Wall Tiling (Bathrooms)
Installation of ceramic, porcelain, and stone wall tiles in bathrooms and wet areas including surface preparation, waterproofing verification, adhesive application, tile fixing, grouting, and sealing. Covers work in confined bathroom spaces with silica dust controls and wet area compliance. Pre-filled hazards, controls, and risk ratings.
What's In Your SWMS
8 Hazards & Controls
Silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, death
Use pre-cut tiles where possible. Order tiles cut to size from supplier.
Use manual score-and-snap cutter for straight cuts (minimal dust). Use tiles with lower silica content.
Establish designated cutting area away from other workers. Cut outside or in well-ventilated area.
- WET CUTTING MANDATORY - dry cutting is prohibited under WHS
- Wet tile saw with continuous water feed to blade
- Angle grinder must have water suppression attachment
- Diamond hole saws with water feed for penetrations
- HEPA vacuum (M-class minimum) for cleanup
- Ensure adequate ventilation in cutting area
- Complete 10830NAT Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention training
- Never dry cut ceramic, porcelain, or stone tiles
- Change water in tile saw regularly to maintain suppression
- Clean up wet slurry before it dries - dried slurry releases dust
- Do not sweep dry dust - wet clean or HEPA vacuum only
- Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking
- No eating, drinking, or smoking in cutting area
P2 respirator minimum (fit tested). Safety glasses or goggles. Hearing protection during cutting.
19-Step Work Procedure
Equipment & PPE
Equipment (18)
- Wet tile saw (continuous water feed)
Electric tile saw with integrated water reservoir. Essential for silica dust control. No dry cutting permitted.
- Angle grinder with wet cutting attachment
For detailed cuts. Must have water suppression. Never use dry on tiles.
- Manual tile cutter (score and snap)
For straight cuts on standard ceramic tiles. Does not generate significant dust.
- Tile nibblers and nippers
For small cuts and shaping around pipes and fittings.
PPE (7)
- Safety glasses or gogglesAS/NZS 1337
Essential for tile cutting. Goggles preferred for wet cutting splash protection.
- P2 respirator (minimum)AS/NZS 1716
Required during any tile cutting. Fit tested. Replace filters as recommended.
- Nitrile gloves (chemical resistant)AS/NZS 2161.2
For handling adhesives, grouts, and sealants. Replace when damaged.
- Knee pads (gel or foam)
Essential for floor-level work and protecting knees on hard surfaces.
Training & Emergency
Competency Requirements
- Construction Induction Card (White Card)training
Required for all workers on construction sites
- Wall and Floor Tiling Competencycertificate
Experience in tile installation. May hold Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling (CPC31420).
- Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention Trainingtraining
10830NAT Course in Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention. Mandatory for workers who cut silica-containing materials.
- Waterproofing Awareness
Understanding of AS 3740 wet area waterproofing requirements. Recognise waterproofing membrane and avoid damage.
- Asbestos Awareness Training
Required for renovation work on buildings constructed before 1990. CPCCDE3014.
- First Aid Certificate
Recommended for at least one team member on site. HLTAID011 Provide First Aid.
Emergency Procedures
SILICA DUST EXPOSURE: If significant exposure occurs (e.g., dry cutting, vacuum failure), stop work, move to fresh air, report to supervisor. Worker may require health monitoring.
EYE INJURY FROM CHEMICALS: Immediately irrigate eye with clean water for minimum 15 minutes. Hold eyelids open. Do not rub. Seek medical attention. Show SDS to doctor.
DEEP CUT FROM TILE: Apply firm pressure with clean dressing. Elevate if possible. Seek medical attention for cuts that may require stitches or involve tendons.
- + 2 more included in your SWMS
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, Schedule 14 - Prohibited Carcinogens), this work is classified as high-risk due to:
- Work involving crystalline silica (Cutting ceramic and porcelain tiles generates respirable crystalline silica dust. WES 0.05 mg/m³. Wet cutting mandatory - dry cutting prohibited.)
- Work involving hazardous chemicals (Tile adhesives, grouts, sealants, and cleaning chemicals may contain hazardous substances. Consult SDS for each product.)
Australian Standards Referenced
Who Needs This SWMS?
This template is designed for the following trades and roles performing wall tiling (bathrooms) work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tiles be cut dry in bathrooms?
No. Dry cutting of ceramic, porcelain, or stone tiles is prohibited under WHS regulations. Cutting these materials generates respirable crystalline silica dust, which causes silicosis and lung cancer. Wet cutting with continuous water suppression is mandatory. The workplace exposure standard for silica is 0.05 mg/m³.
What training is required for tilers cutting tiles?
From 2024, workers who cut silica-containing materials must complete the 10830NAT Course in Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention. This training covers the health risks of silica, control measures, and correct use of wet cutting equipment. A White Card (construction induction) is also required on construction sites.
Do I need to check waterproofing before tiling a bathroom?
Yes. Waterproofing must be complete and certified before wall tiling begins. AS 3740:2021 sets the requirements for wet area waterproofing. The tiler should verify the waterproofing certificate is available and inspect the membrane for damage. Do not proceed with tiling if waterproofing is incomplete or damaged.
What PPE is required for bathroom wall tiling?
Minimum PPE includes: P2 respirator (fit tested) during any tile cutting, safety glasses or goggles, nitrile chemical-resistant gloves for handling adhesives and grouts, knee pads, non-slip safety footwear, and hearing protection (Class 4) when using power tools. Long sleeves are recommended to protect skin from adhesive contact.
How should tile cutting dust and slurry be cleaned up?
Wet slurry from tile cutting should be cleaned up before it dries. Once dried, tile dust can become airborne. Never sweep dry tile dust - use a HEPA vacuum (M-class minimum, H-class preferred) for any dry residue. Wet cleaning with mop and bucket is acceptable for slurry. Dispose of waste according to local regulations.
What adhesive coverage is required for wall tiles?
Per AS 3958.1, wall tiles should have minimum 80% adhesive coverage (90% in wet areas). Large format tiles and natural stone should be back-buttered in addition to wall application. The notched trowel size should match the tile size - larger tiles require larger notches (10-12mm).
Is asbestos awareness training required for bathroom renovations?
Asbestos awareness training (CPCCDE3014) is required for renovation work on buildings constructed before 1990. Asbestos may be present in bathroom walls, flooring, or ceiling materials. If asbestos is suspected, stop work and engage a licensed asbestos assessor before proceeding.
How long before tiles can be grouted after installation?
Tiles should not be grouted until the adhesive has cured - typically 24 hours for standard adhesives, though this varies by product and conditions. Check the adhesive manufacturer instructions. Grouting too early can disturb tile adhesion and cause tiles to hollow or fail.
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