Job Hazard Analysis: Wall framing

A general example for this task. Your JHA should reflect your crew, equipment and site — review it with a competent person before work starts.

Steps, hazards and controls

1. 1. Set up: stage lumber, run cords, and start the air compressor.

   • Back strain from carrying lumber bundles and platesMedium
     • Have the lumber delivered and set close to the work area with the truck's boom or a forklift.
     • Carry long boards with two people. Lift with your legs and keep the load close.
     • Stack lumber flat on blocking, no higher than you can safely reach.
   • Electric shock from damaged extension cords or wet conditionsMedium
     • Plug all tools into a GFCI outlet or portable GFCI.
     • Check cords before use. Tag and remove any cord with cuts, missing ground pins, or taped splices.
     • Keep cords out of water and away from walkways.
   • Trips over cords and air hosesLow
     • Route cords and hoses along the deck edge or overhead, not across paths.
     • Place the compressor where it will not block exits or stairs.

2. 2. Lay out and cut plates, studs, headers, and blocking with the circular saw and miter saw.

   • Cuts and amputation from saw bladesHigh
     • Use saws only with working blade guards. Never pin or wedge the lower guard open.
     • Set the miter saw on a stable stand with outfeed support for long boards.
     • Support the board on both sides of the cut so the blade does not bind and kick back.
     • Keep hands at least 6 in from the blade. Unplug the saw before changing blades.
   • Flying chips and sawdust in the eyesMedium
     • Point the saw's dust chute away from other workers.
     • Wear safety glasses at all times while cutting.
   • Hearing damage from saw noiseMedium
     • Set up the cut station away from where others are working.
     • Wear earplugs or earmuffs while running saws.

3. 3. Assemble the wall flat on the deck and nail it with the pneumatic framing nailer.

   • Nail gun puncture injuries from double-fire or nails blowing through the woodHigh
     • Use nailers with a sequential (single-shot) trigger, not contact (bump) trigger.
     • Never carry the nailer with your finger on the trigger. Never point it at anyone.
     • Keep your free hand at least 12 in from the nail point. Watch for knots and metal.
     • Disconnect the air hose before clearing jams or walking away.
   • Air hose whip from a failed fittingLow
     • Check hoses and couplers before use. Keep compressor pressure at the nailer maker's setting.
   • Knee and back strain from kneeling and bendingLow
     • Rotate tasks and take short breaks. Wear knee pads.

4. 4. Raise the wall into place and set it on the layout line.

   • Falls from the deck edge while lifting or pushing the wallHigh
     • Before raising, install toe stops or nail cleats on the bottom plate so the wall cannot slide off the edge.
     • On decks 6 ft or more above the level below, use guardrails or personal fall arrest tied to a rated anchor.
     • Stand on the inside of the wall and push outward only with a plan from the foreman.
   • Struck by or crushed under a falling wallHigh
     • Use a wall jack or enough workers for the wall size. Long or heavy walls need a lift plan.
     • One person calls the lift. Keep everyone else clear of the fall zone, including below the deck.
     • Do not raise walls in strong wind.
   • Back strain from lifting the wallMedium
     • Lift together on the count. Use your legs, not your back.

5. 5. Plumb, brace, and nail off the wall; install the double top plate.

   • Wall falls over before bracing is secureHigh
     • Install temporary diagonal braces right after the wall is up, before anyone lets go.
     • Leave braces in place until the walls are tied together and sheathed.
   • Falls from a stepladder while nailing the top plateMedium
     • Use a fiberglass stepladder fully open and locked on a flat surface.
     • Do not stand on the top step or top cap. Keep your belt buckle between the rails.
     • Do not use a stepladder near an open deck edge.
   • Struck by falling tools or lumber from the top plateMedium
     • Do not leave tools or nails on top plates. Keep people out from under overhead work.
     • Wear a hard hat.

6. 6. Clean up: pick up scraps and nails, coil cords and hoses, and shut down the compressor.

   • Stepping on nails and tripping over scrapsMedium
     • Clean scraps through the day, not just at the end. Put them in a dumpster or scrap pile.
     • Bend over or pull nails sticking out of scrap boards.
     • Wear boots with puncture-resistant soles.
   • Stored air pressure in the compressor and hosesLow
     • Turn off the compressor and bleed the tank and hoses before disconnecting.