First, describe the work and worksite
A sealant crew will finish released exterior masonry movement joints at ground level using the specified backing material, primer where required and elastomeric sealant. Joint openings are already formed and cleared by the masonry crew. This fictional learning example describes planned controls; it records no actual inspection or work authorization.
- Joint geometry, substrate condition, sealant compatibility and product application limits are established in the project detail and actual product instructions.
- The chemical review covers the selected primer, sealant and approved cleanup method with ventilation, washing and spill arrangements.
- This excludes mortar-bed tuckpointing, grinding, structural crack repair, pressure washing, elevated access and firestop joint systems.
Questions before work
- What released geometry and backing detail permit the intended joint movement?
- Which sealant, primer and substrate compatibility evidence apply here?
- How will actual surface readiness, application conditions and cure protection be recorded?
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. Release the joint and product system
Hazard: A sealed-over obstruction or incompatible product can prevent intended movement or lose adhesion.
Control: Sealant lead confirms the designated joints, current geometry, substrate release and identified product system. Resolve mortar bridges, damage and unknown coatings with the responsible masonry or design lead; do not grind or reshape the joint under this analysis.
Verification: Lead checks the joint schedule and product documentation before opening containers.
Why this belongs in the analysis: An open-looking slot does not establish the designed movement space.
2. Prepare safe access and surfaces
Hazard: Loose debris, sharp edges or unsuitable cleaning chemicals can injure workers or contaminate the joint.
Control: Separate the ground-level work bay and protect adjacent surfaces. Use the approved nonabrasive cleaning method with the required chemical controls and drying stage; keep the joint free of residue. Pause if preparation requires powered removal or a different material assessment.
Verification: Lead verifies surface readiness and safe chemical handling before backing placement.
Why this belongs in the analysis: Preparation must match both the sealant and the actual masonry substrate.
3. Install backing and bond separation
Hazard: Damaged backing or an incorrect depth can cause poor sealant shape or unwanted bonding.
Control: Place the specified compatible backer or bond-break material at the released depth using suitable blunt tools. Preserve its condition and intended bond separation; check the continuous joint before sealing rather than hiding an uncertain backing arrangement.
Verification: Lead checks backing identity, depth and condition against the current detail.
Why this belongs in the analysis: The concealed backing controls how the finished sealant can move.
4. Apply primer where required
Hazard: Primer vapors, skin contact or premature sealing can expose workers and compromise adhesion.
Control: Follow the actual primer and substrate requirements, SDS precautions and application window. Use assessed ventilation and contact protection, control ignition where applicable and keep containers closed. Omit or substitute primer only with the system’s technical approval.
Verification: Applicator records product identity and the required preparation and timing conditions.
Why this belongs in the analysis: Neither always prime nor never prime is a universal joint rule.
5. Place and tool the sealant
Hazard: Poor contact, overfilled geometry or unsuitable tooling can create a joint that fails in movement.
Control: Apply and tool the specified sealant within its documented conditions and geometry, using the approved method to achieve the intended sidewall contact without defeating the backing arrangement. Use required contact protection; do not add an unapproved solvent or wetting agent.
Verification: Lead checks actual application conditions and the agreed sample or inspection criteria.
Why this belongs in the analysis: A smooth surface alone does not demonstrate adhesion or movement capability.
6. Protect cure and record handover
Hazard: Early contact, weather or cleanup can damage fresh sealant and conceal unresolved defects.
Control: Maintain the product’s cure and weather protection and isolate the fresh joints from nearby work. Collect containers and waste under the SDS and site arrangements. Record actual locations, product lots, conditions and required test or acceptance findings before handover.
Verification: Receiving lead confirms cure restrictions and outstanding inspection or test actions.
Why this belongs in the analysis: The teaching example supplies no adhesion test or completed acceptance record.
What does a useful control look like?
| Needs improvement | More useful for this scenario |
|---|---|
| Work carefully and wear PPE. | Place the specified compatible backer or bond-break material at the released depth using suitable blunt tools. Preserve its condition and intended bond separation; check the continuous joint before sealing rather than hiding an uncertain backing arrangement. |
| Check that everything is ready. | Sealant lead confirms the designated joints, current geometry, substrate release and identified product system. Resolve mortar bridges, damage and unknown coatings with the responsible masonry or design lead; do not grind or reshape the joint under this analysis. |
Decisions that change the analysis
Is this the same task as masonry tuckpointing?
No. Tuckpointing replaces mortar in masonry bed or head joints. This task preserves a designed movement space and installs a compatible flexible sealant system; mortar filling or grinding would change its purpose and scope.
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
- Joint geometry, hidden obstruction or substrate differs from the released condition.
- The specified product, primer window or application conditions cannot be verified.
- Chemical protection, cure protection or the acceptance method changes.
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
- The actual movement-joint backing, primer, application and cure requirements, including verification hold points.
- Hazard communication, contact protection and spill-response limits for the identified primer, sealant and cleanup products.
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
- BIA Technical Note 18A: Accommodating expansion of brickwork
- Sika Sikaflex + Construction sealant product data and application guidance
- 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.