Job Hazard Analysis: Hanging 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 stock drywall sheets in each room.

   • Back, shoulder, and hand strain from carrying 12-ft sheets that weigh 55–90 lb.Medium
     • Have the supplier boom-deliver sheets to each floor or room when possible.
     • Use a drywall cart or panel dolly to move stacks.
     • Carry full sheets with two people; lift with your legs and keep the sheet close.
     • Wear cut-resistant work gloves.
   • Stacked sheets tipping over and crushing feet or legs.High
     • Stack sheets flat on the floor on spacers, not leaned on walls.
     • If sheets must lean, keep the bottom out at a low angle and never stand on the downhill side.
     • Do not overload upper floors; spread stacks near bearing walls.
     • Wear safety-toe boots.

2. 2. Measure, score, and cut sheets with a utility knife and drywall saw.

   • Cuts to hands and legs from the utility knife.Medium
     • Use a self-retracting utility knife and change dull blades often.
     • Cut away from your body and keep your free hand behind the blade path.
     • Put used blades in a closed blade container.
     • Wear cut-resistant gloves.
   • Gypsum dust in eyes and lungs from cutting and rasping.Low
     • Score and snap instead of sawing whenever possible.
     • Keep doors and windows open for fresh air.
     • Wear safety glasses; wear an N95 dust mask during heavy rasping.

3. 3. Hang ceiling sheets using a drywall panel lift and screw them off.

   • Sheet falling from the lift or ceiling onto workers.High
     • Use a panel lift for every ceiling sheet instead of holding sheets overhead by hand.
     • Check the lift cable, winch brake, and locks before each use.
     • Lock the casters and keep everyone out from under the sheet until it is fully screwed.
     • Wear a hard hat when others are working overhead.
   • Falls from stepladders or baker scaffolds while screwing ceilings.High
     • Use a baker scaffold with guardrails when the platform is over 6 ft, or a ladder tall enough so you never stand on the top cap or top step.
     • Lock all baker wheels before climbing and never ride a rolling scaffold.
     • Open stepladders fully with spreaders locked on a clean, level floor.
     • Keep 3 points of contact and do not overreach; move the ladder instead.
   • Screwing into hidden wires or pipes in the ceiling.Medium
     • Check that nail plates protect wires and pipes in framing before hanging.
     • Mark framing lines and keep screws centered on joists.

4. 4. Hang wall sheets and screw them off with a drywall screw gun.

   • Screw gun injuries: screws into fingers, kickback, and wrist strain.Medium
     • Use a collated screw gun so your hand stays away from the tip.
     • Inspect cords and batteries; tag and remove damaged tools.
     • Keep your free hand off the sheet near the screw line.
     • Wear safety glasses at all times.
   • Back strain lifting top-row sheets into place.Medium
     • Use a drywall foot lifter to set bottom sheets and a panel lift for high walls.
     • Lift top sheets with two people and rotate tasks.

5. 5. Cut out electrical boxes, windows, and openings with a drywall router.

   • Contact with energized wires in electrical boxes.High
     • Confirm with the electrician or GC that circuits are off before cutting around boxes.
     • Push wires to the back of the box and ride the bit along the outside of the box.
     • Use GFCI protection on all corded tools and extension cords.
   • Router bit cuts, flying chips, and noise.Medium
     • Let the bit stop fully before setting the router down.
     • Unplug or remove the battery before changing bits.
     • Wear safety glasses and earplugs while routing.

6. 6. Clean up scraps, screws, and cords; move to the next area.

   • Slips and trips on scraps, loose screws, and extension cords.Medium
     • Pick up scraps as you go and bag or dump them at the end of each room.
     • Run cords along walls, not across doorways and walk paths.
     • Sweep loose screws with a broom or magnet before rolling scaffolds.
   • Dust when sweeping.Low
     • Use a HEPA vacuum or sweeping compound instead of dry sweeping.
     • Wear an N95 mask if dust is visible.