Flooring

Whilst SWMS is mandatory for high-risk construction work (such as work generating significant silica dust exposure), best practice recommends having a SWMS for any flooring work conducted on a construction site. Flooring activities that always require SWMS include concrete grinding or cutting that generates silica dust, work in confined underfloor spaces, removal of materials that may contain asbestos, and work at heights exceeding two metres when installing materials or accessing areas. Even for low-risk residential flooring work, having a documented SWMS demonstrates due diligence, provides clear safety procedures for workers, and ensures hazards including manual handling, chemical exposure and noise are properly controlled. Many builders and head contractors require SWMS from all subcontractors regardless of the specific activity. The minimal time investment in preparing a SWMS provides significant protection against liability if an incident occurs.

Crystalline silica dust control requires a hierarchy of measures under Safe Work Australia guidelines. Engineering controls are the primary defence: use grinders fitted with on-tool dust extraction systems connected to industrial vacuums with HEPA filtration, apply water suppression to keep dust dampened, and ensure adequate general ventilation to dilute airborne dust. Isolate the work area from other workers and completed work using plastic sheeting barriers. Administrative controls include limiting the duration of grinding work, rotating workers to reduce individual exposure, conducting work during off-peak hours when fewer people are present, and implementing regular equipment maintenance. Personal protective equipment is the last line of defence: workers must wear fitted P2 or P3 respirators (not just disposable dust masks), protective clothing that prevents dust accumulation, and safety glasses. Air monitoring should be conducted to verify dust levels remain below exposure limits. Workers with ongoing silica exposure require health monitoring through respiratory function tests. All equipment and work areas must be cleaned using HEPA-filtered vacuums, never dry swept or blown with compressed air, as this re-suspends dangerous dust.

Preventing knee injuries requires multiple strategies addressing the prolonged kneeling inherent to flooring work. Use high-quality knee pads with gel or foam cushioning that distribute pressure across a larger area and are properly fitted to stay in position during work. Modern knee pads designed for flooring trades are significantly more protective than basic construction knee pads. Take regular breaks from kneeling positions every 20-30 minutes to stand, walk and stretch. Rotate tasks where possible to vary physical demands and reduce repetitive strain on the same joints. Use foam kneeling mats or boards to provide additional cushioning when working on concrete substrates. For manual handling risks, use mechanical aids including trolleys for moving heavy carpet rolls, two-person lifts for materials exceeding safe individual lifting limits, and carpet poles or hooks for managing broadloom carpet. Maintain neutral spine positions when bending by squatting rather than stooping. Warm up before starting physical work and perform stretching exercises targeting shoulders, back and legs. Maintain good general fitness and core strength to support proper working postures. Report pain or discomfort early before injuries become chronic. Consider physiotherapy assessment for workers with existing joint problems to receive tailored advice on protective techniques.

Respiratory protection requirements depend on the specific hazard and exposure level. For concrete grinding, cutting or polishing that generates silica dust, fitted P2 or P3 particulate respirators are minimum requirements, with half-face or full-face powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) providing superior protection for extended grinding operations or high-dust environments. For timber floor sanding, P2 particulate filters protect against wood dust exposure. When applying solvent-based adhesives or polyurethane sealants in poorly ventilated areas, organic vapour cartridges (A-class) combined with particulate filters (P2) are required to protect against volatile organic compounds. Some high-VOC products may require supplied-air respirators in confined spaces. For general dust from sweeping or cleaning, P1 or P2 disposable masks may be adequate. Critically, respirators must be fit-tested to ensure proper seal, as facial hair prevents effective seal and renders respiratory protection ineffective. Workers must be trained in correct donning, doffing, fit-checking and maintenance of respirators. Disposable respirators should be replaced when breathing becomes difficult, when visibly soiled, or at least daily. Cartridges and filters must be replaced according to manufacturer recommendations. Respiratory protection is a last resort after engineering and administrative controls; relying solely on respirators without dust suppression or ventilation is inadequate.

For any building constructed or renovated before 31 December 2003, you must assume asbestos may be present unless proven otherwise through testing. Do not disturb, sand, grind or remove flooring materials until asbestos status is determined. Engage a licensed asbestos assessor to conduct sampling and laboratory analysis of suspect materials, including vinyl flooring, adhesive mastics, levelling compounds and any fibrous backing materials. Assessors are trained to collect samples safely and have access to NATA-accredited laboratories for fibre identification. Visual inspection alone cannot reliably identify asbestos, as many non-asbestos products appear identical. If testing confirms asbestos presence, removal of more than 10 square metres requires a Class A licensed asbestos removalist. Removal of 10 square metres or less can be conducted by trained and competent workers following the Safe Work Australia Code of Practice for safe removal of asbestos, which mandates specific procedures including isolation of work area, wet methods to suppress dust, P1 or P2 respirators, disposable coveralls, decontamination procedures and disposal at licensed waste facilities with appropriate labelling. All asbestos work requires notification to the relevant state regulator. Never sand, grind or dry sweep materials suspected to contain asbestos. The penalties for non-compliant asbestos work are severe and include criminal prosecution, as the health consequences for workers and building occupants can be fatal.