Tiling · United States

JHA for tile demolition

By SiteSortedBuilt from OSHA standards and guidance · How we write and check theseUpdated November 9, 2026

OSHA expects employers to find and control hazards on every job, and many general contractors require a written JHA for tile demolition before you start.

A JHA breaks the job into steps, lists the hazards in each step and the controls that protect the crew, and the crew signs it. The main hazards are silica dust from concrete, brick, stone and tiles, disturbing asbestos, electric shock from live wiring and lifting and carrying heavy loads.

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JHA example: tile demolition

This is a complete JHA for tile demolition, with 9 job steps. Open it in the builder to add your site, crew and signatures, change anything, and download a PDF. Or download the free Word template below and fill it in by hand.

Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

Tile removal · Tiling · Example

Document JHA-001 · Rev 1

Job steps, hazards and controls

#	Job step	Hazards	Risk before	Controls	Risk after
1	Check for asbestos in old tiles, adhesive, vinyl and backing sheets	Disturbing asbestos	Critical	Treat insulation, surfacing and resilient flooring in buildings built before 1981 as asbestos unless testing shows otherwise, and get the owner's asbestos survey before you start. Elimination Seal off the work area and keep everyone else out. Engineering (guarding) If asbestos must be disturbed, keep it wet, use hand tools not power tools, and clean up with a HEPA vacuum. Engineering Follow 29 CFR 1926.1101: competent person, work class, regulated area and exposure monitoring. Administrative Commercial renovation and any demolition need a NESHAP asbestos inspection first, and demolition needs written notice to the state or EPA 10 working days before work starts (40 CFR 61 Subpart M). Administrative Roofing felts, cement shingles and siding, roof coatings and old panel backboards can also contain asbestos. Test them or treat them as asbestos; asbestos roofing is removed intact with hand tools by trained workers (29 CFR 1926.1101(g)(8)). Administrative Stop work straight away if you find suspect asbestos. Do not touch it and tell your supervisor. Administrative Wear a fit-tested NIOSH-approved respirator suited to the work class, and disposable coveralls. PPE	Medium
2	Isolate water and power to the room	Electric shock from live wiring Stored energy	Critical	Isolate the power before any work. Do not work live. Elimination Lock out and tag the disconnecting means with your own personal lock and tag so the circuit cannot be energized (29 CFR 1926.417). Engineering (guarding) Test before you touch: prove dead at the point of work with a tested voltage tester. Engineering Only qualified persons work on or near exposed energized parts. Administrative Check for back feeds from solar, batteries and generators that can keep a circuit live after the main switch is off. Administrative If energized work cannot be avoided, use an energized work permit, a safety observer and insulated tools, following NFPA 70E. Administrative Wear insulated gloves, arc-rated clothing and a face shield when testing or working near live parts. PPE Release or block all stored energy before work: release the pressure in pipes, tanks and hoses, bleed hydraulics, release springs, lower loads. Elimination Lock out and tag all energy sources with personal locks. Engineering (guarding) Put mechanical blocks or props under raised parts like buckets, tipper bodies and doors. Engineering Test that the system is dead and nothing can move before you start. Administrative Follow the maker's procedure, for example for garage door and roller door springs. Administrative Wear safety glasses and gloves. PPE	Medium
