External House Painting
External painting of house walls, fascia, eaves, windows, doors, and trim including surface preparation, priming, and finish coat application. Covers brush, roller, and spray application methods with scaffolding and ladder access. Includes lead paint considerations for pre-1970 buildings. Pre-filled hazards, controls, and risk ratings.
What's In Your SWMS
9 Hazards & Controls
Fractures, spinal injuries, head injuries, death
Use extension poles from ground level where possible to eliminate work at height
Use scaffolding with guardrails instead of ladders for extended work
Establish exclusion zones below work areas to protect workers and public
- Scaffold must have full guard rails (900mm), mid rails, and toe boards (150mm)
- Secure scaffold to building at required intervals per AS/NZS 1576
- Extension ladders secured at top and bottom - use ladder stabilisers
- Install edge protection when working near roof edges
- EWP to be operated on firm, level ground with outriggers deployed
- Complete daily scaffold inspection before use - use checklist
- Never work on scaffold in winds exceeding 40 km/h
- Maintain three points of contact on ladders at all times
- Do not overreach - keep belt buckle within ladder rails
- Never stand on top two rungs of stepladder
- Do not carry tools or paint cans while climbing - use rope and bucket
- Move scaffold or ladder rather than overreaching
- Ensure adequate lighting for early/late work
Full body harness with shock-absorbing lanyard when working above 2m without guardrails. Non-slip safety footwear essential.
23-Step Work Procedure
Equipment & PPE
Equipment (13)
- Mobile or fixed scaffolding
Erected by competent person. Must comply with AS/NZS 1576. Full guard rails, mid rails, toe boards required.
- Extension ladder (industrial rated)
Minimum 120kg load rating. Compliant with AS/NZS 1892. Position at 1:4 angle ratio. Secure top and bottom.
- Stepladder (industrial rated)
Minimum 120kg load rating. For low-level work only. Never on scaffold platform.
- Paint brushes (various sizes)
50mm, 75mm, 100mm for cutting in and detail work.
PPE (8)
- Hard hat (Type 1)AS/NZS 1801
Required when working below scaffold or where overhead hazards exist.
- Safety glasses or gogglesAS/NZS 1337
Essential for overhead work and spray painting. Splash protection for pressure washing.
- Dust mask (P2) for sandingAS/NZS 1716
Required during surface preparation and sanding operations.
- Half-face respirator with organic vapour cartridgesAS/NZS 1716
Required for spray painting, oil-based paints, and solvent use.
Training & Emergency
Competency Requirements
- Construction Induction Card (White Card)training
Required for all workers on construction sites
- Painting Trade Competencycertificate
Experience in surface preparation and paint application. May hold Certificate III in Painting and Decorating.
- Working at Heights Trainingtraining
Training in fall prevention, ladder safety, and scaffold use. Required for work above 2m.
- Scaffold User Trainingtraining
Training in safe scaffold use, inspection, and hazard identification.
- Scaffolding High Risk Work Licence
Required for scaffold erection. Basic (SB) for <4m, Intermediate (SI) for 4-15m, Advanced (SA) for >15m.
- EWP High Risk Work Licence (WP)
Required for boom lift operation over 11m. Scissor lifts under 11m do not require HRWL.
- Lead Paint Awareness
Required if working on pre-1970 buildings. Covers identification, risks, and controls.
- Licensed Lead Paint Removalist
Required for lead paint removal work. State licensing varies.
- Spray Painting Competency
Required if using airless spray equipment
- First Aid Certificate
Recommended for at least one team member on site. HLTAID011 Provide First Aid.
Emergency Procedures
FALL FROM HEIGHT: Do not move injured person unless immediate danger. Call 000 if suspected spinal injury. Keep person warm and calm.
PAINT IN EYES: Immediately irrigate with clean water for minimum 15 minutes. Hold eyelids open. Do not rub. Seek medical attention.
SPRAY INJECTION INJURY: This is a medical emergency. Do not wait for symptoms. Go immediately to hospital emergency. Show SDS to doctor.
- + 3 more included in your SWMS
Everything above, included in your SWMS document.
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High-Risk Construction Work Categories
Under Australian WHS Regulations (Chapter 6 Part 6.1 - Construction Work, Schedule 3 - High Risk Construction Work), this work is classified as high-risk due to:
- Risk of falling more than 2 metres (External painting typically involves work from scaffolds, extension ladders, and EWPs exceeding 2m height. Fall arrest or work positioning systems may be required.)
- Work involving hazardous chemicals (Exterior paints, primers, and solvents contain VOCs. Spray painting increases exposure risk. Adequate PPE and ventilation required.)
Australian Standards Referenced
Who Needs This SWMS?
This template is designed for the following trades and roles performing external house painting work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What height requires fall protection for painters?
Under WHS Regulations, fall protection is required when working at a height where a person could fall 2 metres or more. This includes work from extension ladders, scaffolds, roofs, and EWPs. Fall protection includes guardrails, harnesses, or other control measures appropriate to the task.
Do painters need a scaffold licence?
Painters using scaffolds do not need a licence. However, erecting or dismantling scaffolds requires a Scaffolding High Risk Work Licence: Basic (SB) for scaffolds up to 4m, Intermediate (SI) for 4-15m, and Advanced (SA) for over 15m. Many painting contractors use licensed scaffolders for erection.
When is lead paint testing required for exterior painting?
Lead paint testing is required before any surface preparation (scraping, sanding, pressure washing) on buildings constructed before 1970. Exterior surfaces, particularly weatherboards, window frames, and fascia, often have higher lead concentrations than interiors. Testing kits are available, or engage a licensed assessor.
What PPE is required for external spray painting?
Minimum PPE for external spray painting includes: half-face respirator with organic vapour/P2 combination cartridge, safety glasses or full face shield, coveralls or disposable suit, chemical-resistant gloves, and non-slip footwear. Additional protection may be needed depending on the product being applied.
What are the safe working distances from power lines?
Minimum safe approach distances: greater than 1 metre from low voltage (LV) lines, greater than 3 metres from 11kV lines, greater than 6 metres from 33kV lines. If you need to work closer, contact your electricity provider for disconnection or insulation covers. Never allow ladders, scaffolds, or equipment to contact power lines.
Can exterior painting proceed in windy conditions?
Work should stop on scaffolds in winds exceeding 40 km/h. Extension ladder work should cease in high winds due to instability. Spray painting should only occur in low-wind conditions to control overspray. Always check weather forecasts and have a stop-work trigger for high winds.
What are the heat stress management requirements?
For outdoor painting in hot conditions: schedule work for cooler parts of the day, provide shade for rest breaks, ensure workers drink at least 1 litre of water per hour, implement work-rest cycles (e.g., 45 minutes work, 15 minutes rest in extreme heat), monitor workers for heat stress symptoms (confusion, cramps, cessation of sweating).
How should paint waste be disposed of?
Never pour paint down drains or stormwater. Collect all paint chips and debris, especially if lead paint. Leftover water-based paint can be dried and disposed of in general waste. Oil-based paints, solvents, and empty solvent containers must be taken to a licensed waste facility or council chemical collection point.
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