Module 7: Health, Safety & Industry Standards
This module ensures compliance with UK health and safety regulations (e.g., HSE, COSHH) while addressing plastering-specific hazards. Proper protocols reduce workplace accidents and long-term health risks.
1. Risk Assessments for Plastering Jobs
Legal Requirement: The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 mandates risk assessments for all construction activities.
Plastering-Specific Hazards & Controls
5-Step Assessment Process:
Identify hazards (e.g., overhead electrical cables when using metal ladders).
Determine who’s at risk (plasterers, helpers, clients).
Evaluate controls (eliminate > isolate > PPE).
Record findings (template example: HSE PDF).
Review monthly or after incidents.
2. Safe Handling of Silica Dust & Chemicals
Key Regulation: COSHH 2002 (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health).
Silica Dust (RCS – Respirable Crystalline Silica)
Sources: Sanding dry plaster, mixing cement renders.
Health Risks: Silicosis (lung scarring), COPD, lung cancer.
Hierarchy of Control:
Elimination: Use pre-mixed pastes to avoid dry sand cutting.
Engineering: LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) attached to sanders.
Administrative: Limit exposure time (HSE recommends <0.1mg/m³ 8hr TWA).
PPE: FFP3 respirators (not FFP2 – insufficient for silica).
Chemical Hazards
Bonding Agents (SBR/PVA):
Skin irritation – wear nitrile gloves.
Flammable – store away from sparks.
Plasticisers:
Asthma risk – use low-VOC alternatives.
3. PPE and Scaffold Safety
Mandatory PPE for Plasterers
Respiratory:
FFP3 masks for sanding (e.g., 3M 4279).
Half-face respirators when spraying fireproof coatings.
Protective Clothing:
Type 5/6 coveralls for dust/chemicals.
Safety goggles (anti-fog) when mixing powders.
Other:
Knee pads for floor work.
Steel-toe boots with non-slip soles.
Scaffold & Ladder Safety
Scaffolding:
Must comply with TG20:21 design standards.
Guardrails (minimum 950mm height) and toe boards required.
Weekly inspections by competent person (record in logbook).
Ladders:
Only for short-duration work (<30 mins).
4:1 angle rule (1m out for every 4m up).
Never stand on top three rungs.
Emergency Preparedness
First Aid:
Eyewash stations for lime/cement burns.
Trained first aider on-site for projects >5 workers.
Fire Safety:
Keep 2kg Class D fire extinguishers for metal powder fires (e.g., magnesium in some plasters).
Industry Standards Checklist
✅ HSE Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 – Client notifications for projects >500 person-days.
✅ BS 8000-8:1994 – Workmanship standards for plastering.
✅ RIDDOR Reporting – Required for >7-day injuries or silica-related diseases.
Summary
This module trains plasterers to:
✔ Conduct legally compliant risk assessments.
✔ Mitigate silica exposure through engineering controls and PPE.
✔ Implement scaffold/PPE protocols to prevent falls and injuries.
Pro Tip: Use the HSE’s free ‘Dust Kills’ app for on-site silica monitoring guidance.
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