COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Hazard Prevention & Control in Waterproofing Activities course. This program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to identify, manage, and control hazards effectively, ensuring a safer work environment and compliance with all relevant Australian legislation and standards. Proactive hazard prevention is essential in waterproofing operations to protect workers from serious injuries and prevent costly incidents on construction sites.
This course begins by introducing the importance of hazard prevention in waterproofing work, highlighting the types of incidents commonly associated with the trade—such as chemical exposure, falls, and manual handling injuries—and emphasising the critical legal and moral responsibilities under WHS legislation that apply to both employers and workers.
A solid understanding of WHS legislation and Australian Standards is crucial for lawful and safe waterproofing work. This section explores the key regulatory frameworks, including the WHS Act, WHS Regulations, and relevant standards such as AS 3740 and AS 4654, and explains duty of care responsibilities at all levels of a project team.
Recognising the range of hazards specific to waterproofing activities is the foundation of risk control. This section outlines the major risks posed by chemicals, slips on wet surfaces, and hazards from powered equipment, and stresses the need for early identification and management to avoid injury and downtime.
Before commencing work, thorough site-specific risk assessments must be completed. This section explains how to conduct effective risk assessments by identifying unique hazards, evaluating risk levels, and ensuring that assessment documents are reviewed and updated regularly as site conditions change.
Chemical hazards are one of the most significant risks in waterproofing. This section provides detailed guidance on the safe handling, storage, and disposal of adhesives, primers, solvents, and curing compounds, and stresses the importance of understanding product Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Airborne hazards are common during surface preparation and membrane application. This section focuses on recognising risks from vapours, fumes, and dust, selecting appropriate respiratory protection, and implementing ventilation strategies to ensure breathable air for all workers.
Chemical exposure risks extend to the skin and eyes. This section addresses the use of chemical-resistant PPE, the importance of emergency decontamination stations, and recognising early symptoms of exposure to prevent serious injury.
Manual handling is a daily task in waterproofing. This section outlines safe lifting techniques, methods to reduce repetitive strain from spraying and rolling, and the use of aids such as trolleys and lifting devices to minimise physical injury risks.
Waterproofing tasks often involve work at heights. This section discusses risk factors associated with rooftops, balconies, and decks, and explains the correct use of fall prevention systems, personal fall arrest equipment, and scaffolding in accordance with Australian safety standards.
Slip, trip, and fall hazards are ever-present during waterproofing activities. This section highlights methods to manage surface safety, including effective housekeeping practices, clearly marked walkways, and proactive management of site cleanliness.
The safe use of tools, equipment, and plant is critical to waterproofing operations. This section covers pre-start inspections, maintenance of tools like grinders and sprayers, the importance of tagging out defective equipment, and training workers in correct usage.
Fire and explosion risks must be controlled, especially when solvent-based products are used. This section explains how to recognise flammable substances, implement hot work permit systems, remove ignition sources, and ensure fire-fighting equipment is readily available.
Waterproofing often occurs in confined or restricted spaces, such as basements or tanks. This section discusses how to recognise confined space risks, the need for air monitoring, ventilation, rescue planning, and the legal obligations for confined space entry.
Environmental hazards require careful management to protect surrounding areas. This section outlines strategies to prevent chemical spills, manage runoff, comply with EPA guidelines, and respond effectively to environmental incidents using spill kits and bunding.
Emergency preparedness saves lives. This section explains how to develop site-specific emergency response plans for waterproofing work, provide first aid for chemical exposures and fall incidents, and ensure all workers are trained to respond quickly and appropriately in emergencies.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a vital last line of defence. This section identifies the specific PPE needed for different waterproofing tasks, and discusses fitting, maintenance, inspection procedures, and ensuring compliance with site-specific PPE rules.
Proper induction, supervision, and safety training underpin safe waterproofing operations. This section stresses the importance of comprehensive worker inductions, close supervision of high-risk activities, and the delivery of regular toolbox talks focused on hazard prevention and safe work practices.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to apply best-practice hazard prevention and control strategies across all waterproofing activities, contributing to safer worksites, regulatory compliance, and enhanced project outcomes.
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 Hazard Prevention in Waterproofing Activities
- Importance of hazard identification and risk control in waterproofing
- Common incidents and injuries associated with waterproofing work
- Legal and moral obligations under WHS legislation
2. WHS Legislation and Standards for Waterproofing Work
- Overview of WHS Act and Regulations related to construction work
- Australian Standards impacting waterproofing activities (AS 3740, AS 4654)
- Duty of care responsibilities for employers, workers, and contractors
3. Understanding Common Hazards in Waterproofing Work
- Chemical hazards from primers, adhesives, and membranes
- Slip, trip, and fall hazards on wet surfaces and scaffolding
- Plant and equipment hazards: grinders, sprayers, lifts
4. Performing Site Risk Assessments Before Work Commences
- Identifying specific hazards at each project site
- Assessing the likelihood and severity of risks
- Documenting and reviewing risk assessments regularly
5. Chemical Safety and Hazardous Substance Control
- Safe handling of adhesives, solvents, and curing compounds
- Using Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to understand product risks
- Storing and disposing of hazardous chemicals correctly
6. Respiratory Protection and Airborne Hazard Management
- Identifying risks from fumes, vapours, and dusts during surface preparation
- Selecting appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
- Implementing ventilation systems where required
7. Skin and Eye Protection from Chemical Exposure
- Using chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, and goggles
- Emergency eyewash and decontamination procedures
- Recognising early signs of chemical burns or irritation
8. Manual Handling and Ergonomic Hazard Control
- Lifting and carrying waterproofing materials safely
- Reducing repetitive strain from spraying or rolling activities
- Using mechanical aids and team lifts where appropriate
9. Fall Prevention for Waterproofing at Heights
- Identifying high-risk activities on rooftops, balconies, and decks
- Using fall prevention systems: guardrails, scaffolding, static lines
- Proper fitting and use of harnesses and lanyards
10. Slip, Trip, and Fall Risk Management
- Managing slippery surfaces caused by wet membranes or curing agents
- Site housekeeping and walkpath management
- Highlighting trip hazards and uneven surfaces
11. Safe Use of Tools, Equipment, and Plant
- Inspecting and maintaining grinders, sprayers, and hand tools
- Tagging and isolating defective equipment
- Training workers in the safe operation of mechanical equipment
12. Fire and Explosion Risk Management in Waterproofing
- Identifying flammable materials
- Using fire extinguishers and maintaining hot work permits if necessary
- Eliminating ignition sources during application
13. Working in Confined or Restricted Spaces
- Recognising confined space risks during basement or tank waterproofing
- Planning for ventilation, air monitoring, and rescue procedures
- Complying with confined space entry regulations
14. Managing Environmental Hazards
- Preventing chemical spills into drains, soils, and waterways
- Containment, bunding, and spill response kits
- Complying with EPA guidelines for chemical handling
15. Emergency Preparedness and Response in Waterproofing Work
- Developing site-specific emergency plans
- First aid procedures for chemical exposure and falls
- Training workers in emergency response and evacuation
16. PPE Requirements for Waterproofing Activities
- Identifying necessary PPE for different waterproofing tasks
- Inspecting, fitting, and maintaining PPE correctly
- Ensuring compliance with PPE standards and site rules
17. Worker Induction, Supervision, and Safety Training
- Inducting workers into site-specific risks and controls
- Supervising high-risk work activities closely
- Conducting regular toolbox talks focused on hazard prevention
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 “Certificate of Completion”.