Brick Laying Risk Assessment (SWMS)

Following are some main highlighted points that shall be used for the preparation of risk assessment & SWMS for the brick lying work activities:

Task / Activity-Job Steps

Pre-job planning
Arrival on site
Safety Analysis particular related to worksite / Risk Assessment (RA)
Work area set up
Working at Height
Manual Handling
Unload all equipment on-sit
Delivery of materials
Re-positioning of brick
blocks and other materials to work areas
Mortar mixing
Cutting - using angle
grinder, trowel, hammer, or bolster
Using electric brick and block saws
Using brick elevator
Bricklaying (Shoring up free-standing walls & Steel strengthening rod insertions)
Brick cleaning using hydrochloric acid
Cleaning up of worksite at end of day

Hazards & Risks

Poor communication and planning leading to workers being underprepared to commence work.
Parking in unauthorized areas
Entering restricted areas of the worksite
Entry to the site before induction or site-specific Risk Assessment may lead to unidentified hazards resulting in injuries
Fall from Height
Slips, trips & falls
Being struck by equipment
Crush injuries
Lacerations and cuts
Musculoskeletal injuries
Fall from a height over 2m
Electrocution – working near live electricity
Overloading
Scaffold collapse
Overload on scaffold bays (do not exceed the limit of scaffold bays while working on a scaffold
Muscular injuries caused by manual handling
Cuts, crush injuries to hands
Struck by mobile plant
Electrocution
Cuts, crush injuries to hands
Muscular damage caused by manual handling injuries
Struck by mobile plant
Muscular damage caused by manual handling injuries
Hazardous substances that can cause skin, lung, and eye irritation
Back and muscle strained
Hearing Damage
Inhalation from debris/dust causing respiratory damage
Dermatitis
Back and muscle strained
Inhalation from debris/dust causing respiratory damage
Elevator dislocation from upper attachment – crush injuries
Pinch hazards
Falling objects
Collapse of freshly laid walls
Freestanding wall falling over by weather such as high wind
Injuries caused by falling materials
Cuts and abrasions
Jarring of fingers
Dangerous goods
Burns to skin
Eye damage
Lung damage
Acid overspray
Injuries to the body caused by any falling materials
Dust inhalation caused by various tasks
Irritation of the eyes caused by various tasks such as sweeping
Muscular injuries caused by any manual handling tasks

