Safe Work Method Statement

Carpet Laying

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Comprehensive safety procedures for carpet laying operations in Australian construction sites. This SWMS covers hazard identification, risk controls, PPE requirements, and step-by-step procedures for safe carpet installation including broadloom and carpet tiles.

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Overview

What this SWMS covers

Carpet laying involves the installation of textile floor coverings in construction and renovation projects. This work includes handling heavy carpet rolls, applying adhesives, cutting and fitting materials, and ensuring proper installation standards. Workers perform extended periods of kneeling and manual handling in various environments including commercial buildings, retail spaces, and residential properties. The work requires coordination with other trades and adherence to Australian standards for floor covering installation.

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Why this SWMS matters

Carpet laying operations present significant safety risks including manual handling injuries, chemical exposure from adhesives, and ergonomic hazards from prolonged kneeling. According to Australian WHS data, flooring installation work contributes to workplace injuries through musculoskeletal disorders, falls, and hazardous substance exposure. This SWMS ensures compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 by providing documented procedures that identify hazards, implement control measures, and protect workers from injury. Proper implementation reduces incident rates, ensures high-quality installations, and demonstrates PCBUs' duty of care. The procedures follow AS/NZS 2455.1 standards and incorporate Safe Work Australia's guidance on slips, trips, and manual handling prevention.

Reinforce licensing, insurance, and regulator expectations for Carpet Laying Safe Work Method Statement crews before they mobilise.

Hazard identification

Surface the critical risks tied to this work scope and communicate them to every worker.

Risk register

Manual Handling Injuries

high

Heavy lifting and carrying of carpet rolls, prolonged kneeling, and repetitive movements cause back strains, knee injuries, and musculoskeletal disorders. Carpet rolls can weigh 50-100kg and require proper lifting techniques.

Consequence: Back injuries, knee damage, long-term musculoskeletal conditions requiring medical treatment and lost work time.

Slip and Trip Hazards

high

Uneven subfloors, wet adhesives, loose carpet edges, and debris create slip and trip risks during installation. Poor housekeeping and inadequate lighting increase these hazards.

Consequence: Falls causing fractures, sprains, head injuries, and potential fatalities from height if working on elevated platforms.

Chemical Exposure

medium

Contact with carpet adhesives, seam sealers, and cleaning chemicals causes skin irritation, respiratory problems, and allergic reactions. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in adhesives affect indoor air quality.

Consequence: Skin burns, respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, and long-term health effects from chemical exposure.

Dust and Particulate Matter

medium

Cutting carpet releases dust particles, and sanding subfloors creates airborne particulates that can be inhaled, particularly when working with recycled or synthetic materials.

Consequence: Respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, and long-term lung conditions from dust inhalation.

Cuts and Lacerations

medium

Sharp carpet knives, utility blades, and cutting tools present cutting hazards during measurement, cutting, and trimming operations.

Consequence: Cuts, lacerations, and puncture wounds requiring medical treatment and potential infection risks.

Control measures

Deploy layered controls aligned to the hierarchy of hazard management.

Implementation guide

Mechanical Lifting Equipment

Engineering

Implement mechanical aids for handling heavy carpet rolls and materials to eliminate manual lifting hazards. Use carpet roll lifters, mechanical hoists, and lifting slings to reduce physical strain.

Implementation

1. Assess weight of carpet rolls and materials before handling 2. Provide carpet roll lifters or mechanical lifting equipment for rolls over 25kg 3. Train workers on safe operation of lifting equipment 4. Conduct daily equipment inspections before use 5. Use team lifting for rolls 25-50kg with proper communication 6. Install anchor points for mechanical lifting in work areas

Ventilation and Air Quality Control

Engineering

Ensure adequate ventilation and air quality monitoring during adhesive application and carpet cutting to control chemical exposure and dust inhalation hazards.

Implementation

1. Install exhaust fans or provide cross-ventilation during adhesive work 2. Monitor air quality for VOC levels during adhesive application 3. Use local exhaust ventilation for adhesive application areas 4. Provide clean air zones for breaks and lunch periods 5. Test air quality before commencing work in enclosed spaces 6. Implement work rotation for extended adhesive application tasks

Ergonomic Work Practices

Administrative

Implement work practices that minimize ergonomic hazards including job rotation, rest breaks, and proper work station setup to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.

