COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Hazard Prevention & Control in Wall & Floor Tiling course. This program is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to identify, manage, and control hazards commonly encountered during wall and floor tiling tasks. Whether working on residential builds, commercial renovations, or large-scale construction projects, tiling professionals operate in environments where risks must be systematically assessed and controlled to ensure safety and compliance.
This course begins with an overview of common workplace hazards in tiling, principles of hazard identification, and the shared responsibilities of all personnel involved in creating a safe working environment.
Understanding Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation is essential for lawful and responsible practice. This section outlines the key provisions of the Model WHS Act and Regulations, the specific duties of PCBUs, workers, and contractors, and the legal consequences of failing to comply with safety obligations in the construction sector.
Every tiling site presents unique risks. This section explores how hazards can vary between indoor and outdoor settings, between renovation and new construction environments, and when working in proximity to other trades. Recognising these site-specific differences enables proactive risk management.
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes of injury in tiling. This section discusses how to manage slippery or uneven surfaces, implement safe movement pathways, and use signage and barricading to alert others and prevent access to hazardous zones.
Manual handling is a significant risk area in tiling work. This section focuses on safe lifting techniques for heavy tiles and adhesives, the use of trolleys and mechanical aids, and ergonomic practices to reduce repetitive strain, fatigue, and long-term musculoskeletal injuries.
Tilers are often exposed to hazardous substances. This section identifies common chemicals in adhesives, sealants, and grouts, explains how to handle and store them safely, and covers the importance of reading and applying Safety Data Sheets (SDS) correctly.
Noise, dust, and fumes are ever-present during tile cutting and surface preparation. This section explains how to manage airborne particles, reduce noise exposure from power tools, and use ventilation systems and appropriate PPE to control health risks in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.
Electrical hazards are a critical consideration, particularly when using tools around water or near live services. This section covers how to identify electrical risks, the use of RCDs, safe power tool practices, and working safely around unfinished or active electrical installations.
Proper tool usage is essential to prevent accidents. This section provides guidance on pre-start checks, safe use and maintenance of hand and power tools, and proper storage and handling to avoid misuse or damage that can lead to injury.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a frontline defence against injuries. This section outlines the specific PPE requirements for tiling tasks—such as gloves, respiratory protection, goggles, and knee pads—as well as proper maintenance, storage, and responsibilities of both employers and workers in PPE compliance.
Working at heights remains a high-risk activity in many tiling jobs. This section addresses the safe use of ladders and access platforms, scaffolding regulations, and the use of fall arrest systems in accordance with industry standards and site safety plans.
Tiles and related materials are heavy and awkward to handle. This section explains best practices for stacking and securing materials, managing pallet deliveries, and avoiding spills or collapses that can result in injuries or product damage.
Tiling also presents environmental hazards. This section discusses how to properly dispose of wastewater, adhesives, and chemicals, prevent contamination of surrounding areas, and manage runoff to protect external surfaces and nearby drains.
Emergency preparedness is vital for effective response. This section covers how to identify potential emergencies such as chemical spills, fires, or personal injuries, and how to respond using site-specific procedures, emergency equipment, and first aid resources.
Conducting proper risk assessments is a core WHS requirement. This section outlines how to assess risk likelihood and consequence using risk matrices, identify high-priority hazards, and implement suitable control measures based on the hierarchy of control.
Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are mandatory for high-risk tiling activities. This section explains their purpose, how to develop SWMS tailored to specific tiling tasks, and the importance of regularly reviewing and updating them to reflect changing site conditions.
Reporting hazards and investigating incidents helps prevent recurrence. This section teaches how to report near misses and unsafe conditions, conduct incident investigations, and perform root cause analysis to develop long-term preventive solutions.
Clear communication of safety information is essential on any worksite. This section highlights the use of safety signage and labels, conducting toolbox talks and pre-start meetings, and ensuring safety messages are understood across language and literacy levels.
Supervision plays a critical role in hazard control. This section explores how supervisors can monitor safety practices, provide timely feedback and correction, and offer additional support to new or vulnerable workers to maintain high standards of site safety.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped to identify and control hazards across a range of wall and floor tiling environments, apply WHS legislative requirements, implement risk management strategies, and uphold a culture of safety on every site.
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 Workplace Hazards in Tiling
- Overview of workplace hazards in tiling
- Hazard identification principles
- Roles and responsibilities in hazard control
2. Understanding WHS Legislation and Duties
- Model WHS Act and Regulations
- Duties of PCBUs, workers, and others
- Penalties and enforcement provisions
3. Identifying Site-Specific Hazards
- Indoor vs. outdoor tiling environments
- Renovation vs. new construction risks
- Interaction with other trades
4. Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention
- Managing slippery or uneven surfaces
- Safe movement and access practices
- Signage and barricading
5. Manual Handling and Ergonomic Risks
- Safe lifting techniques for tiles and adhesives
- Use of trolleys, hoists and aids
- Minimising repetitive strain and fatigue
6. Working with Hazardous Substances
- Identifying hazardous substances in tiling
- Safe handling and usage of products
- Reading and applying Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
7. Noise, Dust and Fume Management
- Dust generation from tile cutting
- Noise exposure from grinders and saws
- Ventilation and PPE solutions
8. Electrical Safety on Tiling Sites
- Identifying electrical hazards
- Use of RCDs and safe power tool use
- Working around live services
9. Safe Use of Hand and Power Tools
- Pre-start checks and maintenance
- Tool-specific safety precautions
- Storage and handling practices
10. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Tiling
- Types of PPE for tiling
- PPE maintenance and storage
- Employer and worker responsibilities
11. Working at Heights During Tiling Tasks
- Safe use of ladders and access equipment
- Scaffolding safety requirements
- Fall arrest systems
12. Handling and Storing Tiles and Materials
- Safe stacking and securing of tiles
- Handling pallets and bulk deliveries
- Avoiding material spills and collapses
13. Environmental Hazards and Controls
- Wastewater and chemical disposal
- Protecting surrounding areas from damage
- Managing runoff and surface contamination
14. Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Identifying potential emergencies in tiling
- Fire, chemical and injury response procedures
- Accessing first aid and emergency equipment
15. Risk Assessment in Tiling Projects
- Risk identification and likelihood
- Risk matrix and consequence analysis
- Selecting appropriate control measures
16. Implementing Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
- Purpose and structure of SWMS
- Developing a SWMS for tiling tasks
- Reviewing and updating SWMS regularly
17. Hazard Reporting and Investigation Procedures
- How to report hazards and near misses
- Incident investigation process
- Root cause analysis and follow-up actions
18. Communication of Safety Information
- Safety signage and labels
- Toolbox talks and pre-start briefings
- Language and literacy considerations
19. Role of Supervision in Hazard Control
- Monitoring safe practices on-site
- Providing feedback and correction
- Supporting new or vulnerable workers
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”.