Safe Work Method Statement

Tiling

Comprehensive Australian WHS Compliant SWMS
Generate SWMS NowView Sample PDF

No credit card required • Instant access • 100% compliant in every Australian state

5 sec
Creation Time
100%
Compliant
2,000+
Companies
$3.6K
Fines Avoided

Avoid WHS penalties up to $3.6M—issue compliant SWMS to every crew before work starts.

Comprehensive safety procedures for tiling operations including ceramic, porcelain, and stone tile installation. This SWMS addresses manual handling hazards, cutting injuries, chemical exposure, and kneeling strain with Australian WHS compliance requirements.

Start Generating SWMSSee How It Works

Unlimited drafts • Built-in WHS compliance • Works across every Australian state

Overview

What this SWMS covers

Tiling involves the installation of ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and composite tiles for floors, walls, and surfaces using adhesives, grout, and mechanical fixing methods. This includes subfloor preparation, layout planning, adhesive application, tile setting with leveling systems, grouting, and surface finishing. Work is performed using hand tools, power tools, and tile cutting equipment in various construction and renovation environments. Operations require careful material handling, precise cutting techniques, and extended periods of kneeling work to achieve professional installation standards.

Create Custom SWMSDownload TemplateView Flooring Category

Fully editable, audit-ready, and aligned to Australian WHS standards.

Why this SWMS matters

Tiling presents significant safety risks including manual handling injuries from heavy tile handling, cutting hazards from sharp tools, chemical exposure from adhesives and grout, and ergonomic strain from prolonged kneeling. According to Australian WHS data, construction workers suffer thousands of musculoskeletal injuries annually. 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 prevents chronic injuries, ensures quality tile installations, and demonstrates PCBUs' duty of care while complying with manufacturer specifications and industry standards.

Reinforce licensing, insurance, and regulator expectations for Tiling 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 tile handling, carrying boxes of materials, and awkward lifting positions cause back strains, shoulder injuries, and musculoskeletal disorders. Tiles can weigh 2-5kg each and are handled frequently during installation.

Consequence: Back injuries, hernias, shoulder strain, and long-term musculoskeletal conditions requiring medical treatment.

Cuts and Lacerations

high

Sharp tile edges, utility knives, tile cutters, and cutting tools present cutting hazards during handling, cutting, and installation operations, especially when working with porcelain and stone tiles.

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

Kneeling Strain and Ergonomic Injuries

medium

Prolonged kneeling on hard surfaces during tile setting and grouting causes knee pain, joint strain, and ergonomic injuries. Extended periods without proper padding increase discomfort and injury risk.

Consequence: Knee injuries, joint pain, repetitive strain injuries, and reduced work efficiency from fatigue.

Chemical Exposure

medium

Contact with tile adhesives, grout, sealants, and cleaning chemicals causes skin irritation, respiratory problems, and allergic reactions. Some products contain hazardous substances requiring careful handling.

Consequence: Skin irritation, respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and potential long-term health effects.

Dust and Particulate Matter

medium

Tile cutting, surface preparation, and grout mixing generate dust particles that can be inhaled, particularly when working with stone tiles or in poorly ventilated areas.

Consequence: Respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, and potential silica exposure if cutting certain stone materials.

Slip and Trip Hazards

medium

Wet adhesives, grout, and cleaning solutions create slippery surfaces. Loose tiles, tools, and debris left on work surfaces increase trip risks during installation.

Consequence: Slips and falls causing fractures, sprains, head injuries, and potential fatalities.

Control measures

Deploy layered controls aligned to the hierarchy of hazard management.

Implementation guide

Mechanical Lifting and Material Handling

Engineering

Implement mechanical aids and safe lifting techniques to reduce manual handling risks during tile and material movement.

Implementation

1. Use tile lifters and suction cups for heavy tile handling 2. Provide wheeled carts for transporting tile boxes 3. Implement team lifting for tiles over 15kg 4. Store materials at accessible heights to minimize bending 5. Use mechanical hoists for large material deliveries 6. Train workers on proper lifting techniques and TILE assessment

Safe Cutting and Tool Management

Engineering

Provide appropriate cutting tools and safety guards to prevent cutting injuries during tile preparation and installation.

Implementation

1. Use tile saws with proper blade guards and safety features 2. Provide tile nippers and score-and-snap cutters for safer cutting 3. Implement cut-resistant gloves for all cutting operations 4. Establish designated cutting zones away from work areas 5. Maintain tools in safe working condition 6. Train workers on safe cutting techniques

Ergonomic Work Practices

Administrative

Implement work practices that minimize ergonomic strain including job rotation, rest breaks, and proper work station setup.

Implementation

1. Limit continuous kneeling to 20-30 minutes with standing breaks 2. Provide knee pads for all floor work exceeding 10 minutes 3. Rotate workers between kneeling, standing, and walking tasks 4. Schedule work to allow recovery time between heavy tasks 5. Use adjustable work platforms for elevated work 6. Monitor workers for signs of fatigue and provide rest periods

Chemical Handling and Ventilation

Engineering

Ensure proper ventilation and chemical handling procedures to control exposure to adhesives, grout, and cleaning chemicals.

