General contracting · Canada

FLHA for bathroom renovation

By SiteSortedBuilt from provincial OHS law and CCOHS guidance · How we write and check theseUpdated November 9, 2026

Provincial OHS law requires hazards to be assessed and controlled before work starts. A field level hazard assessment (FLHA) for bathroom renovation is done on site at the start of the shift and again whenever conditions change.

It lists the tasks, hazards and controls, and every worker signs on before starting and signs off at the end of the shift. The main hazards are silica dust from concrete, brick, stone and tiles, disturbing asbestos, electric shock from live wiring and fire from hot works.

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FLHA example: bathroom renovation

This is a complete FLHA for bathroom renovation, with 10 job steps. Open it in the builder to add your site, crew and signatures, change anything, and download a PDF. Or download the free Word template below and fill it in by hand.

Field Level Hazard Assessment (FLHA)

Bathroom renovation · General contracting · Example

Document FLHA-001 · Rev 1

Job steps, hazards and controls

#	Job step	Hazards	Risk before	Controls	Risk after
1	Check the hazardous materials survey; older wet areas often have asbestos sheeting	Disturbing asbestos	Critical	Get an asbestos survey before work on buildings built before 1990. Elimination Seal off the work area and keep everyone else out. Engineering (guarding) If asbestos must be disturbed, keep it wet, use hand tools not power tools, and clean up with a HEPA vacuum. Engineering Follow your province's asbestos rules, including notification and trained or certified workers where required. Administrative In BC, a qualified person must inspect and write a hazardous materials report before demolition or renovation, and asbestos abatement must be done by a WorkSafeBC licensed contractor (since 1 January 2024). Administrative Stop work straight away if you find suspect asbestos. Do not touch it and tell your supervisor. Administrative Wear a fit-tested respirator suited to the work, and disposable coveralls. PPE	Medium
2	Separate the work area from occupants with dust screens and keep a toilet available	Working in an occupied home or building General dust	Medium	Plan noisy, dusty or risky work for when the building is empty. Elimination Close off the work area with barriers, plastic sheeting or locked doors, and put up signs. Engineering (guarding) Keep fire exits and paths clear at all times. Administrative Tell occupants before you turn off power, water or gas, and before noisy or dusty work. Administrative Lock away tools, chemicals and materials each day, out of reach of children. Administrative Clean up dust and debris at the end of each day. Administrative Use low-dust products, such as dust-reduced or pre-mixed compounds. Substitution Seal off the work area with plastic sheeting in occupied buildings. Engineering (guarding) Use tools with dust extraction and a vacuum for clean up. Engineering Lightly mist the area with water to keep dust down, away from anything electrical. Engineering Never dry sweep or blow dust off with compressed air. Administrative Wear a dust mask and safety glasses. PPE	Low
3	Isolate water and power to the room, apply lockout and tags	Electric shock from live wiring Stored energy	Critical	Isolate the power before any work. Do not work live. Elimination Lock out and tag the isolation point with your own personal lock and danger tag. Engineering (guarding) Test before you touch: prove dead at the point of work with a tested voltage tester. Engineering Only licensed electricians do electrical work, to the Canadian Electrical Code and provincial rules. Administrative Check for back feeds from solar, batteries and generators that can keep a circuit live after the main switch is off. Administrative If energized work cannot be avoided, use a permit, a safety observer and insulated tools, following CSA Z462. Administrative Wear insulated gloves, arc-rated clothing and a face shield when testing or working near live parts. PPE Release or block all stored energy before work: release the pressure in pipes, tanks and hoses, bleed hydraulics, release springs, lower loads. Elimination Lock out and tag all energy sources with personal locks. Engineering (guarding) Put mechanical blocks or props under raised parts like buckets, tipper bodies and doors. Engineering Test that the system is dead and nothing can move before you start. Administrative Follow the maker's procedure, for example for garage door and roller door springs. Administrative Wear safety glasses and gloves. PPE	Medium
