Sanders

Sanders seem low-risk, but the dust they make can contain lead, silica or wood dust that harms your lungs, and sanding dust and rags can start fires.

• Construction
• General Industry

Types

• Random orbital and palm sanders: finish work; lower risk.
• Belt sanders: aggressive; can pull away from you and catch fingers in the belt.
• Drum and floor sanders: heavy; can run away if the drum is lowered while stationary; large dust volume.
• Drywall pole sanders: overhead dust exposure.

Safe sanding

• Use dust collection (a vacuum attachment or HEPA extractor) whenever possible.
• Wear safety glasses and a respirator suited to the dust. Hearing protection for belt and floor sanders.
• Find out what you’re sanding. Paint in pre-1978 buildings may contain lead, and concrete and some fillers contain silica. See Lead.
• Secure the work. Keep both hands on belt sanders.
• Let the sander reach speed before touching the work, and lift it off before switching off.
• Empty dust bags often into a metal container. Fine dust and finish-soaked dust can catch fire on its own.

• Don’t dry-sand or dry-scrape lead paint, or use power sanders on lead paint without HEPA shrouds.
• Don’t set a running belt sander down.
• Don’t leave stain- or oil-soaked rags and sanding dust in piles. They can spontaneously combust.

Last updated: October 1, 2026