# Job Hazard Analysis: Surface preparation and sanding URL: https://hardhatbinder.com/en/jha/painting/surface-prep Last updated: 2026-10-23 Interior or exterior prep before painting: washing, scraping loose paint, patching, and sanding walls, trim, and wood with hand tools and electric orbital sanders. Work is from the floor, stepladders, or extension ladders. Assume existing paint may contain lead in any building built before 1978 until testing shows otherwise. > 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. Inspect the work area, test old paint for lead, and set up the work zone - **Lead dust from disturbing old paint in a pre-1978 building** (High): Test the paint with a lead test kit or lab sample before any scraping or sanding.; If lead is found or not tested, stop and get the supervisor to set up the lead work plan before starting.; Cover floors and furniture with 6-mil plastic sheeting and close off vents and doorways.; Post warning signs and keep other trades and occupants out of the work zone. - **Trips and slips on plastic sheeting, drop cloths, and cords** (Medium): Tape down plastic and drop cloth edges and seams.; Run extension cords along walls, not across walkways.; Wear work boots with slip-resistant soles. ### 2. Set up stepladders and extension ladders - **Fall from a stepladder or extension ladder** (High): Use a long-handle sanding pole from the floor when you can, so you don't need a ladder.; Inspect each ladder before use for cracked rails, loose rungs, and missing feet; tag and remove damaged ladders.; Fully open and lock stepladder spreaders; never stand on the top cap or top step.; Set extension ladders at a 4-to-1 angle on firm, level ground and extend 3 ft above the landing.; Keep 3 points of contact and your belt buckle between the rails; move the ladder instead of overreaching. - **Aluminum ladder contacting overhead power lines outside** (High): Use fiberglass ladders near any electrical lines or equipment.; Look up before raising a ladder and stay at least 10 ft away from power lines. ### 3. Wash and degrease surfaces with cleaner or deglosser - **Skin and eye burns from TSP, degreasers, or liquid deglosser** (Medium): Use the mildest product that works, such as a TSP substitute or mild detergent.; Read the label and Safety Data Sheet before mixing; keep products in labeled containers.; Wear chemical splash goggles and nitrile gloves when mixing and scrubbing. - **Breathing solvent vapors in a closed room** (Medium): Open windows and run a box fan blowing air out of the room.; Keep solvent containers closed when not in use and no smoking or open flames nearby.; Take a fresh-air break if you get dizzy or get a headache, and tell the foreman. ### 4. Scrape loose paint and patch holes and cracks - **Cuts to hands from scrapers, putty knives, and utility knives** (Medium): Keep scraper blades sharp and push away from your body and your other hand.; Use utility knives with retractable blades and close them after each cut.; Wear cut-resistant work gloves when scraping. - **Paint chips and dust in eyes and lungs, including lead** (High): Mist the surface lightly with water before scraping to keep dust down.; Never dry-scrape or use a heat gun over 1100°F on lead paint.; Wear safety glasses and the respirator assigned for this job. ### 5. Power sand walls, trim, and wood with an electric orbital sander - **Breathing sanding dust from drywall compound, old paint, or wood** (High): Use a sander with a dust shroud connected to a HEPA shop vacuum.; Wet sand with a sanding sponge where possible instead of power sanding.; Keep the room ventilated and keep other workers out while sanding.; Wear at least an N95 respirator, or a half-face P100 respirator if lead or heavy dust is present. - **Electric shock from damaged sander cords or extension cords** (Medium): Plug into a GFCI outlet or use a portable GFCI.; Check cords and plugs before use; remove any tool with cut insulation or a missing ground pin.; Keep cords away from water buckets and wet surfaces. - **Noise and hand vibration from running the sander for long periods** (Low): Rotate sanding with other tasks and take short breaks every hour.; Wear earplugs or earmuffs when running power sanders or the shop vacuum. ### 6. Hand sand edges, corners, and detail areas - **Overreaching or twisting on the ladder while sanding** (Medium): Move the ladder every few feet so your work stays in front of you.; Carry sanding blocks and sponges in a pouch so both hands are free to climb. - **Dust in eyes when sanding overhead** (Medium): Use a sanding pole for ceilings when possible.; Wear safety glasses with side shields, or goggles for overhead sanding. ### 7. Clean up dust and debris and decontaminate - **Spreading dust, including lead, when sweeping or shaking out drop cloths** (High): Never dry sweep or use compressed air; clean with a HEPA vacuum and wet wipes.; Mist plastic sheeting, fold it dirty side in, and bag it in heavy-duty bags.; Wash hands and face before eating, drinking, or smoking, and change out of dusty clothes before going home. - **Fire from rags soaked with solvents or oil-based products** (Medium): Lay used rags flat to dry outside or put them in a closed metal container with water.; Keep a fire extinguisher in the work area. ## Required PPE - Safety glasses — ANSI Z87.1 with side shields at all times; chemical splash goggles when mixing cleaners or sanding overhead. - Respirator — N95 for light dust; half-face P100 for lead or heavy dust. Fit-tested and medically cleared before use. - Gloves — Nitrile gloves for cleaners and deglossers; cut-resistant work gloves for scraping. - Hearing protection — Earplugs or earmuffs when running power sanders or shop vacuums. - Disposable coveralls — When sanding or scraping paint that has or may have lead; remove before leaving the work area. - Work boots — Slip-resistant soles at all times, especially on plastic sheeting and ladders. ## Training - Hazard communication: reading labels and Safety Data Sheets for cleaners, deglossers, and fillers. - Lead awareness and safe work practices before disturbing paint in pre-1978 buildings. - Respirator medical evaluation, fit test, and training on use and care. - Ladder safety training by a competent person: inspection, setup, and safe climbing. - Safe use of power sanders, GFCIs, and cord inspection. ## Emergency If someone falls from a ladder: stop work, do not move the person unless they are in danger, call 911 and give the site address, and give first aid until help arrives. For chemicals or dust in eyes, flush with clean water for 15 minutes. Tell the supervisor right away. ## Official sources - [29 CFR 1926.62](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.62) — Lead - [29 CFR 1926.1053](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.1053) — Ladders - [29 CFR 1926.55](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.55) — Gases, vapors, fumes, dusts, and mists - [29 CFR 1910.134](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1910.134) — Respiratory protection program - [29 CFR 1926.59](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.59) — Hazard communication - [29 CFR 1926.300](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.300) — Hand and power tools — general requirements - [29 CFR 1926.102](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.102) — Eye and face protection - [29 CFR 1926.25](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.25) — Housekeeping --- Source: HardHat Binder, operated by Leadspire LLC. Templates to be reviewed by a competent person before use; not legal advice; not affiliated with OSHA.