3	Seal the area from occupants and set up extraction	Silica dust from concrete, brick, stone and tiles Working in an occupied home or building	Critical	Order materials cut to size, or use low-dust methods such as score and snap or a block splitter. Substitution Cut outdoors or in a separate area, with other people well away and upwind. Engineering (guarding) Silica dust from concrete, brick, stone and tiles: see step 9 for the full controls Administrative Plan noisy, dusty or risky work for when the building is empty. Elimination Close off the work area with barriers, plastic sheeting or locked doors, and put up signs. Engineering (guarding) Keep fire exits and paths clear at all times. Administrative Tell occupants before you turn off power, water or gas, and before noisy or dusty work. Administrative Lock away tools, chemicals and materials each day, out of reach of children. Administrative Clean up dust and debris at the end of each day. Administrative	Medium
4	Remove fixtures and fittings before breaking tiles	Lifting and carrying heavy loads Sewage and wastewater Glass handling and breakage	High	Plan to avoid carrying: have materials delivered, and old items picked up, as close as possible to where they are used. Elimination Use lighter or smaller loads: order smaller bags and shorter lengths, and drain or break down old items before moving them. Substitution Lifting and carrying heavy loads: see step 7 for the full controls Administrative Flush and drain the line before opening it, and plan the job to avoid contact. Elimination Use drain cameras, jetters and long-handled tools to keep hands out. Engineering Cover cuts with waterproof dressings. Never eat, drink or smoke before washing. Administrative Wash hands well and clean tools and boots after the job. Administrative Keep vaccinations such as tetanus and hepatitis A up to date, on medical advice. Administrative Use suction lifters, glass trolleys or a glazing robot for large panes. Engineering Store glass upright on racks and secure it. Never lay it flat or lean it loosely. Engineering Use two or more people for large panes, and clear the carry route first. Administrative Mark new glass with tape or stickers so nobody walks into it. Administrative Clean up broken glass straight away into a marked container. Administrative	Medium
5	Break tiles with a chipping hammer, wearing glasses and hearing protection	Loud noise Hand-arm and whole-body vibration Eye injuries	High	Use quieter tools and methods, such as cut-to-size materials, low-noise machines and battery tools. Substitution Keep noisy plant away from work areas, and use screens or distance between the noise and people. Engineering (guarding) Keep tools maintained and use mufflers on compressors and generators. Engineering Limit time on noisy tools and rotate workers. Administrative If you have to shout to be heard at arm's length, wear hearing protection. Administrative Use low-vibration tools and methods, such as a breaker on an excavator instead of a hand jackhammer. Substitution Keep tools sharp and well maintained, and use anti-vibration handles and seats. Engineering Limit trigger time on high-vibration tools and rotate workers. Administrative Keep hands warm and dry, and take regular breaks. Administrative Report tingling, numbness or white fingers early. Administrative Use tool guards and screens to stop flying particles. Engineering Use dust extraction and water to keep dust out of the air. Engineering Keep others out of the area when cutting, grinding or chipping. Administrative Keep an eye wash station or eye wash bottles on site. Administrative Wear safety glasses at all times, goggles for dust and chemicals, and a face shield for grinding. PPE	Medium
