Cabinet Installation Safe Work Method Statement

Australian WHS guidelines recommend manual handling risk assessment for loads exceeding 15kg. For cabinet installation, implement two-person lifting for all cabinets weighing over 15kg or with dimensions exceeding 900mm in any direction. Wall cabinets present particular risk due to required holding at shoulder height or above during fixing. Even lighter cabinets may require two-person handling if awkward shapes, confined access, or unstable load distribution increases risk. The focus should be on risk assessment rather than absolute weight limits - consider load characteristics, handling distance, body position required, and duration of holding. When in doubt, use team lifting or mechanical aids such as cabinet jacks.

Wall cabinets must fix to structural members capable of supporting cabinet weight plus contents load. For timber-framed walls, locate timber studs and fix through cabinet hanging rail using minimum 75mm timber screws with 35mm minimum penetration into solid timber. Space fixings at maximum 600mm vertical intervals with minimum two fixings per cabinet. For masonry walls, use appropriate masonry anchors rated for expected loads - typically nylon anchors with 8-10mm screws for domestic installations, chemical anchors for heavier commercial cabinets. Never fix wall cabinets solely to plasterboard as it cannot support weight safely. For steel-framed walls, use appropriate self-tapping screws designed for steel framing. Always verify fixing adequacy by testing installed cabinets under load before releasing temporary support systems.

Cutting engineered stone benchtops containing crystalline silica requires strict dust control and respiratory protection due to silicosis risk. Wet cutting methods must be used to suppress dust generation. Workers must wear P2 or higher respirators rated for crystalline silica when any dry dust exposure is possible. Installation of pre-cut stone benchtops still generates minor dust during dry fitting and final positioning. Use cut-resistant gloves rated Level 3 or higher when handling stone benchtops with exposed edges which can have extremely sharp cutting potential. Safety glasses are mandatory to protect against stone chips. Due to weight (stone benchtops typically weigh 60-80kg per linear metre), mechanical lifting equipment or minimum three-person team lifts are required. Many installers subcontract stone benchtop installation to specialised stone fabricators with appropriate equipment and expertise.

Silicone sealants release acetic acid vapours during curing causing respiratory and eye irritation in confined spaces. Construction adhesives and contact adhesives release volatile organic compounds. Provide mechanical ventilation by positioning portable extraction fans in windows or doorways before commencing adhesive or sealant application. Direct airflow to draw vapours away from installer's breathing zone. Open additional windows and doors to create cross-flow ventilation. Maintain extraction for minimum 30 minutes after application. For larger installation jobs involving substantial adhesive use, consider scheduling work to allow overnight ventilation before client occupation. Wear appropriate respiratory protection if adequate ventilation cannot be achieved - typically organic vapour respirators for adhesive work. Nitrile gloves prevent skin contact with uncured sealants and adhesives which can cause sensitisation and dermatitis. Never use solvent-based products in unventilated spaces.

Brad nailers and finish nailers used for cabinet panel attachment, backing installation, and trim fixing present puncture wound risks from misfired or double-fired nails. Modern nail guns must incorporate sequential fire mechanisms requiring nose contact before trigger activation - this prevents unintentional firing when carrying the tool or from accidental trigger contact. Never bypass or disable safety mechanisms to increase speed. Maintain nail guns according to manufacturer schedules including cleaning, lubrication, and replacement of worn parts. Worn nose contacts can permit double-firing where two nails discharge in quick succession. Inspect air hoses for damage and ensure appropriate air pressure settings - excessive pressure increases misfire risk and can drive nails through workpieces. Wear safety glasses as nails can ricochet from hard knots in timber or metal fixings. Never point nail gun at any person. Keep hands and body parts clear of nail discharge path. Disconnect air supply or remove battery when clearing nail jams or performing maintenance.