This Substrate Preparation & Screeding SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how to prepare floor and wall substrates for waterproofing and tiling. It covers grinding and scabbling with dust extraction, cleaning, patching and priming, mixing levelling compound, pouring and spreading self-levelling or sand and cement screed, isolating tools before changing discs or paddles and protecting curing screed from foot traffic. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Tilers and tiling contractors
Waterproofers and floor preparation specialists
Bathroom and kitchen renovators
Flooring installers
Builders and concrete finishers
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
Respirable crystalline silica dust from grinding and scabbling
Chemical burns from wet cement, screed and levelling compound
Manual handling of bagged materials
Cuts, entanglement or impact from grinders and paddle mixers
Slips and trips on wet screed, leads or uneven substrate
Noise from grinding and mixing equipment
Electric shock from powered tools near water
What's included
7 pre-operational checks, from training and tool guards to on-tool or H-Class dust extraction, RCD protection, ventilation and eyewash access
A 9-step operating procedure covering dust control, grinding, cleaning, patching, priming, mixing and pouring screed and protecting curing areas
Isolation and energy control for grinders and mixing drills before changing discs or paddles or clearing a mixing drum
5 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for cement contact with skin or eyes, tool malfunctions or shocks and dust-related breathing difficulty
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 Tiling & Waterproofing 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 waterproofing or tiling?
No. Waterproofing and tiling are outside the scope of this SOP. It covers getting the substrate ready for those trades.
Does it cover silica dust controls?
Yes. It requires on-tool extraction or an H-Class vacuum, wet methods where practical, and respiratory and eye protection when grinding or scabbling.
Do I need a SWMS as well?
If the work meets the definition of high risk construction work, you'll need a SWMS in addition to this SOP.
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.
