COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Safe Working Practices in Wall & Ceiling Lining Worksites course. This program will equip you with knowledge, awareness, and skills to identify hazards, apply control measures, and contribute to a safer work environment in all wall and ceiling lining activitiesโensuring your safety, your teamโs safety, and the success of every project.
Wall and ceiling lining worksites present a unique combination of manual tasks, overhead work, material handling, and environmental exposures that require consistent vigilance and best-practice safety behaviours.
This course begins by introducing the importance of safety within wall and ceiling lining operations. Participants will examine current industry injury statistics, the most common types of incidents (such as musculoskeletal injuries, slips, trips, and dust exposure), and the legal framework defined by the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act and Regulations. Recognising safety not just as a compliance requirement but as a daily responsibility is a key principle of this course.
Understanding roles and responsibilities on site is essential to maintaining a safe working environment. This section outlines the specific duties of Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs), site supervisors, and workers. It also reinforces the importance of personal accountability, regular site inductions, and daily safety briefings that ensure all personnel are informed, prepared, and protected.
Hazard identification is a core component of risk prevention. This section explores the specific hazards encountered in wall and ceiling lining work, including manual handling risks, working at heights, the use of power tools, exposure to airborne dust, and site-specific dangers such as confined spaces or suspended ceilings.
Risk assessments allow teams to plan and apply controls before work begins. This section details how to identify hazards, apply the hierarchy of control, and use tools such as job safety analyses (JSA) and risk assessment forms. Participants will learn to assess risk levels and implement control measures that are both practical and effective.
Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are a legal requirement for high-risk construction activities. This section explains when SWMS must be developed, how to read and understand them, and the responsibilities of all workers in reviewing, signing, and adhering to job-specific SWMS on site.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the last line of defence and must be properly selected and maintained. Participants will explore the correct use of PPE for wall and ceiling lining tasks, including steel-capped boots, eye protection, gloves, dust masks, hearing protection, and high-visibility clothing.
Manual handling is a significant risk in this trade. This section outlines how to lift, carry, and position plasterboard, metal framing, and ceiling grid components safely. Mechanical aids such as board lifters and trolleys are discussed, along with body positioning techniques that reduce strain and prevent injury.
Working at heights is common during ceiling installation and overhead works. This section provides practical guidance on the correct use of ladders, trestles, scaffolds, and fall protection systems. Youโll also learn how to comply with WHS regulations specific to ceiling and high-level internal work.
Electrical safety is critical in environments with concealed services. This section teaches how to identify electrical hazards, use detection tools, and follow safe procedures when working near switchboards, ceiling cavities, or power points. The importance of circuit isolation and service location is also covered.
Tools and equipment must be used correctly to ensure safety. This section provides guidance on inspecting and operating hand tools, screw guns, rotary sanders, and mixers. It includes the safe use of extension leads, power boards, and Residual Current Devices (RCDs), as well as tool-specific training requirements.
Good housekeeping reduces the risk of accidents. This section explores the importance of maintaining clean and organised work areas, safely storing materials, and removing hazards such as offcuts, tools, and debris. Proper stacking and secure placement of plasterboard and framing components are also discussed.
Handling of materials and chemicals must be done safely and in line with regulations. This section covers the correct storage of plasterboard, joint compounds, adhesives, and sealants. Participants will also learn how to interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS), use labels correctly, and store materials to prevent damage or contamination.
Dust and airborne particles present serious health risks. This section highlights which tasks generate hazardous dust (such as sanding and mixing), and how to reduce exposure through dust extraction, wet methods, and appropriate respiratory protection. Special considerations for working in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces are included.
Noise and vibration are often underestimated hazards. This section provides guidance on identifying noisy tasks, using hearing protection that meets AS/NZS 1270 standards, and reducing prolonged exposure to vibration from tools like sanders and drills. Job rotation and equipment maintenance are key controls.
