Safe Work Procedure: Applying Coating for Tennis Court Construction

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the necessary safety precautions and procedures for applying coatings to tennis courts during construction. It covers surface preparation, mixing of coating materials, application methods (including spraying and manual application), and post-application cleanup. This SWP applies to all personnel involved in the coating process, including supervisors, workers, and contractors. It is applicable for both indoor and outdoor tennis court construction projects.

This SWP should be used in conjunction with the manufacturer's instructions for the specific coating materials being used, as well as any relevant site-specific safety plans and regulations.

2. Definitions

Coating Material: The liquid or powder substance applied to the tennis court surface to provide the desired playing characteristics and aesthetics.

Flashpoint: The minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off vapor within a sufficient concentration to ignite [1].

Lower Flammable Limit (LFL): The lowest concentration of a material that will propagate a flame [1].

Spraying Area: Any area in which dangerous quantities of flammable vapors or mists, or combustible residues, dusts, or deposits are present due to the operation of spraying processes [2].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that all workers are properly trained and competent to perform the coating application tasks.
• Conduct pre-job briefings to review the SWP, identify potential hazards, and discuss control measures.
• Ensure that all necessary PPE and equipment are available and in good working condition.
• Monitor work activities to ensure compliance with this SWP and other relevant safety procedures.
• Enforce safety rules and address any unsafe conditions or behaviors immediately.

3.2 Workers

• Participate in pre-job briefings and understand the requirements of this SWP.
• Inspect PPE and equipment before use and report any defects to the supervisor.
• Follow all safety procedures and instructions provided by the supervisor.
• Use PPE as required and maintain it in good condition.
• Report any hazards, incidents, or near-misses to the supervisor immediately.
• Do not conduct spraying outside of predetermined spraying areas [3].

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and review of this SWP.
• Conduct regular inspections of the work area to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Investigate incidents and near-misses and recommend corrective actions.
• Provide guidance and support to supervisors and workers on health and safety matters.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Inhalation of Coating Vapors/Dust	Respiratory irritation, sensitization, long-term health effects	Use appropriate respiratory protection (e.g., respirators with organic vapor cartridges), ensure adequate ventilation, use dust collection systems when sanding or grinding [4].
Skin Contact with Coating Materials	Skin irritation, dermatitis, allergic reactions	Wear appropriate protective clothing (e.g., gloves, coveralls), wash hands thoroughly after contact, use barrier creams.
Eye Contact with Coating Materials	Eye irritation, burns, vision damage	Wear safety glasses or goggles, use face shields when splashing is possible, provide emergency eyewash stations [5].
Fire/Explosion (Flammable Coatings)	Burns, property damage, serious injury	Use only approved, grounded spray equipment, ensure adequate ventilation to prevent vapor buildup, eliminate ignition sources (e.g., smoking, open flames), store flammable materials properly 1, 6.
Slips, Trips, and Falls	Injuries ranging from minor sprains to fractures	Maintain a clean and organized work area, use slip-resistant footwear, clean up spills immediately, provide adequate lighting.
Ergonomic Hazards (Repetitive Motions, Awkward Postures)	Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)	Use proper lifting techniques, take frequent breaks, rotate tasks, use ergonomic tools and equipment.
Lead Exposure (If using lead-containing coatings)	Lead poisoning, long-term health effects	Perform exposure assessments, use appropriate respiratory protection, implement lead hygiene practices, provide training on lead hazards 2, 8.
Silica Exposure (During surface preparation)	Silicosis, lung cancer	Use wet methods or dust collection systems when grinding or sanding concrete, provide appropriate respiratory protection 4, 5.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE must be worn at all times to minimize the risk of injury or illness [5].

• Respirator - Use a NIOSH-approved respirator with organic vapor cartridges for solvent-based coatings or a particulate filter for dust-generating activities. Ensure proper fit testing and training 2, 12.
• Eye Protection - Wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles to protect against splashes and dust. Use a face shield when there is a risk of significant splashing [5].
• Gloves - Wear chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile, neoprene) to prevent skin contact with coating materials. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for the appropriate glove material [6].
• Protective Clothing - Wear coveralls or other protective clothing to prevent skin contamination. Ensure clothing is clean and in good condition [6].
• Foot Protection - Wear slip-resistant safety shoes or boots to prevent slips, trips, and falls.

Inspect all PPE before each use for damage or defects. Replace damaged or worn PPE immediately. Clean and store PPE properly after use.

6. Equipment and Tools

Only use equipment and tools that are in good working condition and appropriate for the task [7].

