Important: This SWMS template is provided as a starting point only. It must be reviewed and customised to reflect the specific conditions, hazards, and controls for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the specific work. This template does not constitute legal advice. Refer to your state or territory WHS regulator for compliance requirements.

Asbestos & Hazardous Materials

Mould Remediation — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for removing mould-affected building materials and cleaning mould contamination after water damage, including containment, negative air, removal of porous materials, cleaning, drying and clearance.

Download this template

Mould remediation is common after leaks, floods and long-term condensation. The main health risk comes from breathing in spores and fragments released when mouldy materials are disturbed. These can trigger asthma, allergic reactions and respiratory irritation, and some moulds can cause serious infections in people with weakened immune systems. Mould remediation is not, by itself, a type of High Risk Construction Work under the WHS Regulations, so a SWMS is not legally required for the mould work alone. It is still good practice, and principal contractors, insurers and building managers usually ask for one.

The job often comes with HRCW-type hazards that do require a SWMS: water-damaged buildings built before the end of 2003 may contain asbestos in wet area linings, eaves, vinyl floor tiles and their backing, so check the asbestos register or have suspect materials tested before cutting or removing anything. Ceiling and subfloor work can bring fall and electrical risks, and some subfloors meet the definition of a confined space. If any of these apply, list the relevant HRCW in this SWMS.

There is no Australian Standard specifically for mould remediation; many contractors follow the IICRC S520 standard as industry practice. The basic method is consistent: fix the moisture source first, contain the work area, run HEPA-filtered negative air, remove porous materials that are mouldy (plasterboard, carpet, insulation, underlay), HEPA vacuum and clean hard surfaces, dry the structure to target moisture levels, and verify with an inspection or clearance testing before rebuilding. Biocides and antimicrobials are hazardous chemicals and must be used according to their SDS; they do not replace physical removal.

Workers should be trained in containment, respiratory protection and decontamination. Respirators must be fit tested, and workers with asthma or immune conditions should not do this work without medical advice.

Customise this template with the affected areas and the size of the mould growth, the moisture source and how it has been fixed, the asbestos and lead check results, the containment and negative air layout, the respirator type, the chemicals and SDS references, target moisture readings, and the clearance or verification method.

Personal Protective Equipment

P2 respirator minimum; half or full-face respirator with P2 or P3 filters for larger areas (fit tested)Disposable coveralls with hoodNitrile glovesNon-vented goggles (or full-face respirator)Disposable boot covers or washable gumbootsHearing protection when running air scrubbers and dehumidifiers in enclosed areas

Risk Assessment

1.Assessment and hazard check before work

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Asbestos in water-damaged materials disturbed	High	Check the asbestos register or have suspect materials sampled before cutting or removing linings, floor coverings or eaves. If asbestos is present, stop and engage a licensed removalist for those materials.	Low	Supervisor
Electric shock from water-affected wiring	High	Have a licensed electrician check and isolate circuits in water-affected areas. Use RCD-protected leads for all equipment.	Low	Supervisor / Licensed Electrician
Moisture source not fixed, mould returns	Moderate	Identify and repair the leak or moisture source before remediation. Record moisture readings.	Low	Supervisor / Plumber

2.Containment and negative air set-up

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Spores spread to clean areas of the building	High	Isolate the work area with polythene sheeting and sealed seams. Turn off and seal HVAC returns serving the area. Run HEPA air scrubbers to keep the area under negative pressure, exhausting outside or to a clean area. Set up a decontamination zone at the exit.	Low	Remediation Technician
Occupants exposed	Moderate	Keep occupants out of the containment and adjacent areas during removal. Signage at entry points.	Low	Supervisor

3.Removing mould-affected porous materials

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Inhalation of spores and dust during removal	High	Mist surfaces lightly before removal to limit spore release. Cut plasterboard in large sections rather than breaking it up. Fit-tested respirator and disposable coveralls worn throughout. Bag waste in heavy-duty plastic inside containment, seal and wipe bags before removal.	Low	Remediation Technician
Cuts from tools and exposed fixings	Moderate	Use hand saws or tools with dust extraction. Gloves. Remove or bend over exposed nails.	Low	Remediation Technician
Fall through ceiling when working above	High	Remove ceiling linings from below using platform ladders or mobile scaffolds. Do not walk on ceiling joists.	Low	Remediation Technician

4.Cleaning hard surfaces and applying antimicrobials

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Chemical exposure from biocides and cleaners	Moderate	Use products according to the SDS. Never mix bleach with other cleaners. Ventilate and wear gloves and goggles. Keep products labelled and stored away from occupants.	Low	Remediation Technician
Residual mould left on framing	Moderate	HEPA vacuum, damp wipe and repeat HEPA vacuum framing and hard surfaces. Sand or replace timber where growth has penetrated.	Low	Remediation Technician

5.Drying and dehumidification

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Overloaded circuits or tripping hazards from drying equipment	Moderate	Plan power supply for the number of dehumidifiers and fans. Use tested leads routed clear of walkways.	Low	Remediation Technician
Heat and humidity in enclosed areas	Moderate	Schedule breaks outside containment. Drinking water available. Watch for heat stress symptoms when wearing coveralls and respirators.	Low	Supervisor

6.Verification, decontamination and waste disposal

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Contamination carried out on clothing and equipment	Moderate	HEPA vacuum and remove coveralls at the decontamination zone. Bag disposable PPE. Wipe tools before leaving. Remove respirator last.	Low	Remediation Technician
Rebuild starts before area is clean and dry	Moderate	Visual inspection and moisture readings to target levels. Clearance testing by an independent assessor where specified. Containment removed only after sign-off.	Low	Supervisor / Independent Assessor

Relevant Codes of Practice

Worker Acknowledgement

By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.

Name: ___________________Date: ___________________