Safe Work Procedure: Sanding and Painting Drywall

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 safely sanding and painting drywall in [LOCATION_CONTEXT]. This procedure applies to all workers involved in sanding and painting drywall, including but not limited to employees, contractors, and subcontractors. It covers the preparation of the work area, sanding, painting, and cleanup activities. This SWP does not cover the installation or removal of drywall, or work on drywall containing asbestos or lead-based paint. Consult the relevant SDS and product labels for specific safety information related to the paints, adhesives, and joint compounds being used 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.

2. Definitions

Drywall: A panel made of gypsum plaster pressed between two thick sheets of paper, used for interior walls and ceilings.

Sanding: The process of smoothing a surface with an abrasive material.

Painting: The process of applying a liquid coating to a surface for protection and decoration.

PPE: Personal Protective Equipment.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that all workers are properly trained and competent to perform the task 7, 10, 13, 20.
Provide all necessary PPE and ensure that it is in good condition 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 17, 20.
Conduct pre-job briefings to discuss potential hazards and control measures 7, 10, 13, 20.
Ensure that the work area is properly ventilated and free of hazards 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 17, 20.
Enforce all safety rules and procedures 7, 10, 13, 20.

3.2 Workers

Follow all safety rules and procedures 7, 10, 13, 20.
Use all required PPE properly and maintain it in good condition 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 17, 20.
Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately 7, 10, 13, 20.
Participate in pre-job briefings and ask questions if anything is unclear 7, 10, 13, 20.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the work area 6, 9, 14.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Conduct regular inspections of the work area to identify potential hazards 7, 10, 13, 20.
Investigate incidents and near misses to determine root causes and implement corrective actions 7, 10, 13, 20.
Provide training and resources to workers on health and safety topics 7, 10, 13, 20.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Dust inhalation	Respiratory irritation, silicosis, lung cancer	Use a NIOSH-approved respirator or filtering facepiece, provide ventilation, use dust collection systems 3, 6, 8, 11, 14
Eye contact	Eye irritation, damage	Wear approved eye protection (safety goggles or face shield) 6, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20
Skin contact	Skin irritation, dermatitis	Wear suitable waterproof gloves and protective clothing 6, 8, 11, 14, 20
Slips, trips, and falls	Injuries	Keep work area clean and dry, use proper ladders and scaffolding 7, 10, 13, 20
Chemical exposure (paints, adhesives)	Irritation, sensitization, other health effects	Review SDS for each product, use proper ventilation, wear appropriate PPE 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
Fire hazard	Burns, property damage	Keep flammable materials away from heat sources, ensure proper ventilation, have fire extinguishers readily available 1, 7
Ergonomic hazards (repetitive motions, awkward postures)	Musculoskeletal disorders	Take frequent breaks, use proper tools and techniques, rotate tasks 7, 10, 13, 20

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use the proper PPE for the task to minimize the risk of injury or illness 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 17, 20.

Respirator - A NIOSH-approved dust mask or filtering facepiece is required when sanding to prevent inhalation of dust particles 3, 6, 8, 11, 14. Ensure the respirator fits properly and is appropriate for the level of dust exposure 6, 8, 11, 14.
Eye Protection - Wear approved eye protection, such as safety goggles or a face shield, to protect eyes from dust and splashes 6, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20.
Gloves - Wear suitable waterproof gloves to protect skin from irritation and chemical exposure 6, 8, 11, 14, 20.
Protective Clothing - Wear suitable protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, to prevent skin contact with dust and chemicals 6, 8, 11, 14, 20.
Hearing Protection - If using power tools that generate high noise levels, wear hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs 7, 10, 13, 20.

Inspect PPE before each use for damage or wear. Replace damaged PPE immediately. Clean and maintain PPE according to the manufacturer's instructions 7, 10, 13, 20.

6. Equipment and Tools

Always use the proper equipment and tools for the task and ensure they are in good working condition 7, 10, 13, 20.

Sanding Pole/Hand Sander - Used for smoothing drywall surfaces. Ensure the sanding pole is in good condition and the sandpaper is properly attached 7, 10, 13, 20.
Sandpaper - Use appropriate grit sandpaper for the task. Finer grits are used for final smoothing 7, 10, 13, 20.
Paint Brushes/Rollers - Use high-quality brushes and rollers for even paint application. Clean brushes and rollers after each use 7, 10, 13, 20.
Paint Trays/Buckets - Use appropriate containers for holding paint. Keep containers clean and free of debris 7, 10, 13, 20.
Ladders/Scaffolding - Use ladders or scaffolding to reach high areas safely. Ensure ladders are placed on a stable surface and scaffolding is properly assembled 7, 10, 13, 20.

