Timber Floor Sanding and Polishing — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe work procedures for sanding, staining, and coating timber floors using drum sanders, edging sanders, and the application of polyurethane, oil, or water-based finishes.

A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a legal requirement under WHS Regulations for any high-risk construction work in Australia. It identifies hazards, assesses risks using a 5×5 matrix, and sets out control measures following the hierarchy of controls. Our SWMS documents reference specific WHS Regulation clauses and AS/NZS standards for every piece of PPE, giving you audit-ready documentation that satisfies regulator requirements in every state and territory.

5 work steps 9 hazards identified 9 control measures 7 PPE items specified 5 AS/NZS standards cited 5×5 risk matrix Worker sign-off section

High-Risk Activity Categories

Hazardous Chemicals

Legislation Referenced

WHS Reg 2011, Reg 36 (duty to identify hazards) WHS Reg 2011, Reg 39 (noise exposure) WHS Reg 2011, Reg 49 (airborne contaminants) WHS Reg 2011, Reg 351 - Hazardous chemicals

PPE Requirements

P2 respirator (sanding) (AS/NZS 1716) Half-face respirator with A1 organic vapour cartridge (coating) (AS/NZS 1716) Hearing protection (Class 5) (AS/NZS 1270) Safety glasses (AS/NZS 1337.1) Safety footwear (AS/NZS 2210.3) Knee pads (General duty) Nitrile gloves (coating application) (AS/NZS 2161.1)

Australian Standards Referenced

AS/NZS 1716 — Respiratory protective devices AS/NZS 1715 — Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment AS/NZS 1270 — Acoustics – Hearing protectors AS 1940 — The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids AS/NZS 1580 — Paints and related materials – Methods of test

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Using This SWMS On Site

Keep the SWMS where the work is being carried out and have it available if the principal contractor asks for it. Workers named on it sign the acknowledgement page before starting, and it gets reviewed whenever the method, the site conditions or the crew change.

SWMS — Common Questions

When is a SWMS legally required?

Under WHS Regulation 299, a SWMS must be prepared before any high-risk construction work (HRCW) begins. This includes work at heights, demolition, work near energised electrical, excavation over 1.5m, and 18 other defined activities.

What should a SWMS include?

A compliant SWMS must identify the high-risk work, list hazards and risks, describe control measures using the hierarchy of controls, and be signed by the workers involved. Our documents include all required elements plus specific legislation references.

Who needs to sign a SWMS?

The PCBU (or employer in Victoria) who commissions the work, and every worker carrying out the high-risk construction work, must sign the SWMS before work begins.