Plastering

Under Australian WHS legislation, a SWMS is mandatory for high-risk construction work as defined in the Work Health and Safety Regulations. For plastering, this includes any work involving a risk of fall from height of two metres or more, which encompasses most ceiling installation and upper-level wall work in residential construction. Even for single-storey work where ceiling heights are under 2.4 metres, many principal contractors and builders now require SWMS documentation for all trade work as part of their safety management systems. Additionally, if your plastering work involves confined spaces such as ceiling voids or subfloor areas, SWMS documentation is required regardless of height considerations. Best practice is to prepare a SWMS for any plastering project beyond minor patch repairs, as it demonstrates proactive safety management, provides valuable hazard documentation, and protects your business in the event of incidents. The time invested in SWMS preparation is minimal compared to the legal, financial, and reputational consequences of inadequate safety documentation.

Controlling dust from plasterboard cutting requires implementing the hierarchy of controls starting with elimination and engineering solutions. Where possible, use pre-cut plasterboard sheets to minimise on-site cutting. For necessary cutting, implement on-tool dust extraction systems with HEPA filtration that capture dust at the source before it becomes airborne. Modern screw-less cutting tools and scoring methods generate significantly less dust than power saws and should be used where suitable. Engineering controls should include local exhaust ventilation in enclosed areas, isolation of cutting operations from other workers using barriers, and wet cutting methods for rendering materials. Administrative controls include limiting the number of workers in cutting areas, implementing regular breaks in well-ventilated areas, good housekeeping with HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaners rather than sweeping, and rotation of workers performing high-dust tasks. Personal protective equipment, while the last line of defence, must include fitted P2 respirators as minimum protection during cutting and sanding activities. All workers performing regular cutting should undergo baseline health monitoring including lung function testing, with periodic retesting to detect early signs of respiratory problems. Document all dust control measures in your SWMS and ensure workers are trained in correct use and limitations of each control.

Mechanical aids are essential for safe plasterboard installation and should be selected based on the work being performed. For ceiling installation, plasterboard lifts are mandatory for commercial projects and strongly recommended for all ceiling work. These devices hydraulically elevate sheets to ceiling height and hold them in position, eliminating the need for workers to support heavy sheets overhead. Panel lifts are available in manual, electric, and remote-controlled variants, with hire costs of approximately $80-150 per day representing excellent value compared to injury costs and lost productivity from manual methods. For wall installation, plasterboard trolleys enable horizontal transport of multiple sheets and provide stable storage at working height, reducing bending and lifting from ground level. Sheet carriers or board lifters allow two workers to safely carry and position sheets using handles that distribute weight evenly and maintain safe posture. For exterior rendering work, spray equipment eliminates manual trowel application over large areas, reducing repetitive strain while improving productivity. Material hoists or telehandlers deliver plasterboard pallets to upper levels, eliminating manual carrying up stairs or ladders. Your SWMS should specify which mechanical aids are required for different work scenarios and prohibit manual methods where mechanical alternatives exist.

Managing fall risks for plasterboard installation requires systematic implementation of the hierarchy of controls. Elimination is rarely possible as ceiling and upper-level work is fundamental to plastering, so controls focus on engineering solutions and administrative measures. For ceiling work and high walls, properly designed and erected scaffolding compliant with AS/NZS 1576 provides the primary control, with full planking eliminating gaps, edge protection including top rails at 900-1100mm and mid-rails, and safe access via internal stairs rather than ladders. The scaffold design must account for the distributed load of stacked plasterboard, typically requiring higher load ratings than basic access scaffolding. For shorter-duration work, elevating work platforms provide mobile access with built-in edge protection, though work must cease if wind speeds exceed manufacturer limits. Trestle platforms may be used for heights under 4 metres provided they are properly braced, fully planked, and fitted with guardrails or workers wear fall arrest harnesses connected to rated anchor points. Ladder access is prohibited for work positions where both hands are needed, as plasterboard sheets cannot be safely carried on ladders. Before commencing work each day, conduct pre-start inspections of all elevated platforms, check scaffold tags confirm safe status, verify that materials are lifted using mechanical hoists rather than manual carrying, and ensure exclusion zones prevent unauthorised access beneath work areas. Document all fall protection measures in your SWMS specific to each project's height access requirements.

Plasterers typically complete a Certificate III in Solid Plastering (for rendering) or Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining through an apprenticeship combining supervised on-the-job training with formal technical education. For high-risk construction work, additional qualifications are mandatory: workers operating elevating work platforms above 11 metres require an EWP High Risk Work Licence, and those erecting, altering, or dismantling scaffolding must hold a Scaffolding Work High Risk Work Licence. All construction workers must complete the general construction induction training (White Card) before commencing any construction work in Australia. For work involving confined spaces such as ceiling voids, workers need confined space training covering atmospheric testing, ventilation, emergency procedures, and rescue protocols. Workers using powder-actuated tools for fixing to concrete or steel require specific competency certification. Supervisors should hold relevant trade qualifications plus demonstrated experience in supervision, safety management, and the ability to identify and control hazards specific to plastering work. Additional training should cover manual handling techniques specific to plasterboard installation, proper use of mechanical lifting aids, silica dust awareness and control measures, and correct selection and use of respiratory protective equipment. Document all required qualifications in your SWMS and verify worker competency before allowing them to perform specific high-risk tasks. Maintain training records as evidence of competency for WorkSafe inspections and client prequalification requirements.