before reloading. Secure air hoses preventing trip hazards and ensuring hoses cannot whip if connections fail under pressure. Implement immediate first aid procedures for puncture wounds including wound irrigation, medical assessment, tetanus vaccination verification, and possible surgical intervention for deep penetrations. Document all nail gun incidents including near-misses investigating causes (equipment malfunction, incorrect technique, inadequate training) and implementing corrective actions preventing recurrence.

Timber flooring expands and contracts with seasonal moisture variations requiring installation techniques accommodating movement preventing damage. Understand timber is hygroscopic absorbing and releasing moisture as ambient humidity changes. In humid conditions (high relative humidity), timber absorbs moisture expanding across width - minimal length expansion occurs. In dry conditions (low relative humidity), timber releases moisture contracting. Seasonal humidity cycles in Australian climates create measurable dimensional changes - boards may expand 2-3mm in width across typical 100mm board between dry winter conditions and humid summer conditions. Install expansion gaps around entire floor perimeter maintaining 10-15mm gap between flooring and walls, fixed cabinetry, and other obstructions. Expansion gaps accommodate seasonal expansion preventing floor compressing against walls creating buckling, cupping, and finish cracking. Never install flooring tight to walls or fixed obstacles. Conceal expansion gaps using skirting boards, quad trim, or scotia mouldings fixed to walls only (never fixed to floor) allowing floor to move beneath trims. For large floor areas exceeding 8-10 metres in either direction, install expansion strips dividing floor into sections allowing independent movement. Expansion strips use flexible transition profiles accommodating movement. Install flooring at moisture content appropriate for building's average annual relative humidity - installing too wet or too dry creates excessive seasonal movement. Allow adequate acclimatization period (typically 1-2 weeks minimum) equilibrating flooring to installation environment before installation. Educate building occupants about seasonal timber floor behaviour - some expansion and contraction is normal requiring realistic expectations. Minor seasonal gaps between boards in dry conditions are normal closing during humid seasons. Maintain building environment at consistent temperature and humidity where possible using heating and cooling systems with humidification or dehumidification moderating extreme conditions. Avoid water flooding timber floors - damp mop only for cleaning using minimal water preventing excessive moisture absorption. Address building envelope deficiencies including roof leaks, inadequate ventilation, and water ingress causing elevated moisture levels affecting flooring. For renovation work, assess existing building moisture conditions identifying problems requiring rectification before flooring installation. Building moisture problems including inadequate subfloor ventilation, rising damp, and plumbing leaks cause flooring failures attributed incorrectly to installation quality when building problems are actual causes. Document installation moisture content, expansion gap provision, and client education demonstrating proper installation practices and realistic movement expectations.

Floor sanding operations require comprehensive training addressing equipment operation, dust control, respiratory protection, and surface finishing, though no specific licensing is mandated under Australian WHS regulations for general floor sanding work. All workers must hold current Construction Induction White Card before commencing work on construction sites. Workers should complete manufacturer training on specific sanding equipment being used covering operational controls, maintenance requirements, dust extraction systems, and emergency procedures. Training should address drum sander operation including proper starting and stopping technique preventing floor gouging, maintaining consistent walking speed and overlap patterns achieving even surface preparation, and progressive grit sequencing achieving required finish. Edge sander training covers holding technique maintaining control of rotating disc, managing vibration exposure, and achieving consistent finish at floor perimeters. For powered floor maintenance equipment including burnishers and buffing machines, operators should complete equipment-specific training. Respiratory protection training is mandatory covering respirator selection for hardwood dust exposure (minimum P2, P3 for extended sanding), fit testing procedures for reusable respirators, seal checking before each use, and respirator limitations and maintenance. Hearing protection training addresses noise hazards from sanding equipment exceeding 100dB, appropriate hearing protection selection, and consistent use requirements. Manual handling training covers lifting and positioning techniques for heavy sanding equipment (drum sanders 40-60kg) preventing musculoskeletal injuries. Atmospheric monitoring training for supervisors enables dust measurement verifying control measures achieve exposure standards. Finishing product application training covers finish types, application techniques, required PPE for solvent-based versus water-based finishes, adequate ventilation requirements, and fire safety for flammable finishes. First aid training should include treatment of hand-arm vibration syndrome symptoms, respiratory exposure responses, and finish chemical exposures. While apprenticeship training traditionally provided this knowledge, contemporary floor sanders may enter industry without formal qualifications requiring employer-provided training. Document training completion, refresher training at regular intervals (typically annually), and competency assessment before permitting independent sanding operations. Manufacturers and industry associations including Timber Flooring Association of Australia provide training programs and resources. Employers have duty under WHS Act Section 19 to ensure workers have adequate information, training, and supervision performing work safely - simply providing equipment without training breaches this duty creating substantial liability if injuries occur.