6	Grind off adhesive and screed with a shrouded grinder on extraction	Silica dust from concrete, brick, stone and tiles Angle grinder injuries	Critical	Use wet cutting or on-tool dust collection with a HEPA vacuum, as set out in Table 1 of 29 CFR 1926.1153. Engineering Clean up with a vacuum or wet methods. Never dry sweep or use compressed air. Administrative Silica dust from concrete, brick, stone and tiles: see step 9 for the full controls Administrative Use a guarded saw or a different tool where you can. Substitution Keep the guard on and use the side handle. Never remove the guard. Engineering Use the right disc for the job, rated for the grinder's speed. Check it for cracks first. Administrative Only trained people change discs, with the grinder unplugged or the battery out. Administrative Keep both hands on the grinder and let the disc stop before putting it down. Administrative Clamp the work and keep people out of the spark path. Administrative Wear a face shield over safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves and long sleeves. PPE	Medium
7	Handle broken tile with cut-resistant gloves	Cuts from sharp edges Lifting and carrying heavy loads	High	Deburr or cover sharp edges, and fit edge protectors on exposed sheet metal. Engineering Use knives with retractable or self-retracting blades. Engineering Cut away from your body and keep your other hand clear. Administrative Put used blades in a blade bin or sharps container. Administrative Use two people to handle large sheets of metal or glass. Administrative Wear cut-resistant gloves and long sleeves. PPE Plan to avoid carrying: have materials delivered, and old items picked up, as close as possible to where they are used. Elimination Use lighter or smaller loads: order smaller bags and shorter lengths, and drain or break down old items before moving them. Substitution Use trolleys, pallet jacks, hoists, vacuum lifters or plant instead of carrying by hand. Engineering Use a two-person lift for anything heavy, long or awkward. Plan the route first and clear it. Administrative Keep the load close, back straight and no twisting. Turn with your feet. Administrative Rotate tasks and take breaks on long lifting jobs. Administrative Wear gloves for grip and safety boots to protect your feet. PPE	Medium
8	Check for mould and rot once tiles are off	Mold and droppings	Medium	Fix the water leak and dry the area before removing mold. Elimination Seal off the area with plastic sheeting and keep occupants out. Engineering (guarding) Clean up with a HEPA vacuum and wet wipes. Never dry sweep. Engineering Bag moldy material on site and remove it promptly. Administrative Wash hands and face before eating and at the end of each shift. Administrative Wear an N95 (or better) respirator, gloves, goggles and disposable coveralls. PPE	Low
9	Bag waste and vacuum; never dry sweep	Poor housekeeping and waste Silica dust from concrete, brick, stone and tiles	Critical	Order materials to size and send packaging back where you can. Elimination Put dumpsters and waste chutes close to the work. Engineering Clean as you go, and do a full clean up at the end of each day. Administrative Keep exits, stairs and walkways clear at all times. Administrative Stack materials neatly on level ground, away from edges. Administrative Wear gloves when handling waste. PPE Order materials cut to size, or use low-dust methods such as score and snap or a block splitter. Substitution Cut outdoors or in a separate area, with other people well away and upwind. Engineering (guarding) Use wet cutting or on-tool dust collection with a HEPA vacuum, as set out in Table 1 of 29 CFR 1926.1153. Engineering Clean up with a vacuum or wet methods. Never dry sweep or use compressed air. Administrative Have a written exposure control plan and a competent person for silica (29 CFR 1926.1153). Administrative Workers who must wear a respirator 30 or more days a year get a free medical exam every 3 years (29 CFR 1926.1153(h)). Administrative Wear the respirator Table 1 lists for the task: APF 10 (a fit-tested N95 or half mask) for most tasks, APF 25 (such as a loose-fitting PAPR) for tuckpointing with a handheld grinder for more than 4 hours a shift. PPE	Medium