4	Remove fixtures, the toilet and glass shower screens carefully	Glass handling and breakage Lifting and carrying heavy loads Sewage and wastewater	High	Use suction lifters, glass trolleys or a glazing robot for large panes. Engineering Store glass upright on racks and secure it. Never lay it flat or lean it loosely. Engineering Use two or more people for large panes, and clear the carry route first. Administrative Mark new glass with tape or stickers so nobody walks into it. Administrative Clean up broken glass straight away into a marked container. Administrative Plan to avoid carrying: have materials delivered, and old items picked up, as close as possible to where they are used. Elimination Use lighter or smaller loads: order smaller bags and shorter lengths, and drain or break down old items before moving them. Substitution Lifting and carrying heavy loads: see step 8 for the full controls Administrative Flush and drain the line before opening it, and plan the job to avoid contact. Elimination Use drain cameras, jetters and long-handled tools to keep hands out. Engineering Cover cuts with waterproof dressings. Never eat, drink or smoke before washing. Administrative Wash hands well and clean tools and boots after the job. Administrative Keep vaccinations such as tetanus and hepatitis A up to date, on medical advice. Administrative	Medium
5	Strip tiles and linings with dust control	Silica dust from concrete, brick, stone and tiles Loud noise Hand-arm and whole-body vibration	Critical	Order materials cut to size, or use low-dust methods such as score and snap or a block splitter. Substitution Cut outdoors or in a separate area, with other people well away and upwind. Engineering (guarding) Use water on the blade or on-tool dust extraction connected to a HEPA vacuum. Engineering Clean up with a vacuum or wet methods. Never dry sweep or use compressed air. Administrative Have a silica exposure control plan where your province requires one. Administrative Wear a fit-tested N95 (or better) respirator. PPE Use quieter tools and methods, such as cut-to-size materials, low-noise machines and battery tools. Substitution Keep noisy equipment away from work areas, and use screens or distance between the noise and people. Engineering (guarding) Keep tools maintained and use mufflers on compressors and generators. Engineering Limit time on noisy tools and rotate workers. Administrative If you have to shout to be heard 1 metre away, wear hearing protection. Administrative Use low-vibration tools and methods, such as a breaker on an excavator instead of a hand jackhammer. Substitution Keep tools sharp and well maintained, and use anti-vibration handles and seats. Engineering Limit trigger time on high-vibration tools and rotate workers. Administrative Keep hands warm and dry, and take regular breaks. Administrative Report tingling, numbness or white fingers early. Administrative	Medium
6	Check for mould, rot and damaged framing once linings are off	Mould and droppings Structural collapse during alterations	High	Fix the water leak and dry the area before removing mould. Elimination Seal off the area with plastic sheeting and keep occupants out. Engineering (guarding) Clean up with a HEPA vacuum and wet wipes. Never dry sweep. Engineering Bag mouldy material on site and remove it promptly. Administrative Wash hands and face before eating and at the end of each shift. Administrative Wear an N95 (or better) respirator, gloves, goggles and disposable coveralls. PPE Get an engineer to check before removing any wall, beam, post or bracing that may be load-bearing. Elimination Keep everyone clear of the area under and next to the work. Engineering (guarding) Install temporary props, needles or shoring as designed before removing any support. Engineering Follow the engineer's sequence. Do not change it without approval. Administrative Check props daily. Do not remove them until the permanent support is in and approved. Administrative Wear a hard hat and safety boots. PPE	Medium
