Safety Considerations When Rendering Walls

Rendering walls is a popular home improvement method for increasing the aesthetic appeal of a property. It involves applying cement or mortar plaster to the external walls and can be done as an interior or exterior project. However, rendering walls requires careful consideration of safety precautions in order to protect workers from injury, ensure structural integrity is maintained, and prevent any damage to surrounding areas. This article will look at some key safety considerations when rendering walls.

safety concerns during rendering

Health and Safety Concerns

When working on any job involving plastering, it’s important that all health and safety regulations are adhered to in order to protect workers from potential hazards. The most common hazard associated with wall rendering is inhalation of hazardous particles which can cause long-term health issues. Prior to starting the job, it’s important to use appropriate respiratory equipment such as masks and respirators to limit exposure to particulate matter in the air.

In addition, protective clothing should also be worn when rendering walls to protect skin from exposure to any hazardous materials. This includes gloves, safety glasses/goggles and steel toe capped boots or shoes. It’s also important that ladders are used correctly when accessing higher parts of the wall and that any power tools are operated according to instructions provided by the manufacturer.

 

Preparing Surfaces

Prior to applying render on a wall it is necessary to ensure that the substrate surface is clean and free of dust, dirt and debris. This is to ensure that the render will adhere properly and also to prevent any potential health issues. It is recommended that a mild detergent be used to clean the wall prior to rendering, with particular attention paid to any cracks or holes in the surface.

It’s also important to inspect the walls for any signs of structural damage such as cracking, bulging or dampness which should be repaired before applying render. Any nails or screws should also be removed and covered with plasterboard tape in order to provide a smooth base for the render.

 

Weather Considerations

When selecting an appropriate time of year for commencing wall rendering work it’s important to take into account weather conditions in order to achieve optimum results. Render should never be applied in direct sunlight as this can cause the render to dry too quickly and can lead to cracking. In addition, cold temperatures and heavy rain can also have a detrimental effect on the render causing it to dry too slowly.

It’s best to select days where temperatures remain relatively constant (between 15°C and 25°C) with no chance of rain or strong winds. If extreme weather conditions are forecasted prior to commencement of work, then it’s important that all painting work is stopped until more favourable conditions arise.

 

Clean-up Procedures

At the end of any job involving rendering walls, it’s important that all tools, equipment and materials are cleaned up properly in order to prevent any potential risks. Any ladders or scaffolding should be dismantled and stored away safely, with all hazardous materials disposed of in accordance with local safety regulations.

It’s also important to ensure that all surrounding areas are protected from splashes of render by using plastic sheeting or tarps as necessary. Finally, when the job is finished it’s a good idea to perform a final walk-through check to ensure that no debris has been left behind which could cause a hazard for anyone in the area.

 

Conclusion

Wall rendering can be an effective way to improve the aesthetic appeal of a property; however, it’s essential that proper safety precautions are taken in order to protect workers from injury and illness. This includes using the appropriate protective clothing and respiratory equipment, preparing surfaces correctly, taking into account weather conditions and following clean-up procedures at the end of every job. By adhering to these simple rules, it’s possible to successfully render walls with minimum risk.

 

Related Articles

Possible Health Hazards When Dealing with Wall Rendering