Carpentry/Framing

Improper installation or sealing of sheathing, window flashing, or other waterproofing could cause water intrusion, leading to subsequent mold or fungus issues. During work, damage to pipes, sewer lines, and HVAC systems could also cause water intrusion or releases of dust, pathogens, etc. Third-party and cleanup claims could result.

A carpenter’s scope of work may include repair and renovation in older buildings where asbestos, lead-based paint, and polychlorinated biphenyls may exist. Mold may also be present where water intrusion has occurred. Disturbing these materials may cause a release, leading to third-party bodily injury claims and remedial and disposal liabilities.

Various hazardous materials may be brought to and stored at a jobsite. Carpenters may utilize chemical anchors instead of nails and conventional fasteners. Chemical coatings may be used on finished wood, including paints, lacquers, and stains. Solvents may be used to clean up or thin these materials. Spills, air emissions from fumes, and improper handling of these materials may lead to third-party or cleanup claims.

Contractors face environmental exposures from transporting hazardous materials to and from jobsites. Spills or releases of chemicals, solvents, paints, lacquers, or hazardous jobsite waste, such as asbestos-containing materials or debris containing lead-based paint, can lead to cleanup liability or third-party claims.

Storage of bulk chemicals, fuels, or other hazardous materials at a contractor’s owned/leased facility can lead to environmental liability if a spill or release of these materials occurs. Storing flammable chemicals, treated lumber, or engineered wood also increases fire hazards. A fire can release toxic fumes, exposing third parties to potential harm.

Sawing, planning, drilling, and other abrasive manipulation of wood materials generate airborne particles, impairing air quality. Exposure to wood dust may cause respiratory symptoms, asthma, and other ill effects. High airborne dust concentrations can become explosive and lead to property damage and injuries to third parties. Structure fires release many toxic and asphyxiant gases, which can harm third parties.

Engineered wood and sheathing contain adhesives for binding wood fibers and maintaining structural properties. The glues and resins in these materials contain formaldehyde, isocyanates, and other toxic component chemicals. These chemicals can volatilize and accumulate in enclosed spaces, impacting the individuals’ health.

Carpenters often dispose of material in jobsite dumpsters and may inadvertently dispose of hazardous materials, such as chemicals used on the jobsite, lead-based paint, asbestos-containing materials, etc. When an investigation for improper disposal occurs at a disposal facility, it can result in potential liability for all parties that manifested waste to the facility.

Carpentry contractors may also be the lead project general contractor hiring several subcontractors for whom they are responsible. Actions of subcontractors and hazardous material exposure can become the liability of the project general contractor.