7	Rough in plumbing and electrical by licensed trades	Electric shock from live wiring Fire from hot works	Critical	Electric shock from live wiring: see step 3 for the full controls Administrative Use cold work methods where you can, such as bolting, press fittings or cutting with a saw instead of a torch. Elimination Move anything that can burn at least 10 metres away, or cover it with fire blankets. Engineering (guarding) Use fire-resistant screens to stop sparks reaching people or gaps in walls and floors. Engineering Get a hot work permit before starting. Administrative Keep a charged fire extinguisher and fire blanket at the work spot. Administrative Keep a fire watch during the work and for at least 60 minutes after you finish. Administrative Check for smouldering behind walls, in ceilings and under floors before you leave. Administrative Wear flame-resistant clothing, welding gloves and eye or face protection. PPE	Medium
8	Sheet and waterproof with good ventilation	Hazardous chemicals Lifting and carrying heavy loads	High	Choose the least harmful product that does the job, for example water-based instead of solvent-based. Substitution Use chemicals in well-ventilated areas, or use fans and extraction in closed rooms. Engineering Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and WHMIS labels before use. Workers have WHMIS training. Administrative Keep chemicals in labelled containers. Never decant into drink bottles. Administrative Store chemicals away from heat, food and drink, and keep products that react with each other apart. Administrative Have eye wash and a spill kit nearby, and wash hands before eating. Administrative Wear chemical-resistant gloves and safety glasses or goggles as listed on the SDS. PPE Use a respirator with the right cartridge if the SDS calls for one. PPE Plan to avoid carrying: have materials delivered, and old items picked up, as close as possible to where they are used. Elimination Use lighter or smaller loads: order smaller bags and shorter lengths, and drain or break down old items before moving them. Substitution Use trolleys, pallet jacks, hoists, vacuum lifters or equipment instead of carrying by hand. Engineering Use a two-person lift for anything heavy, long or awkward. Plan the route first and clear it. Administrative Keep the load close, back straight and no twisting. Turn with your feet. Administrative Rotate tasks and take breaks on long lifting jobs. Administrative Wear gloves for grip and safety boots to protect your feet. PPE	Medium
9	Tile, cutting wet	Silica dust from concrete, brick, stone and tiles Saw cuts and kickback Repetitive work and awkward postures	Critical	Silica dust from concrete, brick, stone and tiles: see step 5 for the full controls Administrative Keep blade guards fitted and working, and use the riving knife on table saws. Engineering Use push sticks and clamps, and support long pieces so they do not pinch the blade. Engineering Use a sharp, undamaged blade made for the material. Administrative Stand to one side of the blade line, out of the kickback path. Administrative Let the blade stop fully before reaching in or putting the saw down. Administrative Use tools that cut the effort: powered screwdrivers, long-handled tools and extension poles for overhead work. Substitution Set work up at waist height on benches or trestles where you can. Engineering Use light tools with good grips, and keep blades and bits sharp. Engineering Rotate tasks and take short breaks every hour on repetitive work. Administrative Warm up before heavy physical work and report aches and pains early. Administrative	Medium
10	Fit off fixtures, test and clean up	Slips and trips Poor housekeeping and waste	Medium	Plan walkways and keep them clear of materials, hoses and leads. Elimination Run leads and hoses overhead on hooks or stands, or along walls, not across walkways. Engineering Fill or cover holes, and lay boards or mats on muddy access paths. Engineering Clean up offcuts, packaging and spills as you go, not at the end of the day. Administrative Keep work areas, stairs and access paths well lit. Administrative Wear safety boots with good grip, laced up. PPE Order materials to size and send packaging back where you can. Elimination Put waste bins and chutes close to the work. Engineering Clean as you go, and do a full clean up at the end of each day. Administrative Keep exits, stairs and walkways clear at all times. Administrative Stack materials neatly on level ground, away from edges. Administrative Wear gloves when handling waste. PPE	Low

