Job Hazard Analysis: Drywall demolition

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. Walk the area and check for lead paint, asbestos, and hidden utilities

   • Asbestos in joint compound or texture, or lead in old paint, released as dustHigh
     • If the building is older than 1980, get the drywall and paint tested before anyone starts tearing out.
     • If tests come back positive, stop. Only a licensed abatement crew removes that material.
     • Supervisor confirms results in writing and tells the crew before work starts.
   • Live wires, gas lines, and water pipes hidden inside the wallHigh
     • Mark outlets, switches, fixtures, and plumbing on the wall with tape or marker so everyone knows where lines run.
     • Cut a small inspection hole first and look inside with a flashlight before opening the wall.

2. 2. Shut off and lock out power, water, and gas to the work area

   • Electric shock from cutting or prying into an energized 120V or 240V circuitHigh
     • Turn off the breakers feeding the walls you will remove, then put a lock and tag on the panel.
     • Test every outlet and switch in the area with a non-contact voltage tester before you cut.
     • Run temporary power from a GFCI-protected cord from another circuit, never from the dead area.
   • Flooding or gas leak from a cut or damaged pipeMedium
     • Close the water and gas valves for the area and open a faucet to drain pressure.
     • Know where the main water and gas shutoffs are before demo starts.

3. 3. Set up containment, floor protection, and dust control

   • Gypsum dust spreading to other rooms and the HVAC systemMedium
     • Hang 6-mil plastic sheeting with zipper doors to close off the work area.
     • Turn off the HVAC and cover supply and return vents with plastic and tape.
     • Set up a negative-air fan with a HEPA filter blowing out a window.
   • Tripping on plastic, cords, and floor protectionLow
     • Tape all edges of floor protection flat and run cords along the walls.

4. 4. Cut and remove drywall from walls at floor level

   • Breathing gypsum and joint compound dustMedium
     • Remove sheets in large pieces with a flat bar instead of smashing them with a hammer.
     • Lightly mist the drywall with a pump sprayer before breaking it.
     • Wear an N95 respirator at minimum during tear-out.
   • Cuts from utility knife blades, oscillating tool, and sharp metal studs or corner beadMedium
     • Cut away from your body and keep your other hand out of the cut path.
     • Set the oscillating blade depth to the drywall thickness, usually 1/2 in or 5/8 in, so you do not hit wires or pipes.
     • Wear cut-resistant gloves when handling metal studs and corner bead.
   • Debris and dust flying into eyesMedium
     • Keep coworkers at least 6 ft away from the person prying.
     • Wear safety goggles, not just glasses, when dust is heavy.

5. 5. Remove ceiling and upper wall drywall from a stepladder

   • Falling from a 6-ft fiberglass stepladderHigh
     • Use a rolling scaffold with locked wheels and guardrails for large ceilings instead of a ladder.
     • Open the stepladder fully, lock the spreaders, and set it on clear, level floor.
     • Never stand on the top step or top cap, and keep three points of contact.
     • Inspect the ladder before use and tag out any with cracked rails or bad feet.
   • Ceiling sheets and debris falling on workers belowMedium
     • Keep everyone out of the area directly under the ceiling section being removed.
     • Pull ceiling pieces down in small sections and let them drop away from you.
     • Wear a hard hat during ceiling removal.
   • Old insulation falling into eyes and onto skinMedium
     • Wear goggles, long sleeves, and an N95 when opening ceilings with insulation above.

6. 6. Pull screws, nails, and leftover drywall from studs

   • Puncture wounds from nails and screws in debris and on the floorMedium
     • Pull or bend over every fastener as you go so none stick out.
     • Sweep the floor with a magnetic sweeper at the end of each section.
     • Wear boots with puncture-resistant soles.
   • Hand and wrist strain from repeated prying and pullingLow
     • Use a cordless drill to back out screws instead of prying them.
     • Rotate tasks between crew members every hour.

7. 7. Bag debris and haul it to the dumpster

   • Back strain from lifting heavy, wet drywall pieces and full bagsMedium
     • Use a wheelbarrow, debris cart, or chute instead of carrying loads by hand.
     • Fill bags only half full and keep them under 50 lb.
     • Lift with your legs and get help for anything awkward.
   • Trips and falls on stairs and blocked exits while carrying debrisMedium
     • Keep hallways, stairs, and exits clear of debris piles at all times.
     • Carry loads small enough that you can see your feet and hold the handrail.

8. 8. Clean up the work area and take down containment

   • Dust getting back into the air during sweepingMedium
     • Clean with a HEPA vacuum. Do not dry sweep or use compressed air.
     • Mist plastic sheeting, then fold it inward on itself before bagging.
     • Keep your respirator on until cleanup is finished.
   • Contact with exposed wires when restoring powerMedium
     • Cap all loose wires and confirm everyone is clear before the person who placed the lock removes it.