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Brick and Block Laying

SWMS · SWMS-10033

  • 22 job steps
  • Version 11
  • Bricklaying - Masonry
  • Reads on any phone

This Brick and Block Laying Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) helps ensure that all tasks are completed with a focus on risk management and workplace safety. Suitable for use with stone masonry, it helps protect workers and subcontractors on site with clear guidelines and safety measures.

It covers 22 job steps, from silica dust training, planning access at height and work area set-up to brick elevator set-up, materials delivery, mixing mortar, cutting and laying bricks and blocks, core steel reinforcement, acid washing, working from ladders and scaffolds, refuelling, completion and emergency response.

It includes controls for high-risk construction work around mobile plant, structural alterations and falls from height, and for the environmental impact of brick and block laying.

It suits bricklayers and stonemasons, construction firms, and site supervisors and managers overseeing brick and block laying.

Preview of the Brick and Block Laying SWMS

Brick and Block Laying

SWMSVersion 11
Company doing the work
[Company]
Business contact
—
Phone #
—
Responsible person (for monitoring SWMS and work)
—
Responsible person's signature
—
Date signed
—
Contact phone #
—
Principal contractor (PC)
[Principal contractor]
PC address
—
PC phone #
[PC phone]
Date SWMS provided to PC
—
Job site address
[Site address]
Part of a construction project
—

Site management plan

If the work is part of a construction project, this SWMS must align with requirements of the Site Management Plan in place for the Construction Project.

High-risk construction work

This work activity involves the following “High-Risk Construction Work” (HRCW - identified in the Job Task column)

  • Mobile PlantMobile plant movement
  • Structural AlterationsStructures or buildings involving structural alterations or repairs that require temporary support to prevent collapse
  • FallsInvolves a risk of a person falling from 2m or more, including work on telecommunications towers

Working with a risk of a fall over 2 metres

The fall from height hierarchy of control level considered when establishing controls:

  • L1Work on the ground or solid construction, not chosen
  • L2Use a passive fall restraint system, e.g. guard rails, scaffolding, EWP, not chosen
  • L3Use a work positioning system, e.g. travel restraint, rope access, not chosen
  • L4Use a fall arrest system, e.g. safety harness, catch platforms, not chosen
  • L5Implement administrative controls, e.g. signage or instruction, not chosen

No level has been chosen yet.

Planning and preparation

Planning

  • Liaise with Principal Contractor to identify on-site safety systems and procedures

  • Establish supervisory and communication arrangements

  • Principal contractor to confirm emergency response procedures are in place.

Hold points

  • Hold points identified and signed off before continuing work. (specify the hold points)

Training and licences

  • All workers to have a General Construction Induction Card

  • Relevant workers have relevant certificates of competency, licenses, and training. Specify on the SWMS Sign-off for each worker.

  • Trained First Aider on site

  • All workers trained in site-specific emergency and evacuation procedures, SWMS, safe work procedures, and safety data sheets.

Worker duties and responsibilities

  • Fit condition for work, i.e., no signs of fatigue, alcohol or drugs

  • Attend all site inductions/briefings

  • Comply with all site requirements, e.g. PPE, Traffic Management Plans (TMP)

  • Only carry out work related to the contract

  • Inspect completed work and report possible safety, environmental and quality matters to the supervisor.

Monitoring and review

  • All people involved in the task must have this SWMS communicated to them before work commences

  • SWMS to be reviewed and amended if necessary, in consultation with relevant people after any near miss or incident

  • If additional site hazards identified, review this SWMS and amend control measures to suit

  • People, including workers, contractors and sub-contractors, affected by the revisions to this SWMS, must be informed ASAP

  • Give the principal contractor a copy of the revised SWMS

  • The site supervisor to monitor works against the controls stated in this SWMS

  • SWMS must be kept on-site and made available for inspection or review

  • Keep a record of this SWMS until the job is complete or for two years if involved in a notifiable incident

  • Regardless of any other factor, the person in control of the workplace must review this SWMS at least annually.

Site-specific notes

Legislation and codes of practice

None listed.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

  • Foot Protection
  • Hearing Protection
  • High Visibility
  • Head Protection
  • Eye Protection
  • Hand Protection
  • Breathing Protection
  • Sun Protection

Do not wear rings, watches or jewellery that may become entangled. Long and loose hair must be tied back.

Job steps, hazards and controls

  • Work activity

    Provide training on the health effects associated with RCS

    • Hazard

      Exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) – dust inhalation

      Before controls4 Acute
      Controls

      • Training and Information provided to workers on RCS should include:

        • Identification of RCS dust through Safety Datasheet (SDS) or labels

        • Dust exposure prevention strategies

        • Checking controls are working and using them

        • When and how to use any respiratory protective equipment provided and what to do if something goes wrong (Including worker respirator fit and check processes).

      After controls2 Moderate
      Responsible
      • Supervisor

IR before controls · RR after controls1 LLow2 MModerate3 HHigh4 AAcute

Overall risk after controls2 MModeratethe highest rating after controls

21 more job steps, from Planning access to the height location to Emergency response

Each with its hazards, risk ratings and controls, plus your crew's sign-on.

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What it covers

22 job steps

  1. Provide training on the health effects associated with RCSTrain workers on the health effects of respirable crystalline silica
  2. Planning access to the height locationPlan how materials are delivered to the work at height
  3. Arrival on-site & assess onsite conditionsReport in and check the site conditions on arrival
  4. Check weather conditions & prepareCheck the weather and prepare for hot or cold conditions
  5. Work area set-upSet up barricades and exclusion zones around the work area
  6. EnvironmentControl noise, dust, waste, fuels and run-off
  7. Brick elevator set-upCheck for power lines and set up the brick elevator
  8. HousekeepingKeep the work area clean, lit and free of trip hazards
  9. Materials deliveryDeliver and unload materials clear of plant, power lines and the public
  10. Manual tasksMove and lift materials with mechanical aids and good lifting methods
  11. Working with powered & non-powered toolsInspect and use powered and non-powered tools safely
  12. Hazardous substance /chemical useHandle hazardous substances as their SDS directs
  13. Setting out/profiling building linesSet out building lines and place profile pegs safely
  14. Mixing and transporting mortarMix and move mortar without skin contact with wet cement
  15. Cutting bricks &/or blocksCut bricks and blocks with water or dust extraction controls
  16. Laying bricks &/or blocksLay bricks and blocks so new walls stay stable
  17. Core steel reinforcement (Blockwork)Cut and place core steel reinforcement safely
  18. Acid washingMix and handle hydrochloric acid for acid washing
  19. Working at height on ladders, trestles, mobile scaffold, fixed scaffold & openingsWork safely from ladders, trestles, scaffolds and near openings
  20. Fuelling on-siteRefuel plant and tools safely
  21. On completionRemove barricades, check leads and sign out on completion
  22. Emergency responseRespond to emergencies and report incidents

Hazards it covers

Reviews

  • Found very helpful

    Bret TrudgeonVerified purchase

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