PPE

CSA green triangle safety boots (CSA Z195)Safety glasses (CSA Z94.3)N95 respiratorHearing protectionCut-resistant glovesKnee padsRespirator fit tested to CSA Z94.4 (P100 for dust, or the type the air test calls for)CoverallsWork glovesChemical-resistant glovesSafety gogglesFace shieldWelding gloves

Plant and equipment

JackhammerWet tile sawPower drillHEPA vacuumHand tools

Permits and plans

Lockout permitHot work permit

Emergency

Call 911. Add the nearest hospital, the muster point and the first aid attendant for your site.

Sign-off

Supervisor and every worker sign to confirm they have read and understood this FLHA, then sign off at the end of the shift.

Free FLHA template for bathroom renovation

Word (.docx) and PDF, Letter landscape, no email needed. Fill in your site details, then print or send it.

Word template (.docx)PDF template

Make yours in 2 minutes

Same document, filled in for your job. Answer a few yes or no questions, the crew signs on the phone, and you send the PDF.

Start this FLHA

Pre-start checklist for bathroom renovation

Tick these off before work starts. They come from the hazards, permits and equipment in this job.

FLHA read, explained and signed by everyone on the job
Lockout, tagout and test before touch done before work starts
Asbestos register or survey checked for the work area
Water suppression or on-tool extraction fitted; respirators fit tested
Hot work permit issued, extinguisher at hand, fire watch arranged
First aid attendant, first aid kit and emergency number (911) confirmed
PPE checked and worn: CSA green triangle safety boots (CSA Z195), safety glasses (CSA Z94.3), N95 respirator, hearing protection

The safe sequence of work

Check the hazardous materials survey; older wet areas often have asbestos sheeting
Separate the work area from occupants with dust screens and keep a toilet available
Isolate water and power to the room, apply lockout and tags
Remove fixtures, the toilet and glass shower screens carefully
Strip tiles and linings with dust control
Check for mould, rot and damaged framing once linings are off
Rough in plumbing and electrical by licensed trades
Sheet and waterproof with good ventilation
Tile, cutting wet
Fit off fixtures, test and clean up

Hazards to watch on bathroom renovation

The hazards most specific to this job, and the step where each one comes up.

Step 6Mould and droppingsWater-damaged buildings, bird and rat droppings and dead animals hold mould and germs that cause breathing problems and infections.

Step 4Sewage and wastewaterContact with sewage spreads germs that cause stomach illness, hepatitis and skin infections.

Step 4Glass handling and breakageGlass panes break while being moved or fitted, causing deep cuts, or heavy panels fall and crush.

Step 3Stored energyEnergy left in springs, hydraulics, compressed gas, raised loads or capacitors releases suddenly and crushes or injures workers.

Step 7Fire from hot worksSparks and heat from welding, grinding or flame torches set fire to timber, insulation, rubbish or fuel nearby.

Step 2Working in an occupied home or buildingResidents, staff or children wander into the work area and get hurt, or the work blocks exits or cuts off power or water while people are inside.

Highest risk on bathroom renovation: Critical before controls (B), down to Medium after controls (A), on the Canada 5 by 5 risk matrix (likely and fatality becomes unlikely and serious injury).

What changes on your site

This example covers the job itself. Your site may add more. Add controls for any of these that apply (the builder asks you these as yes or no questions):

Could anyone fall 3 metres or more, or fall any distance into machinery, water, a hazardous substance or through an opening?
Will anyone use a ladder or stepladder?
Will anyone work on a roof?
Is there a fragile roof, skylight or clear roof sheet?
Will you use a scaffold or mobile tower?

Why FLHAs get rejected

Prime contractors and COR auditors send documents back for these reasons. This example avoids them, but check yours too.

End of shift boxes already say "None" when the form was signed at the start of the shift.
One FLHA reused for days or weeks, or a "review by" date a month away, when the work and conditions change daily.
No time of assessment and no record of any revision, which Alberta s.7(3) requires.
Workers signed that they "read" it, but nothing shows they took part, which Alberta s.8(1) requires.
Work at height with no fall protection plan where the province requires one, or no written rescue procedure for workers using fall arrest.
Permits or locates required on site but no permit or ticket numbers recorded.
No re-assessment entry after an obvious change such as weather, a new task or a new crew member.

