Painting and Decorating — Safe Work Method Statement

Painting and decorating is not itself classified as High Risk Construction Work under the model WHS Regulations, but it frequently involves HRCW activities — most commonly work at height exceeding two metres when painting facades, stairwells, or high ceilings. Where painters use scaffolding, elevating work platforms, or ladders to reach surfaces above two metres, the falls provisions of the WHS Regulations apply and a SWMS is required for those activities. The Safe Work Australia Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces is the key reference for height-related controls in painting operations.

The most significant chemical hazard in painting is solvent exposure from oil-based paints, primers, and surface preparation products. Many traditional painting products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including xylene, toluene, and mineral spirits, which can accumulate to hazardous concentrations in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. Safety Data Sheets must be obtained for all products before work commences, and the exposure standard for each component chemical must be compared against the likely exposure level. Substituting water-based products for oil-based equivalents is the preferred control where the substrate and finish requirements permit. Where solvent-based products cannot be substituted, forced ventilation and respiratory protection rated for the specific solvent must be provided.

Lead-based paint is present in many Australian buildings constructed before 1978, and sanding, scraping, or heat-stripping lead paint generates lead dust and fume that is a serious health hazard. The Safe Work Australia Code of Practice: How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace (and the separate lead paint guidance) requires that surfaces be tested for lead before any preparation work begins, and that lead-safe work practices be followed where lead paint is identified. Waste containing lead paint debris must be disposed of as hazardous waste.

Customise this template by documenting the specific paint products to be used and their SDS references, the surfaces to be painted and their substrate type, the height work method and fall prevention controls, the lead paint test results for any pre-1978 surfaces, and the ventilation arrangements for enclosed spaces.

This SWMS applies in all Australian jurisdictions under the model WHS Act. Victoria applies OHS Regulations 2017 Part 3.3 for manual handling and falls provisions.