Workplace Hazards in Tiling
This fact sheet is for secondary school students undertaking work experience programs, and for their host employers. It can be
used as a tool to assist with task planning, and to develop appropriate induction, training and supervision to minimise any risk to
students while they are ‘at work’.
Students must be given instruction, and must be supervised at all times. Consideration must always be given to hazards
when allocating tasks. If any risk exists, students must NOT undertake the activity.
Hazard Possible Harmful Possible Employer Action to Preventative Action
Effects Prevent Injury / Illness Students Can Take
Powered tools and Amputation or lacerations – Students must NOT operate powered Students must NOT operate
non-powered tools contact with cutting blade tools powered tools
(including tile cutting Equipment breaking up and
saw) ejection of material – eye injury Provide instruction in the safe use of Use hand tools carefully,
Electric shock or electrocution
hand tools according to instructions
Exhaust fumes
Working at heights Falls from heights Students must NOT work at heights Students must NOT work at
where there is any risk of a fall heights where there is any
risk of a fall
Mobile plant including Falls from heights Students must NOT operate or ride Students must NOT operate
mobile platforms in mobile platforms or ride in mobile platforms
Unlevelled terrain Falls Place appropriate safety signs Observe safety signs
Cuts Require appropriate personal protective Wear PPE including safety
equipment (PPE) including safety footwear
footwear
Asbestos in floor tiles Dermatitis, allergic reaction Assess the work area before Read MSDS and follow safe
commencing work working instructions
Adhesives Exposure to solvent vapour Provide Material Safety Data Sheet Use PPE provided (e.g.
could lead to loss of (MSDS) and risk assessments for overalls, dust mask or
Solvent consciousness hazardous substances respirator, appropriate shoes)
Provide appropriate PPE
Exposure to asbestos can Provide emergency eye wash facility
cause asbestosis and cancer
Manual handling Musculoskeletal disorders Document safe work procedures Use mechanical aids
(bending, reaching, including sprains and strains Provide mechanical aids provided
stretching, pulling, Provide training in safe manual Seek help when you think a
lifting, repetitive handling techniques team lift is required
motions, awkward Encourage team lifts where appropriate Exercise: warm up/stretch
posture) before starting work, and cool
down/stretch at end of the
shift or working day
Noise Long-term exposure to Maintain powered tools to reduce noise Use PPE (hearing protection)
excessive noise can lead to Limit exposure to excessive noise provided
hearing loss Provide appropriate PPE
Overhead Accidental contact with electrical Document and follow safe work Observe warning signs
obstructions, electrical cable could result in electric procedures Report any concerns
cable conduits shock or electrocution Provide appropriate warning signs
Enclosed areas (e.g. Slips, trips and falls Students must NOT enter enclosed Students must NOT enter
basements) with Breathing difficulties areas if they may be exposed to any enclosed areas if they may
insufficient lighting Collapse of structures - crushing risk be exposed to any risk
and/or lack of
adequate ventilation
Sexual harassment, Emotional stress, fear and Establish work place policy Report any concerns
work place bullying anxiety, physical illness Provide staff briefings or training immediately