Implementation

1. Limit continuous kneeling to 15-20 minutes with rest breaks 2. Rotate workers between kneeling, standing, and walking tasks 3. Provide knee pads and kneeling mats for extended floor work 4. Schedule work to allow recovery time between heavy tasks 5. Conduct pre-work stretching and warm-up exercises 6. Monitor workers for signs of fatigue and provide rest periods

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE

Provide appropriate personal protective equipment for all carpet laying operations to protect against identified hazards including cuts, chemical exposure, and dust.

Implementation

1. Issue safety glasses or goggles for all cutting and adhesive work 2. Provide nitrile gloves for adhesive handling and cutting operations 3. Supply knee pads for all floor work exceeding 10 minutes 4. Ensure steel-capped safety boots are worn at all times 5. Provide respiratory protection for dust and adhesive work 6. Supply high-visibility vests for site work and traffic areas

Subfloor Preparation and Housekeeping

Administrative

Maintain clean, safe work areas and properly prepare subfloors to eliminate slip and trip hazards during carpet installation.

Implementation

1. Inspect and clean subfloors before commencing work 2. Remove debris, tools, and obstacles from work areas 3. Mark hazardous areas with warning signs during wet work 4. Provide adequate lighting for all work areas 5. Establish designated material storage areas 6. Conduct regular housekeeping throughout the work shift

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Personal protective equipment

Safety Glasses/Goggles

Requirement: Must meet AS/NZS 1337 standards for eye protection

When: Required for all cutting, trimming, and adhesive application work

Nitrile Gloves

Requirement: Chemical-resistant gloves rated for solvent contact

When: Required when handling adhesives, seam sealers, and cleaning chemicals

Knee Pads

Requirement: Gel or foam knee protection with secure fastening

When: Required for all work involving kneeling longer than 10 minutes

Steel-Capped Safety Boots

Requirement: Must meet AS/NZS 2210.3 standards for toe protection

When: Required at all times on construction sites

Respiratory Protection

Requirement: P2 mask or half-face respirator with organic vapor cartridges

When: Required during adhesive application and in dusty environments

High-Visibility Vest

Requirement: Fluorescent material meeting AS/NZS 4602 standards

When: Required when working near traffic areas or machinery

Inspections & checks

Before work starts

  • ✓Inspect subfloor for damage, moisture, and evenness
  • ✓Check all tools and equipment for safe working condition
  • ✓Verify adhesive products are within expiry dates and properly stored
  • ✓Assess ventilation requirements for the work area
  • ✓Confirm availability of all required PPE and safety equipment
  • ✓Review emergency procedures and evacuation routes
  • ✓Check weather conditions if working outdoors
  • ✓Verify access to first aid facilities and emergency contact numbers

During work

  • ✓Monitor air quality and ventilation during adhesive work
  • ✓Check workers for signs of fatigue or strain during prolonged kneeling
  • ✓Inspect installed carpet for proper adhesion and flatness
  • ✓Verify safe storage and handling of tools and materials
  • ✓Monitor housekeeping and removal of trip hazards
  • ✓Check PPE condition and ensure continued proper wear
  • ✓Observe proper lifting techniques and team communication
  • ✓Monitor noise levels from tools and equipment

After work

  • ✓Inspect completed installation for quality and safety standards
  • ✓Clean work area and remove all debris and waste materials
  • ✓Check for any damage to existing structures or finishes
  • ✓Verify proper storage of unused materials and tools
  • ✓Document any incidents or near-misses during the work
  • ✓Conduct team debrief and identify improvement opportunities
  • ✓Ensure all equipment is cleaned and stored safely
  • ✓Complete work completion documentation

Step-by-step work procedure

Give supervisors and crews a clear, auditable sequence for the task.

Field ready
1

Site Assessment and Preparation

Conduct comprehensive site assessment and prepare the work area for carpet installation. Review project specifications, assess site conditions, and establish safety controls.

Safety considerations

Identify all site hazards including access points, power sources, and environmental conditions. Ensure emergency equipment is accessible and site rules are communicated to all workers.

2

Subfloor Inspection and Preparation

Examine the subfloor surface for suitability, moisture levels, and required preparations. Clean, level, and prepare the surface according to manufacturer specifications and Australian standards.

