Job Hazard Analysis: Ceiling drywall

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. Unload and stage drywall sheets in the work area

   • Back and shoulder strain from carrying sheets that weigh 50 to 100 lbsMedium
     • Have the supplier boom-deliver sheets to each floor or room when possible.
     • Use a drywall cart or panel carrier to move sheets.
     • Carry full sheets with two people. Lift with your legs and keep the sheet close to your body.
   • Stacked sheets tipping over and crushing feet or legsHigh
     • Stack sheets flat on spacers on a level floor, never leaning on studs or walls.
     • Keep stacks away from stairways, floor openings, and walkways.
     • Do not overload the floor. Spread stacks over joists as the supervisor directs.
     • Wear safety-toe boots.

2. 2. Set up the baker scaffold, stepladders, and drywall lift

   • Scaffold rolling, tipping, or collapsing because of missing parts or unlocked wheelsHigh
     • Inspect the scaffold before each shift. Tag out and remove any bent frame, cracked plank, or broken wheel lock.
     • Set it on a firm, level floor clear of cords and debris. Lock all four wheels before climbing.
     • Install guardrails when the platform is 10 ft or higher. Use the built-in ladder end to climb, never the cross braces.
   • Falls from stepladdersMedium
     • Use the drywall lift and scaffold instead of ladders for most of the work.
     • Use a fiberglass stepladder fully opened with spreaders locked. Inspect it before use.
     • Do not stand on the top step or top cap. Keep your belly button inside the side rails.
   • Tripping over extension cords, scraps, and lift legsMedium
     • Route cords along walls or overhead, away from walkways.
     • Clear the floor under the work area before setting up.

3. 3. Measure and cut sheets with a utility knife and T-square

   • Cuts to hands and legs from the utility knifeMedium
     • Use a self-retracting utility knife and replace dull blades.
     • Cut away from your body. Keep your free hand behind the blade.
     • Wear cut-resistant gloves on your holding hand.
   • Gypsum dust in eyes and lungs from snapping and rasping edgesLow
     • Score and snap instead of sawing when possible.
     • Cut in a ventilated area away from other workers.
     • Wear safety glasses. Use an N95 mask if dust is visible.

4. 4. Raise and position sheets against the ceiling with the drywall lift

   • Sheet sliding off the lift or lift tipping and striking workers belowHigh
     • Inspect the lift cable, winch brake, and cradle arms before use.
     • Set the lift on a level floor, center the sheet on the cradle, and engage the winch brake.
     • Keep everyone out from under the sheet while it goes up. Only the operator stays at the crank.
     • Wear a hard hat.
   • Pinched fingers between the sheet and framing or in the lift mechanismMedium
     • Push the sheet from the flat face, never by the edge against the joists.
     • Keep hands off the cable and crank while the lift is moving.
   • Neck and shoulder strain from holding sheets overheadMedium
     • Let the lift hold the sheet. Do not hold full sheets overhead by hand or with your head.
     • Rotate tasks and take short stretch breaks.

5. 5. Fasten sheets to the joists with the screw gun

   • Falling from the scaffold or ladder while reaching overheadHigh
     • Move the scaffold or ladder instead of leaning out. Get down before moving it.
     • Never ride a rolling scaffold. Relock the wheels after every move.
     • Keep the platform clear of screw boxes and scraps.
   • Gypsum debris and screws falling into eyesMedium
     • Wear ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses at all times during overhead work.
   • Electric shock from damaged screw gun cordsMedium
     • Use cordless screw guns when possible.
     • Plug corded tools into GFCI-protected outlets. Remove any cord with cuts or missing ground pins.

6. 6. Cut openings for light boxes, fans, and vents with a rotary cutout tool

   • Contact with live wires in electrical boxesHigh
     • Confirm with the electrician or supervisor that ceiling circuits are off and locked out before cutting.
     • Make sure wires are pushed fully inside the box. Guide the bit around the outside of the box, not into it.
   • Dust and chips in the eyes and lungs from the spinning bitMedium
     • Use a rotary tool with a dust collection attachment if available.
     • Wear safety glasses and an N95 mask while cutting.
   • Bit kickback cutting handsMedium
     • Hold the tool with both hands and let the bit reach full speed before plunging.
     • Unplug or remove the battery before changing bits.

7. 7. Clean up scraps and break down equipment

   • Slips and trips on scraps, dust, and loose screwsMedium
     • Pick up scraps throughout the shift, not just at the end.
     • Sweep or HEPA-vacuum dust. Do not dry-sweep heavy dust or use compressed air.
   • Strain and cuts from carrying scrap and taking down the scaffoldLow
     • Bag scraps in small loads and use a cart to the dumpster.
     • Take down the scaffold with two people from the top down and wear gloves.