Panels are large and can be awkward even when their weight seems manageable.
In short: use enough people or lifting equipment, protect edges and never stand below a suspended ceiling panel.
Prepare the specified Cam-Lock key, level, measuring tools, non-marking mallet if permitted, sealant and applicator, cleaning materials and suitable access equipment. Wear gloves, safety footwear and other PPE required by the risk assessment.
Individual panels may weigh tens of kilograms; ceiling panels can be much heavier. Use rated lifting aids and temporary supports. Keep the work area closed to other staff.
Electrical and refrigeration connections require qualified trades.
Safety first
The hazards scale with the build:
- Weight: a standard 1200 × 2400 mm PUR wall panel weighs roughly 30–45 kg depending on thickness; longer ceiling panels can exceed 50–60 kg. Never lift or position a panel single-handed.
- Teams: work in crews of at least two — one to position, one to verify and lock.
- PPE for everyone on site: steel-toe boots, cut-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and a hard hat where overhead work or structures are present.
- Overhead rule: never stand beneath an unsecured ceiling panel. Do not release a lifted panel until all cam-locks are fully engaged.
Tools and equipment
| Essential tools | Lifting equipment | Safety equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Hex key set (cam-locks typically 6 mm or 8 mm) | Panel lifters or suction cups (for panels over 100 mm) | Steel-toe boots |
| Power drill + bits for penetrations | Step ladders or scaffold (ceiling work) | Cut-resistant gloves |
| Rubber mallet (never a steel hammer — panels dent) | Forklift or pallet jack (moving stacks) | Safety glasses |
| Spirit level ≥ 1200 mm (laser preferred) | Hard hat (overhead work) | |
| Tape measure (≥ 5 m) | ||
| Silicone gun + food-grade silicone sealant | ||
| Utility knife with spare blades | ||
| Marker pen for reference marks |
Sealant note: specify a food-grade silicone (NSF or equivalent certification) rated for your room's operating temperature. Final sealing — not the cam-lock alone — makes the envelope airtight; see Assembly process: step-by-step.
Related articles
- Before you begin: site preparation overview
- Floor conditions and floor panels
- Space and delivery access requirements
- Utility positions: power, condenser, drainage
- Assembly process: step-by-step
Need a tool or PPE checklist for your crew before delivery day? Contact [email protected].
