Suspended Ceiling Installation — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for installing commercial suspended grid ceilings, including set-out with lasers, fixing hangers to the slab or structure, installing grid and tiles, and working from mobile scaffold or EWP near services in the ceiling void.
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Suspended ceiling installation is often High Risk Construction Work because commercial ceilings put the installer on a mobile scaffold or EWP, and with ceilings at 3.5 metres or more, the platform can be high enough for a fall of more than 2 metres. Work in the ceiling void also means being close to live cabling, light fittings and cable trays that are energised while the building is occupied or other trades are commissioning, which is HRCW. Low ceilings installed from a podium step in an area where services are isolated may not be HRCW, but most commercial head contractors will still require a SWMS.
The biggest risk is the platform. Mobile scaffolds need to be set up on a level floor, locked, with guardrails, and never moved with people on them. Workers on scaffold should not climb onto the rails or reach up through the grid to stand on ceiling framing. EWPs (scissor lifts) bring crush risks against the slab, beams and services above, so keep watch overhead while raising.
Fixing hangers into the slab overhead is hard on the body and on the lungs. Drilling concrete above your head creates silica dust that falls into your face, so use a drill with a dust extraction attachment and wear eye protection and a P2 respirator. Powder-actuated tools are often used for hanger fixings; operators must be trained on the specific tool, and some states require a licence or certificate, so check your state or territory regulator. Repetitive overhead work causes neck and shoulder strain; plan platform heights so the work is not above head level.
Laser levels used for set-out are a minor eye hazard; do not look into the beam and use the class of laser suited to the job. Ceiling grids and tiles must be installed to AS/NZS 2785 and the manufacturer's system, and services such as fire sprinklers and detectors must not be damaged or covered.
Customise this template with the ceiling height and platform type, who confirms services in the void are isolated or protected, the slab fixing method and any powder-actuated tool details, dust extraction for drilling, the tile type and SDS, other trades working below, and how scaffolds will be moved between bays.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
- •Work on or near energised electrical installations or services
Risk Assessment
1.Pre-start: services in the ceiling void and work area set-up
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contact with live cabling, light fittings or cable trays | Catastrophic | Confirm with the electrical contractor which circuits in the void are live. Treat all cables as live unless isolated and tagged. Do not move, cut or hang off cables. Keep hanger wires clear of cable trays. | Low | Site Supervisor / Electrician |
| Workers below struck by falling items | High | Barricade the area under the platform. Coordinate with other trades so no-one works directly below. | Low | Site Supervisor |
2.Erecting and moving mobile scaffold or using EWP
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall from mobile scaffold | Catastrophic | Erect to the manufacturer's instructions and AS/NZS 4576 guidance with guardrails, midrails and toeboards. Lock castors. Only use on a firm level floor. Never move with anyone on it. Do not stand on rails or use ladders on the platform. | Low | Ceiling Fixer |
| Crush between scissor lift and slab or services | High | Trained operator. Look up before raising and raise slowly near the slab, beams and ductwork. Keep hands and body inside the platform rails. | Low | EWP Operator |
3.Set-out with laser levels
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eye damage from laser beam | Moderate | Use the laser class suited to the task, following the manufacturer's instructions. Do not look into the beam or set it at eye height in walkways. Turn off when not in use. | Low | Ceiling Fixer |
4.Fixing hangers to the slab or structure
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silica dust and debris falling into eyes from overhead drilling | High | Drill with an extraction attachment connected to an M- or H-class vacuum. Safety glasses and P2 respirator. Do not drill directly above your face. | Low | Ceiling Fixer |
| Injury from powder-actuated tool misfire or ricochet | High | Only workers trained on the specific tool use it, holding any licence required in the state. Check the slab or steel is suitable. Correct charge strength. Barricade the area behind thin material. Store cartridges securely. | Low | Ceiling Fixer |
| Neck and shoulder strain from overhead work | Moderate | Set platform height so drilling is near shoulder height. Rotate tasks and take breaks. | Low | Ceiling Fixer |
5.Installing grid and ceiling tiles
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lacerations from cut grid and hanger wire | Moderate | Gloves when cutting and handling grid. Turn wire ends up and away. Use snips rather than grinders where practical. | Low | Ceiling Fixer |
| Dust and fibre irritation from cutting mineral fibre tiles | Moderate | Cut tiles with a knife rather than a saw. Check the tile SDS. P2 respirator if cutting with power tools. | Low | Ceiling Fixer |
| Damaging sprinklers or detectors | Moderate | Coordinate with the fire services contractor. Do not bend or knock sprinkler heads. Leave detectors uncovered. | Low | Ceiling Fixer |
6.Clean-up
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trips on offcuts, wire and tile boxes | Moderate | Clear offcuts and packaging at the end of each bay. Keep scaffold paths clear. | Low | Ceiling Fixer |
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.