COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Hazard Prevention & Control in Solid Plastering Activities course. This training is designed to provide you with the knowledge and practical strategies required to manage health and safety risks commonly encountered in solid plastering operations.
Working with cementitious materials, sharp tools, scaffolding, and heavy loads presents a variety of hazards that, if unmanaged, can lead to serious injuries, environmental harm, or regulatory breaches. A strong focus on hazard prevention not only ensures compliance with WHS legislation, but also fosters a safe, efficient, and professional work environment.
This course begins with an overview of the most common hazards present in solid plastering, including slips on slurry, dust inhalation, manual strain, and falls from heights. You will learn the importance of proactive hazard identification and control to minimise risk before incidents occur. Understanding both worker and employer responsibilities under the WHS Act and Regulations is central to this approach, reinforcing the legal and moral obligations for keeping all personnel safe on site.
Identifying physical hazards is a critical early step in any plastering job. You will explore the risks associated with slippery surfaces, sharp hand tools, heavy lifting, awkward positions, and exposure to hot or abrasive materials. Preventing injuries begins with awareness, followed by practical risk-reduction strategies tailored to the plastering context.
Manual handling risks are especially prevalent in plastering work due to the weight and repetition involved in transporting cement, sand, and render. This section explains how to use mechanical aids like trolleys and mixers, apply correct lifting techniques, and rotate tasks to prevent fatigue and injury over time.
Working at heights introduces significant fall risks during upper-wall or ceiling-level plastering. This section provides guidance on assessing when scaffold, trestles, or ladders are required, and how to ensure fall protection systems are installed, inspected, and used properly in accordance with WHS guidelines.
Respiratory hazards are often underestimated in plastering. You will learn about the risks associated with inhaling silica dust, lime particles, and airborne render compounds. The course covers control measures including wet cutting, dust extraction tools, and appropriate respiratory protection selection and maintenance.
Many plastering compounds include chemical additives that require careful handling. This section covers how to identify hazardous substances using Safety Data Sheets (SDS), follow correct labelling and storage procedures, and implement effective spill response protocols to reduce health and environmental risks.
Electrical safety is essential when operating near live systems or using power tools in damp environments. Participants will learn how to identify and isolate electrical hazards, inspect cords and equipment, and use Residual Current Devices (RCDs) to ensure compliance with electrical safety standards.
Tool and equipment safety is crucial for both productivity and injury prevention. This section outlines how to inspect trowels, floats, hawks, and mixers for defects, handle them safely during use and cleaning, and prevent mechanical faults that could lead to serious incidents.
Safe operation of plastering machines and mixers is addressed through clear procedural guidance. You will explore how to prevent entanglement, accidental activation, and equipment breakdowns through proper setup, operation, and cleaning protocols.
Scaffold and access equipment must be erected, used, and maintained in strict accordance with WHS standards. This section outlines how to check scaffold stability, maintain clear access routes, and conduct daily safety inspections to support safe elevated work practices.
Good housekeeping plays a pivotal role in hazard prevention. You will be trained on how to manage clutter, contain plaster spills, and prevent trips caused by scattered tools, hoses, and cords. Maintaining a clean and organised site enhances both safety and professionalism.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is critical in reducing exposure to multiple plastering risks. This section explains how to select, fit, and maintain PPE, including gloves, goggles, dust masks, and safety boots. Training workers to use PPE properly is vital for effectiveness.
Noise hazards arise from mechanical mixing, sanding, and grinding. Participants will learn how to assess noise exposure levels, apply hearing protection appropriately, and ensure compliance with site-specific noise control policies.
Environmental risks must be controlled to avoid pollution and penalties. This section focuses on preventing plaster slurry runoff, managing dust emissions, and implementing environmentally responsible work practices using compliant materials and waste containment strategies.
Being prepared for emergencies is fundamental to any safe plastering site. This section explains how to recognise exposure symptoms, apply first aid, respond to chemical spills, and report incidents accurately and promptly in accordance with workplace procedures.
Clear communication is essential for maintaining site safety. This section covers how to conduct site inductions, communicate hazards using signage and verbal briefings, and document toolbox talks and safety consultations to ensure everyone is informed and accountable.
