Product Overview

Summary: This Brush Technique Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, safe and consistent method for using hand brushes in industrial, construction, maintenance and cleaning tasks. It helps Australian workplaces control exposure to hazardous substances, prevent repetitive strain and eye injuries, and deliver high-quality finishes while meeting WHS obligations.

Brush work is often viewed as a simple, low‑risk task, yet it is a common source of repetitive strain injuries, chemical exposure, eye injuries and poor‑quality finishes that require costly rework. This Brush Technique Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, WHS‑aligned approach to all brush‑based tasks, from surface preparation and product selection through to application technique, clean‑up and waste disposal. It is suitable for painting and coating, cleaning, detailing, maintenance and production environments where brushes are used with paints, resins, solvents, detergents, disinfectants or other chemicals.

The SOP translates best‑practice ergonomics and safe chemical handling into practical, step‑by‑step instructions that workers can easily follow. It standardises how brushes are selected, held and used to minimise strain, how splashes and airborne droplets are controlled, and how PPE is matched to the task and substance. For businesses, this means fewer minor injuries that add up to lost time, reduced product defects and callbacks, and a clear, auditable method that demonstrates compliance with Australian WHS legislation and relevant Codes of Practice. Implementing this SOP supports safer, more efficient and more professional brush work across your organisation.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders by standardising ergonomic brush grips, stroke patterns and task rotation.
• Minimise chemical exposure, splashes and eye injuries through clear controls on brush loading, movement and PPE use.
• Improve finish quality and consistency by defining correct brush selection, surface preparation and application technique.
• Support WHS compliance with documented, repeatable procedures for safe use of hazardous chemicals and cleaning agents.
• Streamline training and onboarding by providing clear, visual and step‑by‑step guidance for all brush‑based tasks.

Who is this for?

• Painters and Decorators
• Industrial Coaters and Applicators
• Maintenance Technicians
• Cleaners and Hygiene Staff
• Facilities Managers
• Site Supervisors
• WHS Advisors and Safety Officers
• Manufacturing Line Leaders
• Construction Project Managers
• Training and Induction Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to hazardous chemicals in paints, coatings, solvents, detergents and disinfectants
• Eye injuries and skin irritation from splashes, flicking and airborne droplets
• Repetitive strain and musculoskeletal disorders from poor posture and incorrect brush handling
• Slips, trips and falls due to spills, drips and poorly managed work areas
• Respiratory irritation from vapours, mists or aerosols generated during brushing
• Cross‑contamination in food, healthcare or cleanroom environments from incorrect brush use or cleaning
• Hand and wrist fatigue leading to loss of control and reduced work quality

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Application Contexts
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Required Training and Competency
• 5.0 Tools, Materials and PPE Requirements
• 6.0 Pre‑Use Checks and Surface Preparation
• 7.0 Brush Selection and Set‑Up
• 8.0 Safe Brush Handling and Body Positioning
• 9.0 Step‑by‑Step Brush Application Technique
• 10.0 Controls for Chemical Exposure, Splashes and Aerosols
• 11.0 Managing Fatigue and Task Rotation for Manual Tasks
• 12.0 Quality Control and Inspection Criteria
• 13.0 Cleaning, Decontamination and Storage of Brushes
• 14.0 Waste Management and Environmental Considerations
• 15.0 Incident Reporting and Non‑Conformance Management
• 16.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems (ISO 45001:2018, Australian adoption)