• Use board lifters or team lifts when installing plasterboard sheets above waist height
• Wear RPE when cutting plasterboard and mineral wool insulation to control dust and fibres
• Seal all perimeter joints, service penetrations, and head-of-wall details with acoustic mastic
• Follow the specified installation sequence for the acoustic partition system being used
• Use stepladders or podium steps safely for work at the head of wall and ceiling junction
• Check the COSHH assessment for acoustic sealants and mastics before application
• Ensure ventilation is adequate when using solvent-based acoustic sealants in enclosed rooms
• Fire stop all penetrations through fire-rated acoustic partitions using approved methods
• Inspect delivered boards for damage and reject any sheets with broken edges or cores
• Wear hearing protection when using power screw guns and board cutting equipment

• DON'T manually lift heavy acoustic boards alone — use team lifts or mechanical aids
• DON'T cut plasterboard or mineral wool without RPE to protect against dust and fibres
• DON'T leave gaps in the acoustic seal — even small holes significantly reduce performance
• DON'T use standard plasterboard where the specification requires acoustic-grade boards
• DON'T skip fire stopping on penetrations through fire-rated acoustic partition systems
• DON'T apply solvent-based sealants in enclosed rooms without adequate ventilation running
• DON'T stack heavy board packs on floors without checking the floor's load-bearing capacity
• DON'T install boards out of the specified sequence — the acoustic performance depends on it
• DON'T use damaged boards with broken edges that will compromise the sealed partition system
• DON'T ignore back or shoulder discomfort from repetitive overhead boarding work

See also: Drylining Safety Awareness | Plasterboard Handling and Fixing