Timber Floor Installation
Installation of solid timber and engineered timber flooring including subfloor preparation, moisture testing, underlay installation, board laying (nail-down, glue-down, or floating), sanding with drum sander and edger, and application of polyurethane or oil finish. Addresses wood dust exposure, chemical fumes, and sanding equipment hazards. Pre-filled hazards, controls, and risk ratings.
The drum sander on a hardwood floor turns a hundred kilos of timber into respirable dust per shift, and that dust is what makes timber-floor installation a carcinogen-exposure trade rather than just a finishing one. Wood dust carries an eight-hour TWA workplace exposure standard that on-tool dust extraction is built around — M-class minimum for the drum, edger and orbital sander, with H-class the documented step-up where the room ventilates poorly. Sweeping at the end of the shift is what puts dust into the lungs of the next trade walking in.
Coatings carry the second hazard column. Solvent-based polyurethanes and isocyanate-cure systems vapourise during application, sensitise the respiratory tract permanently, and the homeowner who lets the dog back into the room before the cure completes is the one most often diagnosed. Mechanical ventilation, an A-class organic-vapour respirator with a P3 prefilter selected to AS/NZS 1716:2012 (or a supplied-air respirator on isocyanate-cure systems), and an evacuation plan for occupants are the floor controls. The fine dust accumulating in unventilated rooms is also a documented dust-explosion ignition source — no smoking, no power tools producing sparks, no hot work during sanding shifts.
Drum-sander handling is its own injury category: stopping the machine while the drum is in contact with the floor produces a kickback that can throw the sander across the room and a divot in the floor that won't stand out from a metre away but will after the polyurethane goes on. Operator training on drum lift technique, before-the-shift moisture meter readings on the boards, and a clearly-defined no-work zone around the drum keep the trade clean. Cert III in Carpentry under CPC30220 or a flooring-specific qualification, current first aid and an RPE fit-test are what each sander needs to walk on site with.
What's In Your SWMS
9 Hazards & Controls
Nasal cancer, respiratory sensitisation, occupational asthma, dermatitis, eye irritation
Use pre-finished flooring that requires no on-site sanding
Use species with lower sensitisation risk where design permits
Seal off work area from occupied spaces. Close HVAC systems during sanding.
- Use dust extraction on all sanding equipment (M-class minimum, H-class preferred)
- Use sanders with integrated dust collection systems
- Ensure dust bags/extractors are correctly fitted and emptied regularly
- Seal gaps under doors to prevent dust migration
- P2 respirator mandatory during all sanding operations
- No dry sweeping - use vacuum with HEPA filter
- Limit exposure duration - rotate workers on sanding tasks
- No eating or drinking in work area
- Health monitoring for workers with regular hardwood dust exposure
- Clean up dust before it accumulates
P2 respirator mandatory, safety glasses, coveralls recommended
27-Step Work Procedure
Equipment & PPE
Equipment (16)
- Drum sander (floor sanding machine)
For main floor area sanding. Must have dust extraction. Never stop while drum is in contact with floor.
- Edger (edge sander)
For sanding perimeter and areas drum sander cannot reach. 7" disc type.
- Buffer / rotary polisher
For final sanding between coats and applying finish.
- Dust extractor (M-class minimum)
Connected to sanding equipment. M-class filter for wood dust. H-class preferred.
- Floor nailer (pneumatic or manual)
For nail-down solid timber installation. Secret nailing through tongue.
- Mitre saw / drop saw
For cutting boards to length. Use dust extraction.
- Circular saw
For rip cuts and fitting around obstacles.
- Jigsaw
For curved cuts around door frames and obstacles.
- Moisture meter
For testing subfloor and timber moisture content before installation.
- Finish applicator pads / lambswool
For applying polyurethane or oil finish.
- Tape measure
For measuring room dimensions and board cuts.
- Chalk line
For marking straight reference lines.
- Pry bar / pull bar
For tightening boards and fitting last rows.
- Knee pads / kneeling mat
For extended kneeling during board installation.
- First aid kit
Include wound dressings, eye wash, burn gel.
- Fire extinguisher (ABE type)
Required due to flammable dust and finishes.
PPE (7)
- P2 respirator (half-face minimum)AS/NZS 1716:2012
Mandatory during all sanding operations. Wood dust from hardwoods is classified by IARC as a Group 1 carcinogen. P2 minimum (note: P2 is the AS/NZS classification; U.S. N95 and European FFP2 are equivalent designations under their respective national standards and are not interchangeable with AS/NZS certification). Selection / use / maintenance per AS/NZS 1715:2009.
- Organic vapour respirator (A1P2)AS/NZS 1716:2012
Required when applying solvent-based finishes. A1P2 = organic-vapour Class 1 + particulate P2 combined cartridge per AS/NZS 1716:2012. Selection / use / maintenance per AS/NZS 1715:2009. For isocyanate-cure systems, an airline-supplied respirator is generally required because no air-purifying cartridge is certified against isocyanates.
- Safety glassesAS/NZS 1337.1:2010
Essential - wood dust and debris from sanding and cutting.
- Hearing protection (Class 5)AS/NZS 1270:2002
Essential - floor sanders and power saws generate high noise levels (>100dB). Class 5 (SLC80 rating) selected per the AS/NZS 1269 risk-assessment process.
- Work glovesAS/NZS 2161.1:2016
For handling boards and equipment (mechanical risks per AS/NZS 2161.3:2020). For chemical handling during finishing (polyurethane, solvents, adhesives), use chemical-resistant gloves per AS/NZS 2161.10.1:2024 (chemical / microorganism risks; aligned to ISO 374-1:2024). Glove material must be matched to the specific chemical in the SDS (nitrile / butyl / Viton).
- Safety boots (steel cap)AS 2210.3:2019
Protection from dropped boards and equipment (AS 2210.3:2019 is the Australian-only re-designation; supersedes the joint AS/NZS form).
- Knee pads
For extended kneeling during board installation and edger work. There is no AS/NZS standard specifically for knee pads — selection is per manufacturer specification appropriate to expected kneeling duration and surface.
Training & Emergency
Competency Requirements
- Construction Induction Card (White Card)training
Required for work on construction sites
- Timber Floor Installation Competencycertificate
Certificate III in Flooring Technology (MSF30818) or demonstrated equivalent experience
- Floor Sander Trainingtraining
Training in safe operation of drum sanders and edgers. Equipment-specific induction.
- Floor Finishing Trainingtraining
Training in safe application of polyurethane and oil finishes, including PPE requirements
- First Aid Certificate
Recommended for at least one team member on site
Emergency Procedures
DUST FIRE: Evacuate immediately. Call 000. Do not use water on dust fire. Use ABE extinguisher if safe. Shut off dust extraction to prevent spreading.
SOLVENT FIRE: Evacuate immediately. Call 000. Do not use water. Use ABE extinguisher only if fire is small and contained. Turn off gas pilot lights.
RAG FIRE (Spontaneous combustion): Evacuate immediately. Call 000. Fire can spread rapidly from oily rags.
SEVERE WOOD DUST EXPOSURE: Move to fresh air. If breathing difficulty, coughing, or chest tightness, seek medical attention. Record exposure details.
CHEMICAL SPLASH IN EYES: Irrigate immediately with eye wash or clean water for minimum 20 minutes. Do not rub. Seek medical attention. Bring SDS.
NAIL GUN INJURY: If nail embedded, do not remove. Immobilise affected area. Call 000 for serious injuries. Seek medical attention.
Everything above, included in your SWMS document.
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High-Risk Construction Work Categories
Under Australian WHS Regulations (Chapter 7 Part 7.1 - Hazardous Chemicals; Chapter 4 Part 4.1 - Noise (Reg 56-58); Chapter 4 Part 4.2 - Hazardous Manual Tasks (Reg 60); Reg 414-419 - Health monitoring for hazardous chemicals), this work is classified as high-risk due to:
- Work involving hazardous chemicals (Polyurethane finishes, stains, and adhesives contain VOCs; 2K (two-pack) systems may contain isocyanates which require airline-supplied respiratory protection (no air-purifying cartridge is certified against isocyanates). Hardwood dust is IARC Group 1 carcinogenic (sufficient evidence for nasal cancer).)
- Work in or near a hazardous atmosphere (Wood dust can create flammable/explosive atmosphere. Solvent fumes from finishes require ventilation.)
Australian Standards Referenced
Who Needs This SWMS?
This template is designed for the following trades and roles performing timber floor installation work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a SWMS for timber floor installation?
While timber floor installation may not automatically be classified as high-risk construction work, a SWMS is strongly recommended due to wood dust exposure (carcinogenic for hardwood), chemical exposure from finishes, and noise levels. Most principal contractors require SWMS for all construction activities.
Is wood dust dangerous?
Yes. Hardwood dust is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen (known to cause cancer in humans), specifically nasal cancer. Dust from certain species also causes respiratory sensitisation and allergic dermatitis. The workplace exposure standard for hardwood dust is 1 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA).
What PPE is required for floor sanding?
P2 respirator minimum (dust), Class 5 hearing protection (noise exceeds 100dB), safety glasses, safety boots, and knee pads for edger work. When applying solvent-based finishes, an organic vapour respirator (A1P2 filter) is required instead of a P2 mask.
Why must the drum sander keep moving?
Stopping a drum sander while the drum is in contact with the floor creates deep gouges called "stop marks" that are very difficult to remove. The drum rotates at high speed with coarse abrasive and will sand through the timber in seconds if stationary. Always lift the drum before stopping or turning.
Can I sand floors without dust extraction?
No. Dust extraction is mandatory under WHS regulations. Sanding without extraction creates dangerous dust levels far exceeding the workplace exposure standard, creates fire/explosion risk from accumulated dust, and contaminates the entire premises. All sanding equipment must have effective dust extraction.
Why must oil-soaked rags be spread flat to dry?
Oil finishes (particularly linseed and tung oil) generate heat as they cure through oxidation. If rags are bunched together or placed in a closed container, heat cannot dissipate and can build to ignition point, causing spontaneous combustion. Spread rags flat outdoors so air can circulate.
How long before I can walk on freshly finished floors?
For most polyurethane finishes, light foot traffic (socks only) is typically possible after 24 hours, normal traffic after 48-72 hours. However, full cure takes 7-14 days during which the floor is vulnerable to damage. Do not place furniture or rugs until fully cured.
What is the difference between water-based and solvent-based polyurethane?
Solvent-based polyurethane has stronger fumes (high VOCs), longer dry times, ambers over time, and requires organic vapour respirator. Water-based has lower odour (low VOC), faster drying, stays clear, and only requires P2 mask. Water-based is preferred for occupied premises and environmental compliance.
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