Rising Damp Treatment SWMS
Safe Work Method Statement covering the key hazards and control measures for treating rising damp in masonry — damp-proof-course injection, salt-contaminated plaster removal and salt-retardant rendering.
SWMS variants reference your state’s WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.
This Safe Work Method Statement covers the treatment of rising damp in masonry walls — installing a remedial damp-proof course by drilling injection holes and introducing damp-proofing cream or fluid, removing salt-contaminated plaster, and applying salt-retardant render. It identifies the health and safety hazards the work creates and sets out the control measures, in order of the hierarchy of control, for a crew to complete the work safely in occupied and unoccupied buildings.
Hazards identified
8 hazards covered, sorted by priority.
Inhalation of RCS causing silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer over time
Inhalation of asbestos fibres or lead dust causing asbestosis, mesothelioma or lead poisoning
Dermatitis, chemical burns, eye injury and respiratory irritation from silane/siloxane and solvent carriers
Electrocution or serious electric shock
Respiratory sensitisation, allergic reaction and infection
Musculoskeletal injury to back, shoulders, wrists and knees
Sprains, fractures and lacerations
Back and limb strain injuries
Control measures
Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.
- 1Elimination — Where the building fabric allows, specify a non-drilling remedial method (for example an installed physical membrane during other remedial works) so that drilling into masonry and its silica dust are removed from the task entirely.
- 2Substitution — Select a low-hazard water-based damp-proofing cream in preference to solvent-based injection fluids to reduce vapour and flammability, and use pre-mixed cartridge systems to avoid open decanting and mixing.
- 3Isolation — Seal off and, where practical, vacate the work area from building occupants using dust barriers and signage; keep the public and other trades clear of drilling, plaster removal and injection zones.
- 4Engineering — Drill using tools fitted with on-tool dust extraction connected to an H-class (or M-class where permitted) dust extraction unit, or apply water suppression, to capture RCS at the source; provide mechanical ventilation when working in enclosed rooms.
- 5Engineering — Power all electrical tools through a residual current device (RCD) and inspect leads and tools before use; keep leads clear of wet floors and damp masonry.
- 6Administrative — Before disturbing any plaster or render in a building that may pre-date 1990, review the asbestos register and arrange a competent assessment; do not proceed with removal until asbestos and lead-paint status is confirmed and, if present, licensed removal is arranged.
- 7Administrative — Follow the safety data sheet for every damp-proofing product; provide product-specific induction, air monitoring where indicated, and a documented sequence of drill, inject, re-plaster and clean-up steps briefed to the crew before work starts.
- 8Administrative — Rotate drilling tasks and provide anti-fatigue matting and knee protection to limit sustained low-level and repetitive work.
- 9PPE — Wear a correctly fit-tested P2 respirator for drilling and plaster removal, chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection for injection work, and hearing protection where drilling noise requires it.
Applicable Codes of Practice
Requires the PCBU to eliminate or minimise exposure to respirable crystalline silica generated by drilling masonry, including dust control, air monitoring where required, and health monitoring for workers at risk.
Applies to the storage, mixing, application and disposal of damp-proofing creams, fluids and salt-retardant additives, including SDS use, labelling and control selection.
Requires RCD protection and inspection of portable electrical equipment used in the damp conditions typical of rising-damp work.
Applies where old plaster or render disturbed during treatment may contain asbestos; the work must not disturb asbestos until it is identified and, if present, removed under the appropriate licence.
High-Risk Construction Work triggered
Rising-damp treatment is not, by itself, one of the high-risk construction work activities that automatically requires a SWMS under the WHS Regulation. A SWMS or safe work instruction is still commonly required by principal contractors and clients and is best practice for documenting hazard identification, control selection and worker consultation. Note that if the work disturbs asbestos, or is carried out at height, separate legal requirements apply and must be assessed on their own terms.
Who this is for
- →Rising-damp and remedial specialists
- →Waterproofing contractors offering damp treatment
- →Restoration and heritage building trades
- →Property maintenance contractors treating damp masonry
What you receive
- ✓Editable DOCX template — Microsoft Word compatible
- ✓Full hazard register with consequences and priority ratings
- ✓Control measures set out in hierarchy-of-control order
- ✓Applicable codes of practice and legislation references
- ✓Sign-on register for workers and site-specific detail fields
- ✓Prepared for the WHS Regulation in force in your state
Worked example
A remedial crew is engaged to treat rising damp along a ground-floor party wall in an occupied 1920s terrace. Before starting, the leading hand confirms the building's age triggers an asbestos and lead-paint check, and the existing plaster is assessed and cleared before any removal. The room is emptied of the occupant's belongings that can be moved, and a dust barrier is set across the doorway. Injection holes are drilled with an on-tool dust-extraction drill running to an H-class vacuum, with all tools powered through an RCD. A water-based damp-proofing cream is injected from cartridges, avoiding open mixing. Salt-contaminated plaster is removed to the specified height with the extraction unit running and crew in fit-tested P2 respirators, then salt-retardant render is applied. The area is vacuumed and wiped down before the barrier is removed and the occupant's room is handed back.
Related legislation
- WHS Act 2011 (model)
- WHS Regulation — hazardous chemicals and airborne contaminants
- Managing the risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace — Code of Practice
- Managing electrical risks in the workplace — Code of Practice
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a SWMS for rising-damp treatment?
Rising-damp treatment is not by itself one of the high-risk construction work activities that automatically require a SWMS under the WHS Regulation. However, a SWMS or safe work instruction is still commonly required by principal contractors and clients, and it remains best practice for documenting the hazards — particularly the silica dust from drilling and the chemicals used — and the controls and worker consultation in an auditable form before work starts.
What is the main health hazard in this work?
Respirable crystalline silica dust from drilling brick, block, stone or mortar to form the injection holes is the principal health hazard. The document sets out on-tool dust extraction, water suppression and fit-tested P2 respiratory protection to control it at the source.
Does this cover removing old plaster?
Yes. It covers hacking off salt-contaminated plaster and applying salt-retardant render, and it flags the critical step of checking for asbestos and lead paint before disturbing any plaster in older buildings — the work must not proceed with removal until that status is confirmed.
Is the document editable and state-specific?
Yes. It is an editable Microsoft Word document prepared for the WHS Regulation in force in the state you select at checkout. You add your business, site and crew details before briefing the work.
Is this a completed site document?
It is a template until you complete it. You must review it against the actual building, plant and conditions, add your site-specific detail, and consult your workers, as the WHS Regulation requires, before the work starts.