Method Statement for Plastering — create with RAMSagent
A Site-Specific Safety Plan for plastering describes the removal of existing plaster, plastering with mortar (lime cement, cement, lime), and fine plastering. It covers silica dust, alkaline burns, scaffolding safety, and vibration from pneumatic tools according to Canada Labour Code Part II.
RAMSagent suggests wet plastering or H-class extraction to stay below the silica dust limit.
Typical risks for Method Statement — Plastering
| Risk | Description | Legal | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silica Dust | Demolition and mixing of plaster mortar release respirable silica dust. Dry sanding is prohibited without H-class extraction — wet sanding is the standard. | Canada Labour Code Part II, 3rd Chapter | High |
| Alkaline Burns | Cement mortar and hydraulic lime mortar have pH >12. Skin and eye protection are mandatory. | Canada Labour Code Part II, 8th Chapter | High |
| Falls from Scaffolding | Plastering is done from scaffolding in class 3–4. Materials should be lifted mechanically, not carried, and the scaffolding platform should be clean. | Canada Labour Code Part II; COHSR | High |
| Vibration from Jackhammer | Chipping off existing plaster with a pneumatic chisel causes hand-arm vibration. A(8) over 2.5 m/s² requires action. | Canada Labour Code Part II | High |
Applicable Regulations
- Canada Labour Code Part II Chemical Workplace Hazards
- Chapter 3 (silica dust) and Chapter 8 (skin exposure to alkaline mortars).
- COHSR Scaffolding
- Plaster scaffolding is dimensioned for materials and mortar — normally class 3–4.
- Canada Labour Code Part II Vibrations
- Exposure and limit values for hand-arm vibration during chiselling and mixing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What scaffold class is required for plastering?
- Typically class 4 (250 kg/m²) since materials are stored on the scaffold. For light plastering only, class 3 may suffice — RAMSagent selects based on projected load.
- Can you dry sand plaster?
- Only with H-class extraction directly on the machine plus FFP3 as secondary protection. In practice, wet sanding is standard as it is safer.
Related Guides
Free Word Template: Method Statement
Enter your email address and consent to processing according to the policy below. You'll then receive a link to download the template.