Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured approach to identifying, controlling, and monitoring risks associated with lead-based paint work, with the primary goal of protecting workers, others on site, and the environment from lead exposure. It is a comprehensive, project-ready document that covers multiple aspects of lead-based paint removal and WHS compliance for construction, maintenance, and refurbishment activities.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and preparation for safe removal of lead-based paint from internal and external building surfaces
• Risk assessment and control of hazards when removing or disturbing existing lead-based paint coatings
• Safe work methods when working with lead-containing materials in demolition, refurbishment, or maintenance tasks
• Management of lead residue, dust, and debris generated during scraping, sanding, grinding, or cutting activities
• Selection and use of low-dust and low-fume techniques (e.g. wet methods, chemical strippers, controlled tools) for lead paint removal
• Isolation of work areas, erection of barriers, and use of signage to prevent unauthorised access and secondary exposure
• Implementation of ventilation and dust suppression controls to minimise airborne lead concentrations
• Selection, fitting, and maintenance of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including respirators, eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing
• Decontamination procedures for workers, tools, and equipment to prevent tracking of lead dust into clean areas
• Safe collection, containment, labelling, and disposal of lead-contaminated waste in accordance with environmental and waste regulations
• Health monitoring considerations for workers who may be exposed to lead, including blood lead level testing as required
• Emergency response procedures for accidental exposure, spills, or uncontrolled release of lead dust or debris
• Training, competency, and supervision requirements for personnel involved in lead-based paint work

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for painters, demolition and refurbishment contractors, maintenance teams, renovation builders, and site supervisors responsible for any work involving the removal, disturbance, or management of lead-based paint and lead-containing materials.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on identifying, assessing, and controlling risks from hazardous chemicals, including lead and lead compounds.
• Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Requirements for managing risks associated with manual handling during scraping, sanding, and handling of lead-contaminated materials.
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for risk management applied to lead exposure and related construction activities.
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Guidance on ventilation, hygiene facilities, and decontamination areas for lead work.
• Demolition Work Code of Practice: Relevant controls where demolition or partial demolition involves lead-based paint or lead-containing materials.
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work: Applicable where powered tools are used for lead paint removal.
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment: Requirements for selecting and maintaining respirators for protection against lead dust and fumes.
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices: Performance standards for respirators used during lead-based paint removal and disturbance.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017