Inspect equipment and tools before each use for damage or wear. Replace damaged equipment immediately. Maintain equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions 7, 10, 13, 20.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Workers must be trained and competent in the safe sanding and painting of drywall. Training should include hazard awareness, proper use of PPE, and safe work procedures 7, 10, 13, 20.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing with all workers involved to discuss the scope of work, potential hazards, and control measures. Review the SWP and ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities 7, 10, 13, 20.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Ensure the work area is clean, dry, and free of obstructions 7, 10, 13, 20.
Provide adequate ventilation to minimize dust and chemical exposure 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 17, 20.
Cover floors and furniture with drop cloths to protect them from dust and paint 7, 10, 13, 20.
Set up proper lighting to ensure good visibility 7, 10, 13, 20.
Ensure all necessary equipment and tools are available and in good working condition 7, 10, 13, 20.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

8.1 Preparing the Drywall Surface

Carefully inspect the drywall surface for imperfections such as nail holes, dents, or cracks.

Sub-step 8.1.1 Use a joint compound to fill any holes or cracks. Apply the compound with a putty knife, ensuring it is smooth and level with the surrounding surface 7, 10, 13, 20.
Sub-step 8.1.2 Allow the joint compound to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions 7, 10, 13, 20.
Sub-step 8.1.3 Once the joint compound is dry, lightly sand the surface to smooth it out. Use a fine-grit sandpaper and a sanding block or pole sander 7, 10, 13, 20.

Safety considerations for this step: Wear a respirator and eye protection to avoid inhaling dust particles 3, 6, 8, 11, 14.

8.2 Sanding the Drywall

Sanding is essential for creating a smooth surface for painting.

Sub-step 8.2.1 Attach the appropriate grit sandpaper to the sanding block or pole sander 7, 10, 13, 20.
Sub-step 8.2.2 Sand the drywall surface using smooth, even strokes. Avoid applying too much pressure, which can create uneven surfaces 7, 10, 13, 20.
Sub-step 8.2.3 Pay special attention to seams and edges to ensure they are smooth and blended with the surrounding surface 7, 10, 13, 20.

Safety considerations for this step: Wear a respirator and eye protection to avoid inhaling dust particles 3, 6, 8, 11, 14. Ensure the work area is well-ventilated 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 17, 20.

8.3 Painting the Drywall

Painting provides a protective and decorative finish to the drywall.

Sub-step 8.3.1 Apply a primer to the drywall surface to improve paint adhesion and coverage. Allow the primer to dry completely 7, 10, 13, 20.
Sub-step 8.3.2 Stir the paint thoroughly before use to ensure even color distribution 7, 10, 13, 20.
Sub-step 8.3.3 Apply the paint using a brush or roller, using smooth, even strokes. Avoid applying too much paint, which can cause drips and runs 7, 10, 13, 20.
Sub-step 8.3.4 Allow the first coat of paint to dry completely before applying a second coat, if necessary 7, 10, 13, 20.

Safety considerations for this step: Review the SDS for the paint being used and wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves and eye protection 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20. Ensure the work area is well-ventilated 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 17, 20.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Dust Control: Minimize dust generation by using wet sanding techniques or vacuum sanders 7, 10, 13, 20.
Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation to reduce exposure to dust and chemical vapors 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 17, 20.
Housekeeping: Keep the work area clean and free of debris to prevent slips, trips, and falls 7, 10, 13, 20.
Ladder Safety: Use ladders safely by ensuring they are placed on a stable surface and are properly secured 7, 10, 13, 20.
Chemical Handling: Handle paints and adhesives according to the manufacturer's instructions and SDS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, follow these general procedures:

Assess the situation and ensure your safety 7, 10, 13, 20.
If possible, eliminate the hazard or contain the emergency 7, 10, 13, 20.
Alert others in the area and evacuate if necessary 7, 10, 13, 20.
Call for emergency assistance if needed 7, 10, 13, 20.
Provide first aid to injured persons 7, 10, 13, 20.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Dust Inhalation: Move to fresh air and seek medical attention if breathing difficulties persist [1].
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention [1].
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water. Seek medical attention if irritation persists [1].
Chemical Spill: Contain the spill and clean it up using appropriate materials. Dispose of waste properly 1, 7.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 911
[Company Safety Officer]: [PHONE NUMBER]
[Local Hospital]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents, near-misses, and hazards to the supervisor immediately. The supervisor will investigate the incident and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence 7, 10, 13, 20.

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