Tiling & Waterproofing

SWMS is mandatory for high-risk construction work as defined by WHS regulations, and tiling activities that generate respirable crystalline silica dust through tile cutting clearly meet this definition. Any tiling project on a construction site involving ceramic, porcelain or stone tile cutting should have a SWMS documenting silica dust controls. Waterproofing work, whilst not automatically classified as high-risk construction work, involves significant chemical exposures and often occurs in confined spaces, making SWMS best practice for demonstrating due diligence. Many head contractors and builders require SWMS from all subcontractors regardless of the specific activity classification. Additionally, waterproofing work must comply with AS 3740 and typically requires licensed waterproofers to certify installations, with SWMS documentation supporting compliance with manufacturer specifications and building codes. For residential renovation work not on construction sites, SWMS may not be legally mandatory but remains strongly recommended for managing manual handling, chemical exposure and dust generation hazards. The time investment in preparing a SWMS is minimal compared to the protection it provides against liability if incidents occur, workers' compensation claims, and regulatory penalties for non-compliance.

Safe Work Australia's crystalline silica guidelines mandate a hierarchy of controls to minimise respirable silica dust exposure from tile cutting operations. Engineering controls are the primary defence: use wet cutting methods with continuous water flow directly at the cutting point to suppress dust generation, employ on-tool dust extraction systems with industrial HEPA-filtered vacuums capturing dust at source, conduct cutting operations outdoors or in well-ventilated areas whenever possible, and isolate cutting areas from other workers using barriers. Water suppression alone is often insufficient for high-silica materials like engineered stone and must be combined with extraction. Administrative controls include limiting cutting duration to reduce individual worker exposure, rotating workers between cutting and non-cutting tasks, using pre-cut tiles where feasible to eliminate site cutting, and maintaining equipment regularly to ensure water flow and extraction systems function properly. Personal protective equipment is the last line of defence: workers must wear properly fitted P2 or P3 particulate respirators that have been fit-tested to ensure effective sealing (not just disposable dust masks), safety glasses to protect eyes from dust, and protective clothing preventing dust accumulation on skin. Air monitoring should be conducted initially and periodically to verify dust levels remain below the workplace exposure standard of 0.05 mg/m³. Workers with regular silica exposure require health monitoring including respiratory questionnaires, lung function testing and chest X-rays every two years. All work areas must be cleaned using HEPA-filtered vacuums or wet methods, never dry swept, as this re-suspends dangerous dust.

Preventing knee injuries requires a comprehensive approach addressing the inherent physical demands of tiling work. Use professional-grade gel or foam knee pads specifically designed for tiling, which distribute pressure across larger knee surface area and include side protection for lateral kneeling positions. Knee pads must be properly fitted with straps adjusted to hold them in position without cutting off circulation. Supplement knee pads with foam kneeling boards or mats placed on hard concrete floors to provide additional cushioning. Take regular breaks from kneeling positions every 20-30 minutes to stand, walk and perform stretching exercises targeting knees, hips and lower back. Rotate between kneeling and standing tasks throughout the day rather than spending entire shifts kneeling. For manual handling risks, use mechanical aids including trolleys with pneumatic wheels for transporting tile boxes, pallet jacks for moving bulk materials, and tile lifting devices for large-format tiles. Implement two-person lifting protocols for tiles, adhesive containers or equipment exceeding 20 kilograms. Store frequently used materials at waist height on trestles or benches to eliminate repetitive lifting from ground level. Use pump trolleys for adhesive buckets rather than carrying them. When lifting, maintain neutral spine position by squatting with straight back rather than stooping. For overhead wall tiling, use stable platforms bringing work to chest height rather than overreaching from ground level. Maintain good general fitness, core strength and flexibility through regular exercise, as this protects against injury. Seek early physiotherapy intervention if pain or discomfort develops, before acute injuries become chronic conditions.

Respiratory protection requirements for waterproofing depend on the membrane product type and work environment. Water-based acrylic membranes with low volatile organic compound (VOC) content typically do not require respiratory protection when used in well-ventilated open areas, though some workers may choose to wear P1 particulate filters if vapours cause discomfort. Solvent-based membranes containing toluene, xylene or other organic solvents require organic vapour respirators with A-class cartridges (rated for organic vapours) when used in poorly ventilated areas or confined spaces like bathrooms. For extended application in small bathrooms or ensuites where solvent concentrations may exceed exposure limits, half-face respirators with combined A1P2 cartridges (organic vapour plus particulate filter) provide appropriate protection. In extremely poorly ventilated confined spaces or when applying very high-VOC products, supplied-air respirators may be necessary. Two-part epoxy or polyurethane membranes require protection against both vapours and isocyanates, typically needing A1P2 or higher cartridge combinations. Critical considerations include ensuring respirators are properly fitted to the individual user through fit-testing, as facial hair prevents effective sealing and renders respiratory protection useless. Workers must be trained in correct donning, fit-checking, wearing and doffing procedures. Cartridges must be replaced according to manufacturer breakthrough time recommendations or when chemical odours are detected, whichever comes first. However, relying solely on respiratory protection is inadequate; engineering controls should be implemented first, including mechanical ventilation with fans or portable extraction units providing at least 6 air changes per hour in confined spaces, and selecting water-based low-VOC products where possible. Work scheduling to apply membranes when maximum natural ventilation is available also reduces exposures.

AS 3740 Waterproofing of Domestic Wet Areas specifies detailed requirements for waterproofing shower recesses, bathrooms, laundries and other wet areas in buildings. Compliance requires waterproofing membranes to be applied to all floor areas in enclosed wet areas, extending up walls to minimum heights: 1800mm in shower recesses, 150mm above bath or basin fixtures, 100mm above finished floor level in general bathroom areas, and full height where wall cladding or tiles are installed. Waterproofing must extend 100mm horizontally beyond the wet area threshold. All penetrations including drains, taps, pipes and bath wastes require waterproofing collars or flanges with membrane lapped over and sealed. Internal corners must be reinforced with fabric strips or pre-formed corners bonded into wet membrane. External corners require metal or plastic angle beads embedded in membrane. Falls must be formed to drain water away from walls at minimum 1:100 gradient for floors and 1:80 for enclosed shower bases. Substrates must be structurally sound, dimensionally stable, and appropriate for the waterproofing system selected. Most membrane manufacturers require licensed applicators and provide technical data sheets specifying application procedures, drying times between coats, minimum film thicknesses and curing periods before tiling. SWMS documentation should reference manufacturer specifications and include hold points for inspection before tiling proceeds. Many jurisdictions require waterproofing inspections by building surveyors and photographic documentation before tiling. Water testing of shower bases by filling to overflow level for 24 hours may be required. Licensed waterproofers must provide compliance certificates on completion. Tiling contractors should not commence tiling until waterproofing certification is provided, as defective waterproofing discovered later requires complete removal and replacement of tiling at significant cost.