Safety considerations

Test for moisture content and structural integrity. Ensure proper ventilation during any grinding or preparation work that generates dust.

3

Carpet Measurement and Cutting

Measure the installation area accurately, allowing for pattern matching, seams, and waste. Cut carpet pieces to size using appropriate tools and techniques.

Safety considerations

Use sharp blades and proper cutting techniques to prevent slips. Wear appropriate PPE during cutting operations and ensure adequate lighting.

4

Adhesive Application

Apply carpet adhesive to the prepared subfloor using the correct trowel size and coverage rate. Allow proper flash time before carpet installation according to manufacturer specifications.

Safety considerations

Work in well-ventilated areas and use respiratory protection. Follow safety data sheets for adhesive products and avoid skin contact.

5

Carpet Installation and Stretching

Position carpet pieces, ensure proper seam alignment, and stretch carpet using appropriate techniques. Roll or press carpet into adhesive for proper bonding.

Safety considerations

Use team lifting for heavy carpet pieces. Maintain proper body mechanics during stretching operations and take regular breaks.

6

Trimming and Finishing

Trim excess carpet at walls and obstacles, install edge strips or transitions, and ensure smooth, secure edges. Clean any adhesive residue from finished surfaces.

Safety considerations

Use sharp tools carefully to avoid cuts. Wear gloves when handling trimmed carpet pieces and ensure proper disposal of waste.

7

Quality Inspection and Documentation

Inspect the completed installation for quality standards, document the work performed, and obtain client sign-off. Clean tools and equipment for storage.

Safety considerations

Walk the completed area to identify any trip hazards. Ensure all tools are safely stored and work area is left clean and safe.

Get risk assessment & procedures

Frequently asked questions

What are the main safety risks when laying carpet?

The primary safety risks include manual handling injuries from heavy carpet rolls, chemical exposure from adhesives, prolonged kneeling causing knee and back strain, slip hazards from wet adhesives, and cuts from sharp tools. Proper PPE, mechanical aids, and work rotation help control these risks.

How often should workers take breaks during carpet laying?

Workers should limit continuous kneeling to 15-20 minutes with 5-minute standing breaks. For heavy lifting tasks, implement work rotation every 30-45 minutes. Monitor workers for fatigue signs and provide additional breaks as needed.

What PPE is required for carpet installation?

Essential PPE includes safety glasses for cutting work, nitrile gloves for adhesive handling, knee pads for floor work, steel-capped boots, respiratory protection for dusty or adhesive work, and high-visibility vests when working near traffic areas.

How should heavy carpet rolls be handled safely?

Use mechanical lifting equipment for rolls over 25kg. For team lifting of 25-50kg rolls, ensure clear communication, use proper lifting techniques with feet shoulder-width apart, and lift simultaneously on a count. Never drag rolls across floors.

What ventilation is required when using carpet adhesives?

Provide adequate ventilation or exhaust systems during adhesive application to control VOC exposure. Monitor air quality and use respiratory protection. Avoid working in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation systems.

How should carpet knives and cutting tools be managed safely?

Keep blades sharp to reduce force needed and prevent slips. Use blade guards when not in use. Store knives in designated holders. Wear cut-resistant gloves during cutting operations and establish safe cutting zones away from traffic areas.

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Overview

Carpet laying involves the professional installation of textile floor coverings including broadloom carpet and carpet tiles. This work requires careful handling of heavy materials, use of adhesives, and extended periods of kneeling or crouching. The work is commonly performed in commercial buildings, offices, retail spaces, and residential properties during construction, renovation, or refurbishment projects.

Why This SWMS Matters

Carpet laying presents multiple safety risks including manual handling injuries, chemical exposure, and fall hazards. Australian WHS statistics show that flooring installation work contributes to workplace injuries through overexertion, falls, and hazardous substance exposure. This SWMS ensures PCBUs meet their duty of care under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, providing documented safety procedures that protect workers and demonstrate compliance. Proper implementation reduces injury rates, ensures quality installations, and protects businesses from WHS penalties and compensation claims.

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Risk Rating

BeforeHigh
After ControlsLow

Key Controls

  • • Pre-start briefing covering hazards
  • • PPE: hard hats, eye protection, gloves
  • • Emergency plan communicated to crew

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