Emergency preparedness ensures that workers respond correctly in the event of an incident. Participants will learn site-specific emergency procedures, the location of muster points, how to administer basic first aid, and the steps to take following injuries, falls, or chemical exposure.
All incidents, even near misses, must be reported and investigated. This section explores how to report safety concerns, contribute to investigations, and use findings to drive safety improvements. A culture of openness and learning from mistakes is essential to proactive risk management.
Safety is an ongoing process that requires commitment at all levels. This final section introduces the concept of continuous improvement in site safety through regular reviews, lessons learned, corrective actions, and refresher training. Staying informed about regulatory updates and new safe work methods is part of every team memberโs responsibility.
By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge, and skills to identify hazards, apply control measures, and contribute to a safer work environment in all wall and ceiling lining activitiesโensuring your safety, your teamโs safety, and the success of every project.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Safe Working Practices in Wall & Ceiling Lining
- Importance of safety in wall and ceiling lining environments
- Industry statistics and common injury types
- Legal obligations under the WHS Act and Regulations
2. Understanding Roles and Responsibilities on Site
- Duties of PCBUs, site supervisors, and workers
- Importance of personal accountability for safety
- Site inductions and safety briefings
3. Identifying Hazards in Wall and Ceiling Lining Work
- Manual handling risks, working at heights, and tool use
- Slips, trips, falls, and dust inhalation
- High-risk construction work areas
4. Conducting Risk Assessments and Implementing Controls
- Identifying hazards before work begins
- Applying the hierarchy of control
- Using job safety analyses (JSA) and risk assessment templates
5. Understanding and Using Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
- When SWMS are required for wall and ceiling lining tasks
- Reading, reviewing, and signing SWMS
- Keeping SWMS up to date and job-specific
6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
- Required PPE: safety boots, eye protection, gloves, hearing protection
- Using dust masks or respirators when sanding or mixing
- Inspecting and maintaining PPE for effectiveness
7. Safe Manual Handling Techniques
- Lifting plasterboard, framing, and ceiling components safely
- Using trolleys, board lifters, and mechanical aids
- Preventing musculoskeletal injuries and strains
8. Working Safely at Heights
- Using ladders, trestles, and mobile scaffolds correctly
- Fall prevention systems and edge protection
- WHS regulations for ceiling works and overhead installations
9. Electrical and Service Location Safety
- Identifying and avoiding live electrical wires and services
- Using stud finders and service detection tools
- Isolating circuits when working near electrical hazards
10. Safe Use of Tools and Equipment
- Inspecting hand tools, screw guns, rotary sanders, and mixers
- Using extension leads and RCDs safely
- Training and competency in power tool operation
11. Housekeeping and Site Organisation
- Keeping work areas clean and free of obstructions
- Safe material storage and stacking of boards
- Preventing falls from debris, offcuts, and unused materials
12. Safe Storage and Handling of Materials and Chemicals
- Lifting and storing plasterboard to prevent collapse or warping
- Using jointing compounds, adhesives, and sealants safely
- Understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and proper labelling
13. Preventing Exposure to Dust and Airborne Particulates
- Identifying tasks that generate harmful dust
- Using dust extraction systems or wet methods where possible
- Wearing respiratory protection in enclosed spaces
14. Managing Noise and Vibration Risks
- Identifying high-noise tools and tasks
- Using hearing protection in compliance with AS/NZS 1270
- Minimising exposure duration and rotating tasks
15. Emergency Preparedness and First Aid on Site
- Knowing site emergency procedures and muster points
- Responding to injuries, falls, and chemical exposure
- Accessing first aid kits and contacting emergency services
16. Incident Reporting and Investigation Procedures
- Reporting near misses, hazards, and injuries promptly
- Participating in incident investigations
- Using outcomes to improve safety measures
17. Continuous Improvement in Safety Practices
- Reviewing site safety performance regularly
- Learning from incidents and implementing corrective actions
- Attending refresher training and staying informed on safety updates
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital โCertificate of Completionโ.