This Floor Covering Installation SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how to install carpet, vinyl, laminate and similar floor coverings safely in a commercial fit-out. It covers substrate preparation, cutting, working with adhesives and solvents, handling rolls and cartons, kneeling work, heat and seam welding tools, and checking for asbestos before old flooring is disturbed. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Commercial flooring installers and contractors
Carpet and vinyl laying businesses
Shop fitters and commercial fit-out companies
Builders managing interior fit-out trades
Building maintenance and refurbishment contractors
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Strain from lifting and moving flooring rolls, cartons and underlay
Repetitive kneeling, bending and awkward postures
Cuts from utility knives, carpet knives and power cutting tools
Skin, eye and breathing irritation from solvent-based adhesives and primers
Slips and trips from adhesive spills, offcuts, tools and leads
Uneven substrate, lifted edges and part-finished floor areas
Knee and joint injury from long periods of kneeling
Burns from heat guns and seam welding tools
Noise from power cutting, trimming or sanding tools
Disturbing asbestos when removing old flooring, tiles or adhesive
What's included
9 pre-operational checks, from the substrate and ventilation to the SDS, an asbestos check and handling aids
A 12-step operating procedure covering substrate preparation, adhesives, cutting, manual handling, stretchers and kickers, and heat tools
Isolation and energy control for power cutters, heat guns and seam welding tools, and barricading wet adhesive zones
7 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for adhesive or solvent exposure, disturbed asbestos, fires, burns and other injuries
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Internal Fit-out SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover removing asbestos flooring?
No. Removing asbestos-containing material is licensed removal work and isn't covered. The SOP tells workers to stop and follow your asbestos process if old flooring, backing or adhesive hasn't been ruled out.
Which floor coverings does it cover?
It covers carpet, vinyl, laminate and similar resilient or soft floor coverings in a commercial fit-out. Floor scrubbers, polishers and other cleaning equipment aren't covered.
Do I need a SWMS as well?
Only if the job is high risk construction work. The SOP covers how to do the installation safely, and a SWMS is needed on top of it where the work meets that definition.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
