Safe Work Procedure: Liquid Membrane Application on Decks

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 steps for the safe application of liquid waterproofing membranes on decks. It covers surface preparation, mixing, application techniques, and curing. This SWP applies to all workers involved in the application of liquid membranes. It does not cover the application of sheet membranes or other waterproofing systems.

2. Definitions

Liquid Membrane A fluid-applied waterproofing coating that cures to form a continuous, seamless barrier. Deck An exterior, horizontal, load-bearing surface typically exposed to the weather. VOC Volatile Organic Compound. Organic chemical compounds whose composition makes it possible for them to evaporate under normal indoor atmospheric conditions of temperature and pressure

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure all workers are trained and competent in liquid membrane application techniques.
Provide the necessary PPE and equipment in good working order.
Enforce all safety procedures and address any hazards reported by workers.

3.2 Workers

Follow all safety procedures outlined in this SWP.
Use required PPE at all times.
Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Skin contact with liquid membrane	Irritation, dermatitis, allergic reaction	Wear chemical-resistant gloves and protective clothing. Wash hands and skin thoroughly after contact.
Inhalation of vapors	Respiratory irritation, dizziness, nausea	Work in a well-ventilated area. Use a NIOSH-approved respirator if ventilation is inadequate.
Eye contact with liquid membrane	Serious eye irritation, burns	Wear safety glasses or goggles. Use a face shield if splashing is likely.
Slips, trips, and falls	Injuries from falls on slippery or uneven surfaces	Keep work area clean and dry. Wear slip-resistant footwear. Ensure proper lighting.
Fire hazard from flammable materials	Fire, burns, explosion	Keep flammable materials away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Use non-sparking tools. Ensure fire extinguishers are readily available.
Musculoskeletal strain	Back injuries, sprains, and strains from lifting and bending	Use proper lifting techniques. Get assistance when lifting heavy objects. Take frequent breaks.
Chemical burns	Skin burns and irritation from alkaline or acidic components.	Review SDS for all products. Use appropriate PPE including gloves and eye protection. Ensure eyewash station is available.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Chemical-resistant gloves: Nitrile or neoprene gloves to protect against skin contact with the liquid membrane.
Safety glasses or goggles: To prevent eye contact with splashes or vapors.
Protective clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and pants to minimize skin exposure.
Slip-resistant footwear: To prevent slips and falls on potentially slippery surfaces.
Respirator (if required): NIOSH-approved respirator for organic vapors if ventilation is inadequate.

6. Equipment and Tools

All equipment and tools must be inspected before use to ensure they are in good working condition.

Mixing equipment: A mechanical mixer or drill with a mixing paddle to ensure thorough mixing of the liquid membrane components.
Application tools: Brushes, rollers, or spray equipment suitable for the specific liquid membrane being applied.
Measuring containers: Calibrated containers for accurate measurement of liquid membrane components.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As specified in the PPE section, including gloves, safety glasses, and respirators.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

1. Surface Preparation: Ensure the deck surface is clean, dry, and free from any loose debris, oil, or contaminants. Repair any cracks or damage to the surface.
2. Mixing: Carefully measure and mix the liquid membrane components according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use a mechanical mixer to ensure thorough blending. Do not deviate from the specified mixing ratios.
3. Application: Apply the liquid membrane evenly to the deck surface using the recommended application tools. Maintain a consistent thickness as specified by the manufacturer. Work in manageable sections to prevent the material from drying before the next coat is applied.
4. Curing: Allow the liquid membrane to cure for the specified time period, as per the manufacturer's instructions. Protect the surface from rain, foot traffic, and other disturbances during the curing process.
5. Inspection: After curing, inspect the membrane for any defects, such as pinholes, blisters, or unevenness. Repair any defects as needed, following the manufacturer's recommendations.
6. Final Cleanup: Remove all tools, equipment, and waste materials from the work area. Dispose of waste materials properly, in accordance with local regulations.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Read and understand the manufacturer's instructions and safety data sheets (SDS) for the specific liquid membrane being used.
Work in a well-ventilated area to minimize exposure to vapors.
Avoid skin and eye contact with the liquid membrane. Wear appropriate PPE at all times.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the work area.
Store liquid membrane materials in a cool, dry place, away from heat, sparks, and open flames.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In any emergency, immediately stop work and assess the situation. Ensure the safety of all personnel. Evacuate the area if necessary.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Skin contact: Wash the affected area with soap and water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
Eye contact: Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. Seek medical attention.
Fire: Extinguish with a Class B fire extinguisher. Evacuate the area and call emergency services.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, injuries, and near-misses must be reported to the supervisor immediately. The supervisor will complete an incident report and submit it to the safety department.

The safety department will investigate all reported incidents to determine the root cause and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]