A Brief Guide to Drywall Installation Safety

When you're working with drywall, it's crucial to put your health and safety first. While hanging, sanding, and finishing drywall is far from the most dangerous job in the world, it's also far from the safest! To help keep you and your crew safe on the job, here's a brief guide to drywall installation safety.

Wear PPE

Before you start working, ensure you're wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Ideally, you'll want to wear:

• Long-sleeved shirt
• Long pants
• Closed-toe shoes (preferably thick and sturdy boots)
• Safety gloves
• Safety glasses/goggles
• NIOSH/MSHA approved mask
• Safety vest
• Hard hat
• Knee pads

This assortment of gear will protect you from drywall dust, chemicals, nicks and cuts, and other health and safety hazards common to the job.

Keep the Worksite Clean

Traditional methods of installing drywall produce large amounts of dust. If you aren't careful, this dust can get inside your eyes and lungs and cause damage. It can also coat the floor and any tools nearby. Wearing goggles and a mask helps keep dust off and out of your body, but to ensure you don't accidentally step on a sharp tool, you'll need to periodically dust off your worksite.

Never Work Alone

The process of installing drywall is hard on the body. One way to reduce repetitive motion strain and other injuries is to always work with a partner. This partner can help you lift heavy drywall, temporarily take over for you if you're feeling winded, and act as a second eye to watch over your health and safety.

Use the Right Equipment

The final topic we'll cover in this brief guide to drywall installation safety is the type and quality of your equipment.

If you're a beginner drywaller, you may accidentally make the mistake of using putty knives instead of specialized drywall knives or nails and a hammer instead of a cordless drill and screws. Using the right tools is essential, so take the time to look through your gear and ensure you have the correct kind for the job.

You should also ensure you're using the highest-quality equipment available. Never use worn-down or broken equipment—it's much more likely to malfunction and harm you in the process. When shopping for new equipment, look for gear that has built-in safety features like easy-grip handles and adjustable brakes.

Looking for new equipment or PPE? Timothy's Toolbox carries LIFT safety gear and other drywall equipment and accessories from top brands. Shop with us today for great deals!