Rules by province for bathroom renovation

Province or territory	Key local rule	Regulator
Ontario	Fall protection (O. Reg. 213/91 s.26) applies at a fall of more than 3 m, more than 1.2 m where the work area is used as a path for a wheelbarrow or similar equipment, and at any height into operating machinery, water or other liquid, a hazardous substance, or through an opening.	Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
British Columbia	Fall protection is required where a fall of 3 m or more may occur (s.11.2). A written fall protection plan is required at 7.5 m or more where there are no permanent guardrails (s.11.3).	WorkSafeBC
Alberta	A hazard assessment must be done before work begins, and before a new work site is built (OHS Code s.7(1)). The results must be written down with the controls (s.7(2)).	Alberta Occupational Health and Safety
Quebec	Guardrails (Safety Code s.2.9.1, as amended by Decret 63-2025) are needed where a worker could fall into liquid or a hazardous substance, onto moving parts or dangerous equipment, 1.2 m or more when using a vehicle, 1.5 m or more when handling a load, and more than 3 m in all other cases.	CNESST (Commission des normes, de l'equite, de la sante et de la securite du travail)
Manitoba	A prime contractor is required whenever more than one employer or self employed person works on the site at the same time (Act s.7).	Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Branch
Saskatchewan	An occupational health committee is required at 10 or more workers of one employer (Act s.3-22).	Saskatchewan Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, OHS Division
Nova Scotia	Workers must be trained in fall protection before using it or working in, supervising or planning work in a fall protection area, with a refresher at least every 3 years (WHSR s.21.19).	Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, Safety Branch (OHS)
New Brunswick	Fall protection is needed from 3 m above water or the nearest permanent safe level (Reg 91-191 s.49(1)(a)(i)).	WorkSafeNB
Newfoundland and Labrador	Give written notice to the minister before starting a construction project that will last 30 days or more, with the site, location, type of work and number of workers (Regs s.8).	Government Services, Occupational Health and Safety Division
Prince Edward Island	Fall protection is needed from 3 m above the nearest safe surface or water (Fall Protection Regulations s.2(1)(a)).	Workers Compensation Board of PEI, OHS Division
Yukon	Every employer must do hazard assessments with the committee, representative or workers, and redo them after significant changes or incidents (Regs s.1.03.01).	Yukon Workers' Safety and Compensation Board
Northwest Territories	Fall protection is needed from 3 m, or lower if there is a risk of injury (s.119(1)). Guardrails are needed for falls of 1.2 m to 3 m at permanent work sites (s.119(2)).	Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC)
Nunavut	No 911. To reach the RCMP in an emergency, dial your community's first three digits then 1111 (Iqaluit: 979-1111). Put the local fire, ambulance and RCMP numbers on every FLHA.	Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC)

Questions

Do I need an FLHA for bathroom renovation?

Who signs the FLHA?

The supervisor and every worker take part in the assessment and sign on before work starts, then sign off at the end of the shift. Review it and re-sign whenever the task or conditions change.

How long do I keep it?

Keep completed hazard assessments for at least 3 years (COR auditors sample the last 12 months). Review this FLHA and re-sign whenever the task, crew or conditions change.

What PPE is needed for bathroom renovation?

Usually CSA green triangle safety boots (CSA Z195), Safety glasses (CSA Z94.3), N95 respirator, Hearing protection, Cut-resistant gloves, Knee pads, Respirator fit tested to CSA Z94.4 (P100 for dust, or the type the air test calls for), Coveralls, Work gloves, Chemical-resistant gloves, Safety goggles, Face shield, Welding gloves. The site rules may add more, so check with the general contractor.

More general contracting FLHAs

FLHASite Setup6 steps FLHAHome Addition7 steps FLHAKitchen Renovation5 steps FLHAResidential Construction6 steps FLHAShed Construction5 steps FLHAGarden Suite Construction5 steps FLHABuilding Maintenance6 steps

Related jobs in other trades

Excavation and earthworksTrenchingAlso involves hand-arm and whole-body vibration

Toolbox talks for this job

Toolbox talkWorking at Heights Toolbox talkSilica Dust Toolbox talkAsbestos Awareness Toolbox talkManual Handling and Back Safety

Blank FLHA template: free FLHA templates. Also for other countries: Australia (SWMS) · United Kingdom (RAMS) · United States (JHA)