Waterproofing SWMS
Membrane application, wet area waterproofing, balcony, and roof membranes
Waterproofing Complete Pack
6 documents — everything you need for waterproofing compliance.
Not sure your current documents are compliant? Run the free WHS compliance check →
Waterproofing work involves exposure to chemical membranes and solvents, working at heights on roofs and balconies, and operating in confined wet areas — all presenting WHS hazards requiring documented controls.
Our waterproofing SWMS pack covers 6 activities including liquid membrane application, sheet membrane installation, wet area waterproofing, balcony and terrace membranes, roof membrane systems, and torch-on applications. Documents address hazards such as chemical fume exposure, fire risk from torch-on applications, slips on wet membrane surfaces, and working at height on roofs and balconies.
Key Hazards Covered
- Chemical fume exposure from membrane products
- Fire risk from torch-on membrane applications
- Slips on wet membrane surfaces
- Falls from height on roofs and balconies
- Skin contact with chemical primers and adhesives
- Working in poorly ventilated wet areas
Relevant Australian Standards
- AS/NZS 4858 Wet area waterproofing
- AS/NZS 3740 Waterproofing of domestic wet areas
- AS 1940 Storage and handling of flammable liquids
- AS/NZS 1715 Respiratory protective devices
Individual Documents — $67.96 each
Waterproofing SWMS — Common Questions
Do waterproofers need SWMS?
Yes, when waterproofing involves working at heights (roofs, balconies above 2 metres), using torch-on applications (hot work), or working with flammable membrane products in confined spaces. These activities are high-risk under WHS Regulations s.291.
Is torch-on waterproofing covered?
Yes. Our pack includes a dedicated torch-on membrane SWMS covering hot work permit requirements, fire prevention controls, gas cylinder safety, fire extinguisher placement, and burn injury first aid.
What chemical hazards are addressed?
Our documents cover safe handling of solvent-based primers, polyurethane membranes, and epoxy coatings — including ventilation requirements, PPE selection, SDS compliance, and emergency procedures for chemical exposure.
Do I need a SWMS for waterproofing work in Victoria?
Victoria is not part of the national WHS scheme, so waterproofing high risk construction work is covered by the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) and the OHS Regulations 2017 (Vic), not the model WHS Regulations. You still need a SWMS-equivalent for activities such as roof or balcony membrane work with a fall risk, and the document must cite Victorian law rather than the WHS Regulations.
Do I need a SWMS for a small residential bathroom waterproofing job?
Not automatically. A SWMS is only mandatory when the work is high risk construction work defined in WHS Regulations s.291, so a ground-floor wet area job with no fall over 2 metres and no confined space may not trigger one, while a balcony or roof membrane with a fall of more than 2 metres does. Many waterproofers still prepare a JSA or risk assessment for smaller jobs as good practice.
Does the builder need a copy of my waterproofing SWMS before I start?
Yes. Under WHS Regulations s.301 the principal contractor must be given a copy of your SWMS before the high risk construction work begins, such as torch-on roof membrane work or balcony waterproofing with a fall of more than 2 metres. Our editable Word templates let you fill in the site details and hand a copy to the builder before you start on site.
Last updated: March 2026