Painting SWMS Template
Safe Work Method Statement for interior and exterior painting on construction and maintenance sites
What This SWMS Covers
This SWMS covers commercial and residential painting work including surface preparation (sanding, scraping, filling), interior painting (walls, ceilings, trim), exterior painting (facades, eaves, fascia, fencing), spray painting on-site, and working with specialty coatings (epoxies, urethanes, two-pack systems). Painting becomes HRCW when performed at heights above 2m or when involving hazardous substances such as lead paint removal or isocyanate-containing coatings.
Who Needs This SWMS
Commercial and residential painters, painting contractors, spray painters, surface preparation workers, principal contractors engaging painting subcontractors
Key Hazards & Control Measures
| Hazard | Risk Level | Control Measures | Hierarchy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Falls from height (exterior painting, high ceilings) | Fatal / Critical | Scaffolding for extended exterior work, EWP for spot access, fall arrest where scaffold/EWP not feasible, ladder only for short-duration low-risk access | Engineering / PPE |
| Chemical exposure — VOCs (solvents, thinners) | Moderate–Serious | Ventilation of enclosed areas, P2 + organic vapour cartridge respirator, low-VOC product selection where feasible | Engineering / Substitution / PPE |
| Isocyanate exposure (two-pack coatings) | Serious | Full-face supplied-air respirator for spray application, spray booth or forced ventilation, health monitoring (spirometry), fit-testing | Engineering / PPE |
| Lead paint exposure (pre-1970 buildings) | Critical | Lead paint assessment before disturbance, licensed lead removalist for high-risk removal, P2 RPE, wet methods, HEPA vacuum, lead blood level monitoring | Administrative / Engineering / PPE |
| Scaffold collapse | Fatal | Scaffold erected by competent/licensed person, scaffold register/tags, daily pre-use inspection, no overloading | Engineering / Administrative |
| Silica exposure (concrete surface preparation) | Serious | Wet grinding/cutting, dust extraction, P2 RPE, silica management plan | Engineering / PPE |
| Slips/trips (paint, covers, drop sheets) | Moderate | Non-slip drop sheets, clean spills immediately, good housekeeping, adequate lighting | Administrative |
| Fire/explosion (flammable solvents, spray application) | Critical | No ignition sources near flammable materials, flammable goods storage per AS 1940, fire extinguisher within 3m of spray area, earthing of spray equipment | Administrative / Engineering |
| Manual handling (paint drums, scaffold components) | Moderate | Mechanical aids for heavy items, team lifts for scaffolding, trolleys for paint drums | Engineering |
| Noise (spray equipment, compressors) | Moderate | Hearing protection when using spray equipment or near compressors, noise assessment if sustained | PPE |
PPE Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
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