Implementation

1. Provide cross-ventilation during adhesive and grout work 2. Review Safety Data Sheets for all chemical products 3. Use chemical-resistant gloves and protective clothing 4. Implement spill containment procedures 5. Store chemicals in approved containers with proper labeling 6. Provide eyewash stations and first aid facilities

Quality Control and Inspection

Administrative

Implement systematic quality checks during installation to identify and correct issues before they become safety hazards.

Implementation

1. Check tile adhesion and leveling during installation 2. Verify proper grout joint filling and cleaning 3. Inspect for loose tiles or uneven surfaces 4. Monitor subfloor condition throughout work 5. Conduct final quality inspection before grouting 6. Document all quality checks and corrective actions

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE

Provide appropriate PPE for cutting hazards, chemical exposure, dust inhalation, and ergonomic protection during tiling operations.

Implementation

1. Issue safety glasses or goggles for cutting and debris work 2. Provide cut-resistant gloves for tile handling and cutting 3. Supply knee pads for all floor work 4. Ensure steel-capped safety boots are worn at all times 5. Provide respiratory protection for dust-generating work 6. Supply high-visibility vests for site work

Download complete control procedures

Personal protective equipment

Safety Glasses/Goggles

Requirement: Impact-resistant eyewear meeting AS/NZS 1337

When: Required for all cutting, tile breaking, and debris-generating work

Cut-Resistant Gloves

Requirement: Gloves rated for handling sharp materials and tile edges

When: Required when handling tiles, cutting, and using sharp tools

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: Boots meeting AS/NZS 2210.3 standards

When: Required at all times on construction sites

Respiratory Protection

Requirement: P2 mask or higher for dust, or chemical cartridges for adhesives

When: Required during dust-generating work and chemical application

High-Visibility Vest

Requirement: Fluorescent material meeting AS/NZS 4602

When: Required when working near traffic areas or machinery

Inspections & checks

Before work starts

  • ✓Inspect subfloor for levelness, moisture, and structural integrity
  • ✓Check all tiles and materials for damage or defects
  • ✓Verify tile cutting equipment is safe and properly guarded
  • ✓Test adhesive and grout products for proper condition
  • ✓Confirm availability of all required PPE and safety equipment
  • ✓Assess site access and material handling routes
  • ✓Check weather conditions for outdoor tile work
  • ✓Review emergency procedures and first aid availability

During work

  • ✓Monitor tile adhesion and leveling as work progresses
  • ✓Check PPE condition and ensure continued proper wear
  • ✓Inspect cutting tools for damage and proper maintenance
  • ✓Verify proper mixing and application of adhesives and grout
  • ✓Monitor worker fatigue and implement rest breaks
  • ✓Check for slip hazards from wet surfaces and debris
  • ✓Ensure proper ventilation during chemical work
  • ✓Observe safe lifting techniques and team communication

After work

  • ✓Inspect completed tiling for levelness, adhesion, and finish quality
  • ✓Check grout joints for proper filling and cleaning
  • ✓Verify all tiles are securely bonded and level
  • ✓Inspect for any visible defects or safety hazards
  • ✓Ensure proper cleanup of tools and excess materials
  • ✓Document any incidents or near-misses during work
  • ✓Conduct final safety walkthrough of completed area
  • ✓Complete all required documentation and quality records

Step-by-step work procedure

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

Field ready
1

Site Assessment and Subfloor Preparation

Conduct comprehensive site evaluation, inspect subfloor condition, and prepare the surface for tiling according to manufacturer specifications and Australian standards.

Safety considerations

Verify subfloor moisture levels and structural integrity. Ensure proper access and material handling routes are established.

2

Layout and Marking

Plan tile layout, establish reference lines, and mark cutting lines to minimize waste and ensure proper tile placement and alignment.

Safety considerations

Use proper measuring tools safely and establish clear work zones for material movement.

3

Adhesive Application

Apply tile adhesive to the prepared subfloor using appropriate trowel size and coverage according to manufacturer specifications and site conditions.

Safety considerations

Wear appropriate PPE for chemical handling and ensure proper ventilation. Work in sections to maintain adhesive workability.

4

Tile Setting and Leveling

Install tiles into adhesive bed, ensure proper spacing with tile spacers, and use leveling systems to achieve flat, even surfaces.

Safety considerations

Use mechanical aids for heavy tile handling and maintain proper body mechanics during kneeling work.

5

Grouting

Apply grout to tile joints using appropriate techniques, clean excess grout from tile surfaces, and allow proper curing time.

Safety considerations

Protect skin from grout chemicals and ensure adequate ventilation. Clean spills immediately to prevent slip hazards.