• Coating Applicator (Sprayer, Roller, Brush) - Use the appropriate applicator for the type of coating and application method. Ensure the applicator is clean and properly maintained.
• Mixing Equipment (Drill, Mixer) - Use a drill or mixer with the appropriate mixing attachment to ensure thorough mixing of coating materials.
• Surface Preparation Equipment (Grinder, Sander, Scraper) - Use equipment appropriate for the surface preparation required. Ensure dust collection systems are used when grinding or sanding [4].
• Measuring Containers - Use accurate measuring containers to ensure proper proportions when mixing coating materials.
• Ladders/Scaffolding - Use ladders or scaffolding that are in good condition and set up properly according to safety regulations.

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use for damage or defects. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and maintenance. Remove any defective equipment from service immediately.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

• All workers must be trained on the hazards of the coating materials being used and the requirements of this SWP [5].
• Workers must be trained on the proper use of PPE and equipment.
• Workers must be trained on emergency procedures and first aid.
• Ensure the evaluation of employee exposures is performed by a competent industrial hygienist or other technically qualified person [6].

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

• Conduct a pre-job briefing with all workers involved in the coating application process.
• Review the scope of work, potential hazards, and control measures.
• Discuss the steps of the SWP and answer any questions.
• Ensure that all workers understand their roles and responsibilities.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Ensure the work area is clean, dry, and free of obstructions.
• Provide adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of vapors or dust.
• Identify and eliminate any potential ignition sources in the area.
• Set up warning signs and barricades to restrict access to the work area.
• Protect surrounding areas from overspray or spills.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

8.1 Surface Preparation

• Clean the tennis court surface to remove any dirt, debris, or loose material.
• Repair any cracks or imperfections in the surface.
• Grind or sand the surface to create a smooth and uniform texture. Use wet methods or dust collection systems to control dust 2, 4.
• Ensure the surface is dry before applying the coating.
• Safety Considerations: Wear appropriate respiratory protection and eye protection during surface preparation. Be aware of silica exposure when working with concrete surfaces 4, 5.

8.2 Mixing Coating Materials

• Read and understand the manufacturer's instructions for mixing the coating materials.
• Use accurate measuring containers to ensure proper proportions.
• Mix the coating materials in a well-ventilated area or in a designated mixing room [8].
• Use a drill or mixer with the appropriate mixing attachment to ensure thorough mixing.
• Avoid splashing or spilling the coating materials.
• Safety Considerations: Wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection, when mixing coating materials. Be aware of the flammability of solvent-based coatings and eliminate ignition sources 1, 6.

8.3 Applying the Coating

• Apply the coating using the appropriate method (spraying, rolling, or brushing).
• Ensure the coating is applied evenly and at the recommended thickness.
• Avoid overspray or drips.
• Maintain adequate ventilation during the coating application process.
• If spraying, use only approved, grounded spray equipment 1, 6.
• Safety Considerations: Wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection, during coating application. Be aware of the flammability of solvent-based coatings and eliminate ignition sources 1, 6.

8.4 Post-Application

• Allow the coating to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Clean up any spills or overspray immediately.
• Dispose of waste materials properly.
• Remove all equipment and tools from the work area.
• Inspect the coated surface for any defects and repair as necessary.
• Safety Considerations: Be aware of the potential for off-gassing from the coating during the drying process. Ensure adequate ventilation [9].

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in the work area to prevent the buildup of vapors or dust. Use local exhaust ventilation when possible 11, 14.
• Fire Safety: Be aware of the flammability of solvent-based coatings and eliminate ignition sources in the work area. Keep fire extinguishers readily available 1, 6, 15.
• Chemical Handling: Handle coating materials with care and avoid skin or eye contact. Read and understand the manufacturer's safety data sheets (SDS) for all coating materials 7, 20.
• Housekeeping: Keep the work area clean and organized to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Clean up spills immediately and dispose of waste materials properly 14, 15, 20.
• Electrical Safety: Ensure all electrical equipment is properly grounded and in good working condition. Avoid using electrical equipment in wet or damp areas 3, 9.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

• In the event of an emergency, immediately stop work and evacuate the area.
• Call for emergency assistance (911) if necessary.
• Provide first aid to any injured workers.
• Report the incident to the supervisor and health and safety representative.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Fire: Activate the fire alarm and evacuate the area. Use fire extinguishers to put out small fires if it is safe to do so.
• Chemical Spill: Contain the spill and prevent it from spreading. Use appropriate PPE and cleanup materials to clean up the spill. Dispose of contaminated materials properly [5].
• Exposure to Coating Materials: Flush affected areas with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists [5].

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• Emergency Services: 911
• [Company Safety Officer Phone Number]
• [Local Hospital Phone Number]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

• All incidents, near-misses, and hazards must be reported to the supervisor immediately.
• The supervisor and health and safety representative will investigate all reported incidents.
• The investigation will determine the root cause of the incident and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• A written report of the incident and investigation findings will be prepared and submitted to management.

12. References and Related Documents

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for Coating Materials
• Manufacturer's Instructions for Coating Application
• [Company] Health and Safety Policy

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Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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