Control Measures

Ensure the site safety plans, as well as any other plans, are reviewed before works
Discuss activities to be conducted and what HSE precautions are required and recommended.
Considerations can include:
Walls formerly identified on the design drawings as requiring temporary supports.
Any aspects of the wall that may affect its stability – for example, control joints, lintels, damp proof course, or openings etc.
Worker walkways or access paths
Plant, equipment, machinery and or material movement, including delivery and storage areas
Existing or planned excavations
Walls connected to another facility or a general public area.
Extreme weather conditions for the location and season – e.g., strong and heavy winds wind,
extreme temperatures, and rain etc.
The scheduled height, width, and layout of walls
Making sure that the employees or workforce who are not yet skilled to accomplish tasks are provided appropriate training, instruction, and supervision.
Vehicle should be parked legally in a safe location, clear of passing vehicles, other trades, and pedestrians.
Make proper set up temporary fencing, barriers, safety tape etc. to make sure that the public is safe and secure.
Make a Risk Assessment to decide further controls that may be required.
The below described are some, but not limited hazards we may want to consider in our risk assessment:
Adherence to general housekeeping practices
Weather and wind conditions that may affect freshly laid brick walls
Where materials will be delivered
Understand emergency procedures Identifying uneven ground conditions for slips and trips
Identifying overhead and underground services
First aid provisions
PPE Requirements for the site
Create exclusion zones as required
Use appropriate PPE
Manual handling training and team lifting
Use battery-powered tools where possible.
Ensure adequate lighting is present
Select appropriate working at height methodology i.e., Scaffold, Mobile Scaffold, Platform Ladders conforming to Australian Standards
Make sure that staff are essentially inducted to the site and trained in relevant trade.
Ensure openings and penetrations are securely covered
Do not climb on any scaffold
Use supplied access ladder only
Never carry materials on ladders
Proper and recommended thickness of planks to spans used.
Follow manufactures instructions Always use 2 planks wide
Make sure that the toe boards and guardrails are in place.
Check for overhead power lines before erecting any work at heights equipment.
Ensure all live circuits at risk of impact are isolated by a licensed electrician
If overhead powerlines are present, ensure the minimum distances away from the services is maintained per the Code of Practice.
Stacks to be loaded correctly on the scaffold
Any materials stacked on bays must not reach a height of side handrails on the scaffold
Utilize mechanical lifting devices where possible to minimize the need for manual work
Utilize a two-person lift for heavy or awkward loads when mechanical lifting devices are not available.
Ensure loads do not exceed perimeters of pallets used for transport and are to be restrained using ratchet straps
Ensure personnel are trained not to lift any item that they feel may be too heavy and carrying of any load is to be avoided wherever possible
Always plan movements and ensure paths of movement are clear from obstructions before lifting/handling loads
Ensure wheelbarrow tire pressures are correct
Always utilize correct Manual Handling techniques and practice manual handling safety
Pushing is preferred to be pulling, heavier items are to be stored between hip and shoulder height wherever practicable
Maintain housekeeping on-site to ensure clear access around the work area and especially around equipment and materials that require frequent lifting/handling
Raise any concerns if you consider a task is potentially hazardous, report the issue to supervisor and discuss possible alternate controls Position brick elevators, mixers, and saws in appropriate positions –
Stable ground and close to the work area
Use ramps where possible
Ensure electrical leads are protected and all electrical equipment is plugged into an RCD
All storage areas must be clean and dry with a clear path for access and egress.
Set up exclusion zones for workers and the public as required.
Certified forklift operator or crane (HIAB) operator must remove brick pallets from truck.
Bricks and other materials to be located as close as possible to the work area.
20kgs bags to be moved via wheelbarrows where possible and not lifted.
Follow Step 5 for manual handling risks
Ensure wheelbarrow tires are at the recommended pressure
Ensure a clear path for wheelbarrow Set up exclusion zones were required
Always wear correct PPE for the task
Use electric mortar mixer – minimize hand mixing to reduce muscular stress
Always wear all PPE required for the task including hard hat, high vis vest, eye protection, hearing protection, P2 mask, gloves
Rotate task between workers
Keep area clean
Use electric mortar mixer – minimize hand mixing to reduce muscular stress
Pre-start inspection should include electric wires to be free of damage or cuts, the frame is free of cracks, the belt is free from damage. Do not operate and report to the manager if the fault is found.
Ensure the locking pin is in place between upper and lower sections.
Ensure wheels at bottom of the elevator are locked and attachment at the top is secure
Do not stand under elevator while in use
Create a no-go zone for other workers and the public while in use
Do not operate in high wind
Build walls at the same time as cross walls or returns, or nailing-off frame ties in veneer construction, so that they support each other
Install temporary supports
Establish stop heights to allow mortar to gain adequate strength before further construction – e.g., at lintel height
Stack materials away from unsupported masonry walls – i.e., no leaning materials against walls
Prevent inadvertent impact on walls by the plant such as wheelbarrows, cranes, or pallet trolleys – e.g., using dedicated travel paths and storage areas
Monitor weather conditions – e.g., wind, extreme temperatures, and heavy rain – and amending work practices to suit
Contain spills and prevents run-off.
Do not acid wash in high wind
Remove larger offcuts from the area
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when dismantling work at heights equipment
PPE e.g., dust masks, gloves, eye protection
Use mechanical aids such as trolley as able
Ensure access to a vehicle is clear