Lead Paint Removal — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for the removal of lead-based paint from building surfaces using abrasive methods, chemical stripping, and heat methods, in compliance with Australian WHS regulations and Safe Work Australia guidance.
Download this template
Lead-based paint (LBP) removal on construction and renovation sites in Australia is governed by the model WHS Regulations and the Safe Work Australia guidance document Managing Lead Risks in the Workplace. Paint applied before 1970 commonly contains lead at concentrations exceeding 1% (10,000 ppm), and even post-1970 surfaces may contain lead until the nationwide phase-down was completed in the late 1990s. A SWMS is required wherever LBP removal on a construction site creates a risk to workers or others.
There is no standalone lead-paint removal licence in Australia comparable to the asbestos removal licence framework. However, the work falls within the general duty of the PCBU under the model WHS Act to manage risks through the hierarchy of controls. Where abrasive or thermal methods are used — including dry sanding, dry scraping, or heat guns — exposure to lead dust and fumes can rapidly exceed the workplace exposure standard of 0.05 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA) set in the Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants. Air monitoring is therefore recommended to verify control effectiveness. Workers should be enrolled in a biological monitoring program (blood lead testing) where regular LBP removal is performed, consistent with the National Standard for the Control of Inorganic Lead at Work.
Respiratory protection must comply with AS/NZS 1716 and must be appropriate for the exposure level — typically a minimum P2 half-face respirator for limited abrasive work, upgrading to a supplied-air or powered air-purifying respirator for high-generation tasks. Chemical stripping methods using solvent-based strippers require assessment of the stripping agent's SDS and may require additional ventilation controls.
To customise this template, identify the surface being stripped, the removal method selected, the results of any XRF or laboratory testing confirming LBP presence, the waste containment and disposal method, and the decontamination procedure for workers and tools. Waste containing lead paint debris must be disposed of in accordance with the relevant state environmental protection authority requirements.
This template is applicable across all Australian states and territories. Victorian users should additionally reference the OHS Regulations 2017 and any WorkSafe Victoria guidance on hazardous substances.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Work with or near hazardous chemicals
Risk Assessment
1.Lead paint identification and risk assessment
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unidentified lead paint disturbed without appropriate controls | High | Test all painted surfaces in areas to be worked on using an XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analyser or a lead paint test kit before commencing any paint removal or sanding. Document the lead content and location of all positive test results in the risk assessment and site register. Brief all workers on the locations of confirmed lead paint before work commences. Any surface with confirmed lead content to be treated as lead paint throughout the project. | Low | Site Manager / Competent Person |
2.Setting up containment and ventilation
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead dust spreading to adjacent areas and occupants | High | Seal the work area with polyethylene sheeting on floors and adjacent surfaces. If work is in an occupied building, establish negative pressure using an air scrubber with HEPA filtration exhausting to outside the building. Seal HVAC diffusers and returns within the work zone. Post warning signs at all entry points. Restrict access to authorised removal workers only. Where occupied areas adjoin the work zone, conduct lead air monitoring to verify containment is effective. | Low | Supervisor / Workers |
3.Mechanical removal (grinding, sanding, scraping)
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inhalation of lead dust during mechanical removal | High | Use shrouded power tools with on-tool HEPA vacuum extraction at all times during mechanical removal — do not use open grinders or sanders without extraction. Workers to wear full-face respirator with P100 cartridges throughout mechanical removal tasks. Wipe down surfaces with damp cloths regularly during work to suppress settled dust. Conduct personal air monitoring for all workers performing mechanical removal tasks exceeding 30 minutes per shift. Monitor blood lead levels for all workers per Safe Work Australia guidance (baseline, 3-monthly, post-exposure). | Moderate | Workers / HSE Manager |
4.Chemical stripping of lead paint
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin and eye contact with chemical stripping agents | High | Read and comply with the SDS for all chemical strippers used. Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile minimum), safety goggles, and chemical-resistant apron. Apply stripper by brush in the direction away from the body. Do not use solvent-based strippers in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces — ensure adequate ventilation. Keep eyewash station within 10 m of work area. In case of skin or eye contact, wash immediately with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. | Low | Workers / Supervisor |
5.Cleanup, decontamination, and waste disposal
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ingestion of lead via contaminated hands, food, or surfaces | High | Strict hygiene controls to apply at all times in the lead work area: no eating, drinking, or smoking. Workers to wash hands and face thoroughly before eating, drinking, or using amenities. Decontaminate all PPE by HEPA vacuuming before removal. Shower before leaving the work area where practicable. Dispose of all lead paint waste (scrapings, contaminated plastic sheeting, PPE) in sealed, labelled containers as hazardous waste. Arrange licensed hazardous waste transport and disposal. Conduct surface wipe testing after cleanup to confirm residual lead levels are below regulatory limits before reopening the area. | Low | All Workers / Site Supervisor |
Relevant Codes of Practice
Worker Acknowledgement
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.