Product Overview

Summary: This Safe Operating Procedure introduces workers to the safe selection, setup and use of common painting tools in Australian workplaces. It helps businesses control WHS risks associated with brushes, rollers, extension poles, spray equipment and cutting tools, while lifting the quality and consistency of painting work on site.

Painting work often appears low-risk, but in practice it involves sharp tools, pressurised spray equipment, chemical exposure and work at height – all of which are tightly regulated under Australian WHS laws. This Introduction to Painting Tools SOP gives your team a clear, practical foundation for working safely with brushes, rollers, extension poles, scrapers, cutting knives and basic spray equipment. It outlines how to select the right tool for the task, carry out pre-use checks, set up a safe work area and operate tools in a way that reduces the likelihood of cuts, strains, falls and chemical exposure.

The procedure is designed for organisations that carry out painting as part of construction, maintenance, refurbishment or facilities management activities. It supports consistent training of new starters and apprentices, and provides a defensible, documented system of work for supervisors and PCBU duty holders. By implementing this SOP, businesses can demonstrate due diligence, reduce rework and damage caused by incorrect tool use, and create a safer, more efficient painting environment across sites, buildings and projects.

Key Benefits

• Reduce injuries from sharp edges, moving parts and incorrect handling of painting tools.
• Ensure consistent, WHS-compliant setup and use of brushes, rollers, extension poles and basic spray equipment.
• Improve painting quality and productivity through correct tool selection and maintenance.
• Support onboarding and competency assessment for new and apprentice painters.
• Demonstrate due diligence and compliance with Australian WHS obligations for painting activities.

Who is this for?

• Painters and Decorators
• Apprentice Painters
• Maintenance Technicians
• Facilities and Asset Managers
• Construction Site Supervisors
• WHS Advisors and Safety Officers
• Project Managers (Construction and Fit-out)
• Property Services Managers
• Workshop and Maintenance Supervisors

Hazards Addressed

• Cuts and puncture wounds from scrapers, blades and cutting knives
• Musculoskeletal strains from repetitive painting motions and awkward postures
• Overexertion and shoulder/neck injuries from improper use of extension poles
• Falls from ladders or step platforms when using painting tools at height
• Exposure to paint fumes, solvents and mists when using certain products or spray tools
• Eye injuries from splashes, drips and airborne particles
• Skin irritation or dermatitis from contact with paints, thinners and cleaning agents
• Slips and trips due to poorly managed drop sheets, hoses and tool placement
• Hand-arm vibration and fatigue from powered sanding or preparation tools used alongside painting tools

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Types of Painting Tools
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for Painting Tools
• 6.0 Selection of Appropriate Painting Tools for the Task
• 7.0 Pre-use Inspection and Maintenance Requirements
• 8.0 Safe Handling and Operating Procedures – Brushes and Rollers
• 9.0 Safe Handling and Operating Procedures – Extension Poles and Handles
• 10.0 Safe Handling and Operating Procedures – Scrapers, Knives and Cutting Tools
• 11.0 Safe Use of Basic Paint Spray Equipment (Low-Pressure/Handheld)
• 12.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 13.0 Managing Work at Height While Using Painting Tools
• 14.0 Control of Hazardous Chemicals, Fumes and Ventilation
• 15.0 Housekeeping, Storage and Transport of Painting Tools
• 16.0 Emergency Procedures (First Aid, Spills, Eye and Skin Contact)
• 17.0 Training, Competency and Supervision
• 18.0 Documentation, Record Keeping and Review

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth)
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• AS/NZS 1892.1: Portable ladders
• AS/NZS 2161 series: Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment