First, describe the work and worksite
A plastering crew will mix and hand-apply a specified cement-based stucco coat to a released low-rise exterior lath system from a handed-over supported scaffold. This fictional learning example describes planned controls; it records no actual inspection or work authorization.
- Substrate, lath attachment, product selection and coat sequence are released under the project requirements.
- The scaffold has an approved distribution of workers, mortar and equipment; mixing is at a separate ground-level station.
- Spray application, EIFS foam/adhesive systems, structural substrate repair and scaffold erection are excluded.
Questions before work
- Who releases the lath and substrate before loading it with plaster?
- What dust and skin controls apply to the actual dry mix and additives?
- How much wet plaster may be staged on each platform section?
Build the analysis one step at a time
What will the worker do? How could someone be harmed? What prevents or reduces that exposure? Who checks the control, and when?
1. Accept the substrate and access
Hazard: Loose lath, protruding wire or inadequate scaffold support can injure workers.
Control: Foreperson confirms the substrate/lath release and scaffold inspection. Identify sharp projections, approved work positions and material loading; correct unsafe access before mixing begins.
Verification: Lead checks the facade and scaffold against the handover.
Why this belongs in the analysis: A plaster coat cannot correct an unreleased support system.
2. Stage dry materials
Hazard: Dusty bags and heavy handling can expose lungs and strain workers.
Control: Use the actual product SDS and exposure plan to select low-dust bag handling and mixing controls. Stage manageable quantities on stable ground supports and keep deliveries clear of the mixer zone.
Verification: Mixing lead checks product identity and dust controls before opening bags.
Why this belongs in the analysis: Dry cementitious mix creates exposure before application.
3. Mix under controlled conditions
Hazard: Mixer parts, splash and wet cement can cause contact injury or burns.
Control: Use guarded inspected equipment, the product’s mixing sequence and assessed eye and skin protection. Keep hands out of moving equipment and isolate hazardous energy before clearing or maintenance.
Verification: Assigned operator verifies guards and safe mixing positions.
Why this belongs in the analysis: Wet product retains cement-contact hazards after dust is controlled.
4. Transfer plaster to the scaffold
Hazard: Buckets can fall or overload a platform section.
Control: Use the approved transfer route and container method; control the ground receiving zone and maintain protection. Place only the planned quantity in permitted platform zones, including people and tools in the load assessment.
Verification: Scaffold/work lead checks load distribution at each transfer.
Why this belongs in the analysis: Wet material concentrates load where it is staged.
5. Apply from protected positions
Hazard: Reaching, sharp lath and wet plaster can expose workers to falls, cuts or burns.
Control: Apply the specified coat from the protected platform at a suitable work height. Avoid overreach and maintain task-appropriate skin/eye protection; wash contamination promptly using the site’s arranged facilities.
Verification: Foreperson observes reach, material contact and platform housekeeping.
Why this belongs in the analysis: The work height should fit the task rather than force unsafe reaching.
6. Clean and release the facade
Hazard: Cured residue, slurry or loose offcuts can expose the next crew.
Control: Collect residue with suitable wet or HEPA methods and contain wash water under site arrangements. Clean equipment in its secured safe state and hand over curing and access restrictions.
Verification: Lead checks platform cleanup and facade limits before release.
Why this belongs in the analysis: Cleanup can reintroduce dust if residue is allowed to dry.
What does a useful control look like?
| Needs improvement | More useful for this scenario |
|---|---|
| Work carefully and wear PPE. | Use guarded inspected equipment, the product’s mixing sequence and assessed eye and skin protection. Keep hands out of moving equipment and isolate hazardous energy before clearing or maintenance. |
| Check that everything is ready. | Foreperson confirms the substrate/lath release and scaffold inspection. Identify sharp projections, approved work positions and material loading; correct unsafe access before mixing begins. |
Decisions that change the analysis
Does the adhered stone veneer example cover stucco?
It offers cement-contact background, but stucco adds lath condition, coat sequence, mixing-to-scaffold transfer and continuous plaster application. EIFS and spraying also need separate analyses.
What must the crew record for actual use?
Identify the actual equipment and work boundaries, responsible people, applicable criteria, inspection findings and open actions. Resolve changes with affected crews and obtain required project authorization before work.
Agree when the crew will pause
- Substrate/lath release, scaffold loading or access changes.
- Mixing guards, dust controls or washing facilities fail.
- Wind, rain or product conditions prevent controlled application.
After a pause, correct the condition, reassess the work, and obtain required authorization before restarting. Keep unresolved actions visible.
Download the worked example and free template
No account or paid membership required. The worked example contains planned controls. The blank template is for your own work; neither includes fabricated inspection results, signatures or approval.
Your editable working copy
Build and download your draft
Start blank or load the learning example. Replace its assumptions with your actual conditions and involve the people doing the work. Your entries stay in this browser tab; download a copy before leaving or refreshing.
1. Describe your work and site
2. Work through each task
Describe an observable step, how someone could be harmed, and the control that acts on that hazard. Identify who checks it and what evidence is needed.
3. Record changes, checks, and open actions
Walk the work area, review with the crew, and resolve missing controls. Follow the required approval process. This tool does not judge completeness, verify signatures or authorize work.
Open the downloaded file in a browser, then use Print → Save as PDF for a printable copy.
Training needs to confirm
- Product-specific dry-mix handling, dust control and wet-cement contact instruction.
- Mixer operation and scaffold-user training with permitted material loads.
Confirm applicable qualifications, task instruction and actual training evidence for the people assigned. Related toolbox talks support crew discussion; they do not establish competence.
Common questions
Can this example be used as a JSA?
Adapt its Task | Hazard | Control analysis to the employer’s format and actual conditions. The example is a teaching aid, not evidence that controls were checked.
What changes if the project requires an AHA?
Use the governing AHA format, risk method, supporting records and acceptance process. The published formwork AHA demonstrates that additional structure; changing a JHA title does not supply it.
Are these resources part of a paid course?
This walkthrough, browser draft builder and downloads are free public resources, separate from Academy course enrollment.
References and source note
- OSHA 1926.451 Scaffold requirements
- OSHA 1926.1153 Respirable crystalline silica
- OSHA 1910.1200 Hazard communication
Original instructional scenario with planned controls. Primary references support hazard planning. Use actual equipment and product instructions, project design and employer requirements to establish field criteria. Use actual equipment instructions and site requirements alongside these references. Reference review: October 9, 2026.