Supervision ensures that hazard control procedures are followed consistently. Participants will learn how to monitor the performance of apprentices and subcontractors, enforce safe behaviour across teams, and conduct regular walkthroughs and risk assessments to identify and resolve new hazards.
Finally, continuous improvement is the key to long-term safety success. This section encourages you to review incidents, track safety performance, and involve all team members in developing and refining safer work practices based on lessons learned and evolving site conditions.
By the end of this course, you will have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to actively prevent hazards, control risks, and promote a culture of safety and responsibility in all solid plastering activities.
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 Solid Plastering
- Overview of common hazards in solid plastering operations
- Importance of proactive hazard control for WHS compliance
- Worker and employer responsibilities under WHS legislation
2. Identifying Physical Hazards on Plastering Sites
- Risks from slips, trips, and falls due to wet surfaces and equipment
- Sharp tools, materials, and manual handling of heavy items
- Exposure to hot surfaces, rough edges, and awkward workspaces
3. Manual Handling and Ergonomic Risk Control
- Lifting and transporting bags of cement, sand, and render
- Using mechanical aids like trolleys and mortar mixers
- Preventing fatigue and repetitive strain injuries through rotation
4. Working at Heights and Edge Protection
- Assessing when scaffold, trestles, or ladders are required
- Installing and inspecting fall protection systems
- Ensuring platform stability during upper-wall plastering
5. Respiratory Hazards and Dust Control
- Risks associated with cement dust, lime, and silica exposure
- Using wet-cutting methods and vacuum-assisted sanding tools
- Wearing and maintaining appropriate respiratory protection
6. Safe Use and Storage of Chemicals and Additives
- Identifying hazardous substances used in plaster additives
- Understanding and following Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Proper storage, labelling, and spill response procedures
7. Electrical Safety in Plastering Worksites
- Risks of contact with live wires or power tools in wet environments
- Using RCDs and ensuring cords are undamaged and properly routed
- Isolating electrical circuits before applying wet finishes nearby
8. Tool and Equipment Safety Protocols
- Inspecting trowels, hawks, floats, and mixing equipment
- Preventing cuts, abrasions, and tool malfunctions
- Ensuring correct handling and cleaning of plastering tools
9. Working Safely with Plastering Machines and Mixers
- Following safe operating procedures for mechanical mixers
- Preventing entanglement or accidental activation
- Cleaning and maintaining equipment to prevent faults
10. Scaffold and Access Equipment Safety
- Erecting and dismantling scaffold in line with WHS regulations
- Maintaining clear access routes and safe working platforms
- Conducting daily inspections for damage or instability
11. Slips, Trips, and Good Housekeeping Practices
- Preventing spills of plaster slurry, sand, and water
- Keeping walkways clear of trowels, hoses, cords, and buckets
- Cleaning up debris promptly and maintaining site organisation
12. PPE Requirements in Solid Plastering
- Selecting appropriate gloves, goggles, masks, and footwear
- Ensuring proper fit, maintenance, and replacement schedules
- Training workers on correct use of personal protective equipment
13. Noise Hazards and Hearing Protection
- Identifying high-noise tasks such as mechanical mixing or grinding
- Implementing hearing protection when necessary
- Monitoring noise exposure levels on large sites
14. Environmental Hazard Control Measures
- Preventing plaster runoff into stormwater or sensitive areas
- Containing dust and waste to comply with EPA expectations
- Using eco-friendly products and techniques where applicable
15. Emergency Preparedness and Incident Response
- Recognising the signs of exposure to hazardous materials
- First aid response for burns, chemical contact, and falls
- Reporting near misses, injuries, and environmental incidents
16. Site Inductions and Hazard Communication
- Delivering safety briefings and hazard updates
- Using signage, labels, and verbal instructions clearly
- Recording inductions, toolbox talks, and safety consultations
17. Supervision and Monitoring of Safe Practices
- Monitoring apprentice and subcontractor compliance
- Enforcing consistent safety behaviour across teams
- Conducting regular walkthroughs and risk assessments
18. Continuous Improvement in Hazard Prevention
- Reviewing incident data and safety performance
- Updating SWMS and procedures based on lessons learned
- Involving workers in developing safer plastering practices
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”.