Job Hazard Analysis: Brick veneer installation

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 the work area and erect the frame scaffold

   • Scaffold collapse from soft ground, missing base plates, or missing bracesHigh
     • The competent person picks the scaffold location and checks the ground before erection.
     • Set every leg on base plates and mudsills; level with screw jacks, never with brick or block.
     • Install all cross braces and tie the scaffold to the building when it is more than 4 times taller than its base width.
     • Competent person inspects the scaffold before each shift and tags it before anyone climbs.
   • Falls while erecting upper lifts of scaffoldHigh
     • Plank each level fully before climbing to the next.
     • Climb only on built-in ladders or attached ladders, never on cross braces.
     • Use guardrails or a harness tied to a proper anchor as set by the competent person.
   • Struck by dropped frames, planks, or pinsMedium
     • Barricade the area below with caution tape or cones while erecting.
     • Pass components hand to hand or hoist with a rope; do not throw them.
     • Wear a hard hat inside the barricaded zone.

2. 2. Stage brick, sand, and mortar bags

   • Struck by rough-terrain forklift moving brick cubesHigh
     • Set a marked travel path for the forklift away from where the crew works.
     • Only trained, authorized operators drive the forklift; use a spotter near the scaffold.
     • Stay out of the swing and travel path and make eye contact with the operator. Wear a high-visibility vest.
   • Overloading scaffold planks with brick and mortarHigh
     • Competent person states the load limit; keep brick stacks small and spread out over the frames.
     • Do not set mortar boards or brick in the middle of a plank span.
   • Back and shoulder strain from lifting brick and 80-lb mortar bagsMedium
     • Have the forklift set pallets close to the mixer and the scaffold.
     • Use brick tongs and a wheelbarrow or cart; two-person lift for full bags.
     • Lift with your legs, keep the load close, and do not twist.

3. 3. Mix mortar in the power mixer

   • Caught in rotating mixer paddlesHigh
     • Keep the grate guard on the mixer at all times.
     • Never reach into the drum or poke it with a shovel while it turns; shut it off first.
     • No loose sleeves, gloves with cuffs hanging, or drawstrings near the mixer.
   • Cement and silica dust when dumping bagsMedium
     • Set the mixer so wind blows dust away from the operator and the crew.
     • Slit bags low over the drum and pour slowly; add water first.
     • Wear safety glasses and an N95 respirator when dumping bags.
   • Skin burns from wet mortarMedium
     • Keep clean water and soap at the mixer for washing skin.
     • Wear nitrile-coated gloves and long sleeves; wash mortar off skin right away.

4. 4. Cut brick with the wet masonry saw

   • Respirable crystalline silica dust from cutting brickHigh
     • Plan layout to cut as few brick as possible.
     • Use only a saw with water feed running; never dry cut.
     • Set the saw outdoors, away from other workers, and follow the company silica control plan.
   • Cuts or kickback from the saw bladeHigh
     • Keep the blade guard in place and use the right diamond blade for brick.
     • Hold brick on the sliding tray; keep hands clear of the blade line.
     • Unplug the saw before changing blades or clearing jams.
   • Electric shock from saw cord in wet conditionsMedium
     • Plug the saw into a GFCI outlet or GFCI cord.
     • Inspect the cord daily; take damaged cords out of service.
   • Loud saw noiseMedium
     • Set the saw away from where others work.
     • Wear earplugs or earmuffs while cutting.

5. 5. Lay brick, set wall ties, and install flashing from the scaffold

   • Falls from the scaffold work platformHigh
     • Fully plank platforms and keep them within 14 inches of the wall.
     • Keep guardrails on all open sides above 10 ft; never remove them to pass material.
     • Do not stand on brick stacks, buckets, or ladders on the platform.
   • Falling brick, mortar, or tools striking workers belowMedium
     • Install toeboards or debris netting on the scaffold.
     • Set a limited access zone below the wall and keep it barricaded.
     • Wear a hard hat at all times around the scaffold.
   • Wall collapse of fresh brick in high windMedium
     • Set wall ties at the spacing on the plans as you go.
     • Stop laying and keep clear of fresh, unbraced work when winds are high.
   • Heat illness during summer workMedium
     • Schedule heavy work in the morning and provide shade near the mixer.
     • Drink water every 15 minutes and take rest breaks in the shade; new workers build up time in the heat.
     • Watch each other for dizziness, confusion, or stopping sweating.

6. 6. Tool joints and clean brick with acid cleaner

   • Chemical burns to eyes and skin from muriatic acid or masonry cleanerHigh
     • Use a milder detergent-type masonry cleaner instead of muriatic acid when the brick maker allows.
     • Read the SDS; always add acid to water, never water to acid; use a low-pressure sprayer.
     • Keep an eyewash bottle and clean water at the work area.
     • Wear chemical goggles, face shield, and chemical-resistant gloves.
   • Breathing acid vaporsMedium
     • Work upwind and keep other workers out of the spray area.

7. 7. Clean up and dismantle the scaffold

   • Falls while dismantling scaffoldHigh
     • Competent person directs teardown from the top down.
     • Remove ties and braces only from the level being taken down.
     • Use fall protection as set by the competent person.
   • Silica dust from dry sweeping mortar and brick debrisMedium
     • Wet down debris or use a HEPA vacuum; no dry sweeping or compressed air.
   • Trips and cuts from broken brick, banding, and loose planksLow
     • Cut banding and bin it right away; keep walkways clear all day.
     • Stack scaffold parts and planks flat in a marked area.
     • Wear leather gloves and safety boots.