6

Final Inspection and Sealing

Inspect completed tiling for quality standards, apply protective sealants if required, and perform final cleaning of the installation.

Safety considerations

Walk carefully on completed surfaces to avoid damage. Ensure all cleaning chemicals are handled safely.

7

Documentation and Cleanup

Complete all required documentation, clean tools and equipment, and remove waste materials according to regulatory requirements.

Safety considerations

Handle waste materials properly and ensure tools are safely stored. Document any quality issues or safety observations.

Get risk assessment & procedures

Frequently asked questions

What are the main safety risks when installing tiles?

The primary risks include manual handling injuries from heavy tiles, cuts from sharp edges and cutting tools, kneeling strain on hard surfaces, chemical exposure from adhesives and grout, and slip hazards from wet materials. Proper PPE, mechanical aids, and work practices help control these risks.

How should heavy tiles be handled safely?

Use tile lifters or suction cups for individual tiles, wheeled carts for transporting boxes, and team lifting techniques for larger formats. Never drag tiles across surfaces and store materials at accessible heights to minimize bending and lifting injuries.

What PPE is required for tiling work?

Essential PPE includes safety glasses for cutting work, cut-resistant gloves for handling tiles, knee pads for floor work, steel-capped boots, respiratory protection for dust, and high-visibility vests. Additional chemical-resistant PPE may be needed for adhesive work.

How can kneeling injuries be prevented during tiling?

Limit continuous kneeling to 20-30 minutes with standing breaks, use proper knee pads with gel or foam cushioning, rotate workers between tasks, and provide adjustable work platforms. Monitor workers for signs of fatigue and implement rest periods.

What safety precautions are needed when cutting tiles?

Use tile saws with proper blade guards, wear safety glasses and gloves, establish designated cutting zones away from work areas, use dust extraction systems, and ensure proper tool maintenance. Never use excessive force that could cause tool failure.

How should tile adhesives and grout be handled safely?

Review Safety Data Sheets before use, wear chemical-resistant gloves and protective clothing, work in well-ventilated areas, avoid skin contact, and have spill cleanup materials ready. Store chemicals in approved containers away from heat sources.

Related SWMS documents

Browse all documents

flooring

Bedding-Screeding Floor Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for floor substrate preparation, bedding and screeding work covering hazard identification, control measures and safe work procedures.

View document

flooring

Carpet - Hard Floors Restoration Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for carpet and hard floor restoration covering deep cleaning, repair, chemical safety and biological hazard management.

View document

flooring

Carpet Laying Safe Work Method Statement

Safe work procedures for professional carpet installation including broadloom and tile carpets

View document

flooring

Concrete Floor Preparation Safe Work Method Statement

Safe work procedures for concrete grinding, scarifying, and surface preparation with silica dust and vibration controls

View document

flooring

Concrete Grinding and Polishing Safe Work Method Statement

Safe work procedures for concrete grinding and polishing with silica dust and vibration controls

View document

flooring

Floating Floor Laying Safe Work Method Statement

Safe work procedures for floating floor installation including laminate, vinyl plank, and engineered wood flooring

View document

Overview

Tiling involves the professional installation of ceramic, porcelain, stone, and other tile materials for floors, walls, and surfaces. This work includes subfloor preparation, adhesive application, tile setting, leveling, grouting, and finishing performed in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The work requires careful material handling, precise cutting, and extended periods of kneeling or crouching work.

Why This SWMS Matters

Tiling presents multiple safety risks including manual handling injuries, cutting hazards, chemical exposure, and ergonomic strain. Australian WHS statistics show that construction workers face elevated risks from musculoskeletal injuries and hazardous chemical exposure. This SWMS ensures compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, providing documented procedures that identify hazards, implement control measures, and protect workers from injury. Proper implementation prevents chronic injuries, ensures quality installations, and protects businesses from WHS penalties while demonstrating PCBUs' duty of care.

Trusted by 1,500+ Australian construction teams

Tiling SWMS Sample

Professional SWMS created in 5 seconds

  • Instant PDF & shareable link
  • Auto-filled risk matrix
  • Editable Word download
  • State-specific compliance
  • Digital signature ready
  • Version history preserved
Manual creation2-3 hours
OneClickSWMS5 seconds
Save 99% of admin time and eliminate manual errors.
Generate SWMS NowView sample SWMS

No credit card required • Instant access • Unlimited drafts included in every plan

PDF Sample

Risk Rating

BeforeHigh
After ControlsLow

Key Controls

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

Signature Ready

Capture digital signatures onsite and store revisions with automatic timestamps.

Continue exploring

Hand-picked SWMS resources
Stone SealingExplore →Concrete Floor PreparationExplore →Floor Covering RemovalExplore →Vinyl Floor LayingExplore →PaintingExplore →

Ready to deliver professional SWMS in minutes?

OneClickSWMS powers thousands of compliant projects every week. Join them today.

Join 2,000+ Protected CompaniesExplore Safety Guides