Whether doing it on your own or hiring a professional crew, working with drywall is a serious project that requires an acute attention to detail, and of course, an appreciation for safety. Often times, anyone outsourcing or performing drywall work is on a strict time schedule, which means many people are tempted to rush through the process. If this happens, important safety precautions and practices can be easily overlooked or forgotten.

The chief point here is to remember that proper drywall safety can only be achieved if you to take your time. Cutting corners and taking shortcuts will not improve the outcome of your project, nor will it protect you from accidents. Continue reading to review some important drywall safety tips and reminders to better protect yourself and your team on your next job.

Drywall Safety Tips

Drywall work includes a long list of duties that can lead to serious injuries and accidents if one is not careful. Cutting, lifting, hanging, screwing, taping, and using power tools are just a few parts of the drywall process that can be dangerous if not performed with the utmost care and caution. Follow the safety tips below to avoid harming yourself, others, and your property.

Stay Attentive to Heavy Weight. Remember that drywall sheets are heavy. A standard sheet of ½ inch drywall weighs an average of 1.7 pounds per square foot. So a 4×8 sheet can be as heavy as 54 pounds. You must be careful transporting, lifting, and storing heavy drywall sheets. If one were to topple over on a pet or child, it can cause serious injuries.

Watch Out for Large Buckets. Large 5-gallon buckets of compound are an overlooked, life-threatening hazard for pets and children when left unsupervised. There have been cases of drowning and suffocation in wet drywall compound, as well as, old compound buckets filled with water.

Control and Manage Dust. The dust that is produced from sanding drywall can be hazardous in many ways. It can cause minor to severe head and respiratory complications, such as coughing, sore throat, dry nose, red itchy eyes, skin irritations, and more. But drywall dust can also induce and worsen existing upper respiratory issues like allergies and asthma.

Additional Tips:

🛠 Use proper tools for comfort, efficiency, and effectiveness.

🛠 Clear your work area before you begin.

🛠 Wear proper back braces and lifting gear to move drywall sheets.

🛠 Use drywall carts, specialized handles, and dollies to move heavy drywall.

🛠 Have a partner present to help lift and handle drywall sheets. Never lift alone.

🛠 Place sheets as close as possible to their final destination to reduce repeat lifting.

🛠 Avoid over-the-head drywall lifting and holding.

🛠 Take short breaks throughout the day to avoid over-exertion or muscle injury.

🛠 Wear dust masks, respirators, and safety goggles when sanding drywall.

🛠 Wear protective footwear, pants, and long-sleeved shirts.

🛠 Use damp sponges, shop vacuums, and microfiber cloths to remove dust.

🛠 Wait for dust to settle completely, and always work from the top down.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for Indianapolis drywall repair you can trust. We are experienced drywall contractors that offer a wide range of commercial and residential services, including drywall repairs, replacements, installation, remodels, new construction, custom textures, grid ceilings, metal stud framing, and more. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate for professional drywall installation and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana today.