Product Overview

Summary: This Anti-fouling Application Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, safe and compliant method for preparing, applying and curing marine anti-fouling coatings. It helps Australian marine and maintenance businesses control hazardous chemical exposure, protect workers and the environment, and deliver consistent, high-quality finishes on vessels and marine structures.

Anti-fouling application involves the use of specialised marine coatings containing biocides and solvents, often applied in confined or semi-enclosed areas such as slipways, dry docks and boat sheds. Without a robust procedure, workers can be exposed to hazardous vapours, skin contact, fire and explosion risks, as well as environmental contamination of surrounding waterways. This SOP provides a structured, step-by-step method for planning, surface preparation, mixing, application and clean-up, all framed around Australian WHS and environmental expectations.

Developed specifically for the Australian marine sector, the procedure helps businesses demonstrate due diligence under WHS laws while aligning with environmental obligations for managing anti-fouling products and waste. It clarifies responsibilities, prescribes mandatory PPE, ventilation and spill controls, and sets clear acceptance criteria for coating quality. By implementing this SOP, organisations can standardise work practices across crews, reduce rework and downtime due to coating failures, and confidently respond to regulator or client audits with a documented, defensible approach to safe anti-fouling application.

Key Benefits

• Ensure safe handling and application of anti-fouling coatings, reducing worker exposure to hazardous chemicals and vapours.
• Reduce the risk of environmental contamination to surrounding waterways through clear controls for overspray, runoff and waste disposal.
• Standardise application methods across teams to improve coating performance, vessel efficiency and maintenance intervals.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation and relevant marine and environmental requirements during audits or inspections.
• Streamline training and onboarding for new applicators and contractors with a clear, step-by-step reference document.

Who is this for?

• Marine Maintenance Managers
• Shipyard Supervisors
• Commercial Vessel Operators
• Slipway and Dry Dock Managers
• Marine Coatings Applicators
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Fishing Fleet Managers
• Marina and Boatyard Owners
• Asset and Facilities Managers for Ports and Harbours

Hazards Addressed

• Inhalation of solvent and biocide vapours from anti-fouling paints
• Skin and eye contact with hazardous liquid coatings and thinners
• Fire and explosion risks from flammable solvents in poorly ventilated areas
• Environmental contamination of soil and waterways from spills, overspray and wash-down residues
• Manual handling injuries from moving drums, tins, hoses and spray equipment
• Falls from height when working on vessel hulls on hardstands or in dry docks
• Noise exposure from spray equipment, compressors and surface preparation tools
• Confined space risks when working inside hulls, tanks or enclosed sheds

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for Anti-fouling Activities
• 6.0 Required Competencies, Training and Authorisation
• 7.0 Required PPE and Safety Equipment
• 8.0 Tools, Plant and Materials (Paints, Thinners, Application Systems)
• 9.0 Pre-Start Checks and Site Preparation
• 10.0 Environmental Protection Controls (Runoff, Overspray and Waste Management)
• 11.0 Surface Preparation Requirements and Controls
• 12.0 Mixing, Thinning and Pot Life Management of Anti-fouling Coatings
• 13.0 Application Methods (Brush, Roller, Airless and Conventional Spray)
• 14.0 Ventilation, Atmospheric Monitoring and Flammable Atmosphere Controls
• 15.0 Working at Heights and Access Arrangements Around Vessels
• 16.0 Quality Control, Wet and Dry Film Thickness Checks and Acceptance Criteria
• 17.0 Curing, Re-coat Intervals and Return-to-Service Requirements
• 18.0 Spill Response, Decontamination and Waste Disposal Procedures
• 19.0 Emergency Procedures (Exposure, Fire, Chemical Spills)
• 20.0 Housekeeping, Equipment Cleaning and Storage of Materials
• 21.0 Documentation, Records and Review of the Procedure

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) – Hazardous chemicals and hazardous atmospheres
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves (series)
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS 1940: The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
• Relevant state and territory environmental protection legislation and guidelines for marine anti-fouling waste