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 sanding and painting drywall in construction and renovation projects. It applies to all workers involved in these tasks to minimize the risk of exposure to hazardous materials and physical injuries.

This procedure covers the preparation of surfaces, sanding operations, painting applications, and cleanup activities associated with drywall finishing. It is applicable in both indoor and outdoor construction environments.

This SWP should be used in conjunction with the manufacturer's instructions for sanding equipment, paints, and related materials, as well as relevant safety data sheets (SDS).

2. Definitions

ACM (Asbestos-Containing Material) Any material containing more than one percent asbestos.

HEPA Filter A high-efficiency particulate air filter that removes at least 99.97% of particles 0.3 micrometers in diameter.

PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) The maximum legal limit for exposure to a chemical or physical agent such as lead.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that all workers are adequately trained and competent to perform sanding and painting tasks safely.
Provide the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure its proper use and maintenance.
Conduct regular site inspections to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
Enforce adherence to this Safe Work Procedure and all relevant safety regulations.

3.2 Workers

Follow all instructions and procedures outlined in this SWP.
Use the provided PPE correctly and report any defects or damage immediately.
Participate in pre-job briefings and hazard assessments.
Report any incidents, near-misses, or unsafe conditions to the supervisor.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Assist in the development and review of this SWP.
Monitor compliance with safety regulations and provide recommendations for improvement.
Investigate incidents and near-misses to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Dust inhalation (containing lead, silica, or asbestos)	Respiratory irritation, silicosis, asbestosis, lead poisoning	Use respirators approved by NIOSH 2, 5, local exhaust ventilation 3, 6, wet methods to suppress dust 4, 12, HEPA filtered vacuum for cleanup 4, 10
Skin and eye contact with paint or solvents	Irritation, dermatitis, chemical burns	Wear appropriate gloves and eye protection 5, 15, provide adequate ventilation 3, 6
Slips, trips, and falls	Injuries from falls	Maintain a clean and organized work area, use non-slip footwear, clear obstructions [1]
Electrical hazards (from power tools)	Electric shock, electrocution	Inspect tools for damage before use, use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), ensure proper grounding [2]
Fire hazards (from flammable paints and solvents)	Burns, explosions	Store flammable materials in approved containers, ensure adequate ventilation, eliminate ignition sources 6, 20
Ergonomic hazards (repetitive motions, awkward postures)	Musculoskeletal disorders	Use ergonomic tools and techniques, take frequent breaks, rotate tasks

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use the appropriate PPE to minimize the risk of injury or illness. Inspect all PPE before use to ensure it is in good condition.

Respirator - Use a NIOSH-approved respirator (e.g., N95, P100) to protect against dust inhalation. Ensure proper fit and seal 2, 5.
Eye Protection - Wear safety glasses or goggles to prevent eye contact with dust, paint, or solvents 5, 15.
Gloves - Use chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile, neoprene) to protect skin from paint and solvents 5, 15.
Protective Clothing - Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to minimize skin exposure. Disposable coveralls may be necessary for certain tasks 5, 15.
Foot Protection - Wear safety shoes to protect against foot injury where heavy pieces of work are handled 5, 15.

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

6. Equipment and Tools

Use the right tool for the job and inspect all equipment before use to ensure it is in good working condition.

Sanding Equipment - Hand sanders, pole sanders, or power sanders with dust collection systems. Ensure dust collection systems are functioning correctly [3].
Paint Brushes and Rollers - Use appropriate brushes and rollers for the type of paint being applied.
Paint Sprayers - Airless spray guns should be equipped with safety devices to prevent accidental release of paint [4].
Ladders and Scaffolding - Use ladders and scaffolding that meet safety standards. Ensure they are stable and properly positioned.
Drop Cloths - Use drop cloths to protect surfaces from paint splatters and spills.

Inspect all equipment for damage before each use. Maintain equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions. Remove any defective equipment from service.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Workers must be trained in the safe use of sanding and painting equipment, proper handling of hazardous materials, and the requirements of this SWP. Training should include proper respirator fit testing and use 2, 5.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing to discuss the scope of work, potential hazards, and control measures. Review this SWP and ensure all workers understand their roles and responsibilities.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Ensure adequate ventilation in the work area. Use local exhaust ventilation where possible 3, 6.
Cover and protect surfaces that are not being painted with drop cloths or plastic sheeting.
Set up proper lighting to ensure good visibility.
Ensure the work area is clean, dry, and free of obstructions [1].
If there is a potential for asbestos exposure, follow all applicable regulations for asbestos handling and removal 4, 10, 11, 12, 19.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

8.1 Surface Preparation

Prepare the drywall surface by removing any loose material, dirt, or contaminants.

Scrape off any loose paint or texture.
Fill any holes or cracks with joint compound and let it dry.
Ensure the surface is clean and dry before sanding.

Safety considerations: Wear appropriate PPE, including a respirator, during surface preparation to avoid dust inhalation.

8.2 Sanding

Sand the drywall surface to create a smooth, even finish.

Use appropriate sanding equipment (hand sander, pole sander, or power sander) [3].
If using a power sander, ensure it is equipped with a dust collection system [3].
Sand the surface using smooth, even strokes.
Avoid over-sanding, which can damage the drywall paper.

Safety considerations: Wear a respirator and eye protection during sanding. Use dust collection systems or wet methods to minimize dust exposure 1, 4, 12.

8.3 Painting

Apply paint to the prepared drywall surface.

Stir the paint thoroughly before use.
Apply the paint using a brush, roller, or sprayer.
Apply thin, even coats to avoid drips and runs.
Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next coat.

Safety considerations: Ensure adequate ventilation when painting. Wear appropriate gloves and eye protection. If using a paint sprayer, follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines [4].

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Dust Control: Use wet methods or HEPA-filtered vacuums to control dust during sanding and cleanup 4, 10, 12, 19.
Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation to reduce exposure to dust, fumes, and vapors 3, 6.
Respiratory Protection: Always wear a NIOSH-approved respirator when sanding or working in dusty environments 2, 5.
Electrical Safety: Inspect power tools for damage before use and use GFCIs to prevent electric shock [2].
Fire Safety: Store flammable materials in approved containers and eliminate ignition sources 6, 20.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

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

Stop work immediately and assess the situation.
Evacuate the area if necessary.
Provide first aid to any injured persons.
Report the incident to the supervisor and health and safety representative.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen and seek medical attention.
Fire: Activate the fire alarm and evacuate the area. Use a fire extinguisher if trained and it is safe to do so.

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 as soon as possible. An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

12. References and Related Documents

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for paints, solvents, and joint compounds.
Manufacturer's instructions for sanding and painting equipment.
[Company Health and Safety Manual]

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