Drywall (sheet rock, wallboard or gypsum board) must be handled safely to avoid injury. Falls often result from carrying, lifting or moving heavy, awkward materials, like drywall. Adequate strength and good handling techniques are important. Before starting a drywall project, determine its weight; have forklifts, drywall carts and hand trucks available; and plan for storage and minimal moving. NIOSH, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, makes recommendations for preventing injuries while working with drywall.
Taking Delivery
Drywall can be delivered to the job site by the supplier or picked up at a lumber yard or home center. Drywall sheets are shipped and carted laying flat and stacked. Stacking, loading or unloading drywall is a two-man process if by hand. The two workers should hold the drywall on the long side with hands spaced equally and wide apart. Per Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards, lift with the legs not the back. Slide the drywall onto the drywall stack. Stack drywall as high as comfortable for workers. Drywall can also be leaned against a stationary wall. A fork truck machine can also be used to move drywall. If a fork truck is used to move the stacks, workers must be careful not to place hands or feet under the stack and never position themselves between the moving stack and a permanent surface such as a wall. This creates danger of being pinned between the load and wall.
Moving
Drywall can be moved on site by hand or with the help of a drywall cart. A drywall cart is designed to move drywall in a vertical position through narrow spaces like doorways. The cart can hold about 10 to 12 drywall sheets; it should be pushed and steered by two people. Keep in mind that 10 sheets of drywall, 5/8-inch, can weigh in excess of 500 lbs. Be careful to move slowly and allow enough time for turning and stopping the cart. Uneven surfaces should be avoided so the cart will not tip over. Hand carrying drywall can be done by a two person team with the sheet of drywall in a vertical position, one sheet at a time. Hand carrying is recommended when moving across uneven and cluttered areas. Walk carefully to avoid trip falls.
Unpacking
Drywall comes from the factory in two-sheet bundles with the finish sides face-to-face. To handle the drywall one sheet at a time, remove the packing tape that hold the two sheets together at each end. When stacking the drywall -- either flat or by standing it against a stationary wall -- be aware of the finished face. Be careful not to scratch or mar the finished side of the drywall.
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