Lead-based Paint SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers assessing and removing lead-based paint, containing dust, managing waste, and decontaminating workers and tools. It supports planning and managing risks from lead dust, contaminated materials, removal methods, equipment, exposure and residual contamination.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Assess painted surfaces before starting work
• Establish exclusion zones and control access
• Install containment and ventilation
• Inspect equipment and personal protective equipment
• Prepare painted surfaces
• Remove paint using wet methods
• Conduct powered paint removal
• Use chemical paint stripper where required
• Clean lead residue dust
• Package and remove contaminated waste
• Decontaminate workers and tools
• Monitor exposure and complete dismantling and sign-off

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out work involving lead-based paint.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations, including duties to manage risks, consult workers, provide information/training/supervision, manage hazardous chemicals and lead processes, and provide health monitoring where lead risk work is identified.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace.
• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities.
• Model Code of Practice: Abrasive Blasting, including lead-process controls for power-tool, abrasive-blasting and high-pressure-water removal of paint containing more than 1% lead by dry weight, and handling lead waste.
• Model Code of Practice: Spray Painting and Powder Coating, including identification and management of lead exposure during surface preparation.
• AS 4361.1, Guide to hazardous paint management—Lead and other hazardous metallic pigments in industrial applications.
• AS/NZS 1715, Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment.
• AS/NZS 1716, Respiratory protective devices.
• Safe Work Australia Workplace Exposure Limits for Airborne Contaminants and guidance for air monitoring.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections