Waterproofing — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for applying waterproofing membranes to wet areas, balconies, planter boxes, basements and roof decks, including surface preparation, priming, liquid and sheet membranes, torch-on systems and flood testing.
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Waterproofing a bathroom or laundry is usually not High Risk Construction Work, so a SWMS is not legally required for that work alone, although most builders will ask for one. It becomes HRCW in two common situations. Balcony, podium, roof deck and external wall waterproofing often involves a fall of more than 2 metres from an unprotected edge. And applying solvent-based primers or membranes inside a basement, lift pit, tank or enclosed planter can create a flammable or harmful atmosphere, which is HRCW and may also make the space a confined space.
The main hazards are chemical. Many liquid membranes are water-based acrylics, but polyurethane, epoxy and bitumen systems can contain isocyanates, amine hardeners and solvents that cause skin sensitisation, occupational asthma, dizziness and fire risk. Get the SDS for every primer, membrane and sealant before you start and follow its ventilation and glove requirements. Once someone becomes sensitised to isocyanates or epoxy, even small later exposures can trigger a reaction, so skin and breathing protection matters on every job, not just big ones. Torch-on bitumen membranes add naked flame, hot bitumen burns and the risk of starting a fire in the substrate, roof space or adjacent materials, so they need hot-work controls and a fire watch.
Surface preparation also carries risk. Grinding concrete to remove laitance or old membrane creates silica dust, and old bathrooms may have asbestos cement sheet behind the tiles or under the floor. Membranes must be applied to the relevant standard (AS 3740 for domestic wet areas, AS 4654 for external above-ground membranes) and to the manufacturer's system, and some states license waterproofing as a separate trade, so check your state or territory regulator before quoting.
Customise this template with the membrane system and SDS references for every product, the area type (internal wet area, balcony, roof, below ground), how you will ventilate enclosed areas, the fall prevention for any edge, hot-work permit details for torch-on work, the asbestos status of existing substrates, and who signs off the flood test.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
- •Work in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere
Risk Assessment
1.Review products, SDS and work area before starting
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Using a product without knowing its health and fire hazards | High | Obtain the current SDS for every primer, membrane, bond breaker and sealant. Record required glove type, respirator cartridge and ventilation. Choose water-based systems where the specification allows. Keep SDS on site. | Low | Waterproofer / Supervisor |
| Enclosed area (basement, pit, planter, tank) becomes a flammable or harmful atmosphere | Catastrophic | Assess whether the area is a confined space before work. If it is, follow the confined space procedure with an entry permit, atmospheric testing and a standby person. Otherwise provide forced ventilation for the full application and curing period stated on the SDS, and remove ignition sources. | Moderate | Supervisor |
2.Surface preparation: grinding, cleaning and repairs
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silica dust from grinding concrete or screed | High | Use a grinder with a shroud connected to an H-class vacuum, or wet methods. P2 respirator minimum. Keep other people out of the area while grinding. Clean up with an H-class vacuum, not a broom or blower. | Low | Waterproofer |
| Disturbing asbestos sheet under old tiles or flooring | Catastrophic | In buildings built before 1990, confirm the substrate is not asbestos cement before removing tiles or grinding. If suspected, stop and have it tested. Removal by a licensed removalist where required. | Low | Builder / Supervisor |
3.Priming and applying liquid membranes
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin sensitisation and asthma from isocyanate or epoxy products | High | Wear the glove material specified on the SDS and change gloves when contaminated. Organic vapour/particulate respirator for PU and epoxy systems. Never spray isocyanate products without supplied-air respiratory protection. Wash hands before eating or smoking. Report any skin rash or breathing symptoms. | Moderate | Waterproofer |
| Fire from solvent primer vapour | High | No smoking, grinding or naked flames within the area during priming and curing. Keep only the day's quantity of solvent product in the area, lids on. Use non-sparking fans for ventilation. Dry-powder extinguisher within reach. | Low | Waterproofer |
4.Torch-on and sheet membrane installation
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire in substrate, roof space or adjacent materials | Catastrophic | Hot-work permit issued before torching. Remove or protect combustibles. Do not torch near open joints, plastic penetrations or timber without protection. Fire extinguisher at the work face. Fire watch during work and for at least 60 minutes after torching stops. | Moderate | Waterproofer / Supervisor |
| Burns from torch flame and hot bitumen | High | Only trained workers operate the torch. Check gas hoses, regulators and fittings before use. Cylinders upright and secured, away from the work face. Wear leather gloves and flame-resistant long clothing. | Low | Waterproofer |
5.Working on balconies, roofs and external edges
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall of more than 2 m from an unprotected edge | Catastrophic | Install temporary edge protection or scaffold before work where existing balustrades are removed for waterproofing. If edge protection is not reasonably practicable, use a restraint system set so workers cannot reach the edge. Never remove a balustrade without replacing the protection the same day. | Low | Supervisor |
| Slipping on wet or uncured membrane | Moderate | Work away from the exit so you do not walk on fresh membrane. Barricade and sign cured and curing areas. Do not work on sloping surfaces with wet product without restraint. | Low | Waterproofer |
6.Flood testing, clean-up and waste
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water leaking onto electrical services or lower floors during flood test | Moderate | Confirm drainage and penetrations are sealed before the test. Notify occupants or trades below. Keep water clear of electrical outlets and isolate circuits in the area if needed. | Low | Waterproofer / Builder |
| Environmental contamination from solvent and membrane waste | Moderate | Do not wash tools or tins into drains. Let residue cure in the container before disposal. Solvent-soaked rags in a closed metal bin. Dispose of waste to a licensed facility. | Low | Waterproofer |
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.