Decking Construction — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for building timber and composite decks, from footings and subframe to decking boards, stairs and balustrades, including elevated decks, treated timber cutting and power tool use.
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A low deck close to the ground is not High Risk Construction Work, and a SWMS is not legally required for it, although builders often still ask for one. An elevated deck is different: if anyone working on the subframe, joists or edge could fall more than 2 metres, the job is HRCW. That is common for decks off the first floor of a house, decks on sloping blocks and decks built over a drop. Digging footings can also hit buried services, so lodge a Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) enquiry before you dig.
The serious falls on decking jobs happen during framing, before boards and balustrades are on. Workers walk joists, stand on bearers or work at the open edge to fix fascia and balustrade posts. Use scaffold or a work platform around the perimeter of elevated decks, lay boards as a working deck as you go, and install permanent or temporary balustrades as early as possible. A balustrade is generally required where the deck is more than 1 metre above the ground below under the National Construction Code, so plan the barrier into the build. Where a deck is fixed to an existing house, confirm the ledger is fixed to structure that can carry it, and get an engineer's detail if unsure.
Treated pine and hardwood dust is the main health hazard. CCA-treated timber contains arsenic, chromium and copper, so cut with dust extraction, do not burn offcuts and wash your hands before eating. Hardwood dust is a known cause of nasal cancer, and some species cause dermatitis or asthma. Use extraction on saws, wear a P2 respirator when cutting, and clean up with a vacuum. Composite boards also produce fine dust.
Power tools cause most of the cuts and puncture injuries on deck builds: circular saws, drop saws, nail guns and impact drivers. Keep guards in place, use sequential trigger on nail guns, and keep leads clear of water.
Customise this template with the deck height and fall heights, the scaffold or edge protection used at each stage, BYDA reference and footing method, how the deck connects to the house, timber species and treatment, power supply and RCD arrangements, and the balustrade type and when it goes in.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
Risk Assessment
1.Set-out, BYDA and footings
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Striking buried services when digging footings | High | Lodge a BYDA enquiry and check plans before digging. Hand dig or vacuum excavate near marked services. Check for stormwater and sewer lines near the house. | Low | Builder / Carpenter |
| Back injury digging holes and mixing concrete | Moderate | Use a post-hole auger with torque bar or a mini excavator. Barrow concrete bags, do not carry long distances. Rotate tasks. | Low | Carpenter |
2.Subframe: bearers, joists and ledger
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall from joists or open edge on elevated decks | Catastrophic | Erect perimeter scaffold or edge protection before framing where a fall over 2 m is possible. Do not walk joists; work from scaffold or temporary boards laid across joists. Where a fall is under 2 m, still use platforms rather than walking joists. | Low | Builder |
| Deck collapse from inadequate ledger or bearer fixing | Catastrophic | Fix ledgers to the house structure as per the engineer's or manufacturer's detail, not to cladding or brick veneer alone. Brace posts as they are stood. Check span tables for bearer and joist sizes. | Low | Builder |
| Posts or bearers falling during erection | High | Temporarily brace posts immediately after standing. Two people to lift and place bearers. Do not leave unbraced framing overnight. | Low | Carpenter |
3.Cutting timber and composite
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inhaling treated pine or hardwood dust | High | Saws connected to dust extraction or bags. Cut outdoors with the wind behind you. P2 respirator. Do not burn CCA offcuts. Wash hands before eating. | Low | Carpenter |
| Lacerations from circular and drop saws | High | Guards working and blade correct for the material. Support the timber so the cut does not bind. Keep hands well clear of the blade line. Unplug before changing blades. | Low | Carpenter |
4.Laying and fixing decking boards
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nail gun puncture injury | High | Use sequential trigger mode. Keep the free hand clear of the nailing line. Disconnect air or battery when clearing jams. Never point at anyone. | Low | Carpenter |
| Knee and back strain from kneeling while fixing | Moderate | Knee pads. Stand-up deck fixing tools where available. Regular breaks and task rotation. | Low | Carpenter |
5.Stairs and balustrades
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall from deck edge before balustrade is complete | High | Keep temporary edge protection in place until the balustrade is fixed and complete. Do not remove temporary rails to fit balusters without restraint or another barrier. | Low | Builder |
| Balustrade failing under load | High | Install balustrade posts and infill to the manufacturer's or engineer's detail. Check spacing and height before handover. | Low | Builder |
6.Finishing and clean-up
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin and fire hazards from oils and stains | Moderate | Read the SDS. Gloves when applying. Oil-soaked rags laid flat to dry or placed in a water-filled metal bin, as they can self-ignite. | Low | Carpenter |
| Trips on offcuts and leads | Moderate | Clear offcuts daily. Route leads away from walkways and off wet ground. | Low | Carpenter |
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.