PPE

Safety glasses (ANSI Z87.1)Half-face respirator (P100 cartridges)Hearing protection (earmuffs or plugs)Cut-resistant glovesKnee padsSafety-toe boots (ASTM F2413)CoverallsWork glovesN95 respiratorChemical-resistant glovesSafety goggles (ANSI Z87.1)Face shield (ANSI Z87.1)

Plant and equipment

JackhammerRotary hammerAngle grinderHEPA vacuumHand tools

Permits and plans

Lockout/tagout (1926.417)

Emergency

Call 911. Add the nearest hospital, the assembly point and the first aid / cpr person for your site.

Sign-off

Supervisor and every worker sign to confirm they have read and understood this JHA.

Free JHA template for tile demolition

Word (.docx) and PDF, Letter landscape, no email needed. Fill in your site details, then print or send it.

Word template (.docx)PDF template

Make yours in 2 minutes

Same document, filled in for your job. Answer a few yes or no questions, the crew signs on the phone, and you send the PDF.

Start this JHA

Pre-start checklist for tile demolition

Tick these off before work starts. They come from the hazards, permits and equipment in this job.

JHA read, explained and signed by everyone on the job
Lockout, tagout and test before touch done before work starts
Asbestos register or survey checked for the work area
Water suppression or on-tool extraction fitted; respirators fit tested
First aid / CPR person, first aid kit and emergency number (911) confirmed
PPE checked and worn: safety glasses (ANSI Z87.1), half-face respirator (P100 cartridges), hearing protection (earmuffs or plugs), cut-resistant gloves

The safe sequence of work

Check for asbestos in old tiles, adhesive, vinyl and backing sheets
Isolate water and power to the room
Seal the area from occupants and set up extraction
Remove fixtures and fittings before breaking tiles
Break tiles with a chipping hammer, wearing glasses and hearing protection
Grind off adhesive and screed with a shrouded grinder on extraction
Handle broken tile with cut-resistant gloves
Check for mould and rot once tiles are off
Bag waste and vacuum; never dry sweep

Hazards to watch on tile demolition

The hazards most specific to this job, and the step where each one comes up.

Step 8Mold and droppingsWater-damaged buildings, bird and rat droppings and dead animals hold mold and germs that cause breathing problems and infections.

Step 4Sewage and wastewaterContact with sewage spreads germs that cause stomach illness, hepatitis and skin infections.

Step 4Glass handling and breakageGlass panes break while being moved or fitted, causing deep cuts, or heavy panels fall and crush.

Step 6Angle grinder injuriesThe disc shatters, binds or kicks back, causing deep cuts to legs and hands or eye injuries.

Step 2Stored energyEnergy left in springs, hydraulics, compressed gas, raised loads or capacitors releases suddenly and crushes or injures workers.

Step 3Working in an occupied home or buildingResidents, staff or children wander into the work area and get hurt, or the work blocks exits or cuts off power or water while people are inside.

Highest risk on tile demolition: Critical before controls (B), down to Medium after controls (A), on the United States 5 by 5 risk matrix (likely and fatality becomes unlikely and serious injury).

What changes on your site

This example covers the job itself. Your site may add more. Add controls for any of these that apply (the builder asks you these as yes or no questions):

Will anyone work 6 feet or more above a lower level?
Will anyone use a ladder or stepladder?
Will anyone work on a roof?
Is there a skylight, fiberglass panel or other fragile roofing?
Will you use a scaffold or rolling tower?

Why JHAs get rejected

General contractors send documents back for these reasons. This example avoids them, but check yours too.

Generic steps such as "work safely" or "use PPE" with no task-specific hazards or controls.
No OSHA standards referenced for the hazards that have them, such as fall protection, ladders, scaffolds or silica.
No competent person named for fall protection, excavation, scaffolds or silica where those hazards exist.
Equipment listed without inspection requirements, and no training listed for the people using it.
Respirators listed with no respiratory protection program, medical clearance or fit test.
Controls rely only on PPE when engineering controls such as guardrails, wet cutting or extraction are feasible.
No crew sign-off, or no date and revision when the job has changed.

Questions

Do I need a JHA for tile demolition?

OSHA expects employers to find and control hazards on every job, and many general contractors require a written JHA for tile demolition before you start.

Who signs the JHA?

The supervisor or competent person who prepared it signs, and every crew member signs to show they were trained on the hazards and controls before the job starts. Many general contractors also sign to accept it.

How long do I keep it?

Keep this JHA on site during the job, and keep it with the training and inspection records for at least 1 year after the job (longer if your state plan or general contractor requires it). OSHA does not set a retention period for JHAs themselves.

What PPE is needed for tile demolition?

Usually Safety glasses (ANSI Z87.1), Half-face respirator (P100 cartridges), Hearing protection (earmuffs or plugs), Cut-resistant gloves, Knee pads, Safety-toe boots (ASTM F2413), Coveralls, Work gloves, N95 respirator, Chemical-resistant gloves, Safety goggles (ANSI Z87.1), Face shield (ANSI Z87.1). The site rules may add more, so check with the general contractor.

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Blank JHA template: free JHA templates. Also for other countries: Australia (SWMS) · United Kingdom (RAMS) · Canada (FLHA)