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Paints and Coatings Water Based SWMS

Paints and Coatings Water Based SWMS

  • 100% Compliant with Australian WHS Acts & Regulations
  • Fully Editable MS Word & PDF Formats Included
  • Pre-filled Content – Ready to Deploy Immediately
  • Customisable – Easily Add Your Logo & Site Details
  • Includes 2 Years of Free Compliance Updates

Paints and Coatings Water Based SWMS

Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is specifically developed for paints and coatings – water based, with a primary focus on identifying hazards and implementing effective risk controls for application, handling, and clean-up. It is a comprehensive document that supports WHS compliance across multiple aspects of water-based paint and coating use on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

  • Selection and safe use of water-based paints, sealers, primers, and protective coatings
  • Preparation of work areas, including surface cleaning, masking, and protection of adjacent finishes
  • Manual handling of paint containers, drums, and associated equipment to minimise strain and injury
  • Safe decanting, mixing, and thinning of water-based paints to prevent spills and splashes
  • Use of brushes, rollers, and spray equipment for application of water-based coatings on internal and external surfaces
  • Control of overspray, drips, and run-off to protect workers, bystanders, and the environment
  • Ventilation management and control of vapours and mists in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas
  • Use, inspection, and maintenance of PPE including gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection where required
  • Safe use of portable ladders, trestles, and low-level platforms when applying coatings at height
  • Housekeeping controls for managing wet surfaces, slip hazards, and storage of tools and materials
  • Management of fire and electrical risks around powered spray units, extension leads, and other equipment
  • Environmentally responsible clean-up, wash-up, and disposal of waste water, leftover paint, and contaminated materials
  • Emergency response for spills, exposure incidents, and first aid relating to water-based paints and coatings

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for painters, maintenance crews, facilities managers, building contractors, and site supervisors overseeing the use and application of water-based paints and coatings on Australian worksites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Job Step / Activity Potential Hazards
1. Preparation
  • Slippery surfaces, improper storage of materials
2. Surface cleaning
  • Chemical exposure, electrical hazards
3. Mixing paint
  • Inhalation of fumes, spill hazard
4. Application
  • Risk of falls, skin contact, eye contact with chemicals
5. Ventilation
  • Poor air quality, inhalation of paint particles
6. Cleanup
  • Trip hazards from clutter, chemical disposal risks
7. Equipment maintenance
  • Electrical hazards, risk of equipment malfunction
8. Inspection and touch-ups
  • Fall risks, skin contact
9. Drying process
  • Fire hazards, off-gassing
10. Waste disposal
  • Improper waste management, potential spills
11. Demobilisation and site cleanup
  • Trip hazards, sharp objects left behind
12. Sign-off and handover
  • Risks from incomplete work, customer queries

Need to add specific site requirements?

Don't worry if a specific job step isn't listed above. Once you purchase, simply log in to your Client Portal and add your own custom job steps at no extra cost. We take care of the hard work—creating the hazards and control measures for free—to ensure your document is compliant within minutes.

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

  • Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Guidance on ventilation, amenities, and safe work conditions during painting activities.
  • Hazardous Chemicals (Managing Risks) Code of Practice: Requirements for safe storage, handling, and use of hazardous chemical products, including some water-based coatings.
  • Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals Code of Practice: Ensuring all paint and coating containers are correctly labelled and workers can identify hazards.
  • How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls for painting tasks.
  • Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Controls for powered spray units and associated equipment where noise risks exist.
  • Safe Work Australia – Guidance on the Principles of Safe Design and Use of Chemicals in the Workplace: Supporting safe selection and use of water-based products.
  • Work Health and Safety Act 2011
  • Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017

Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)
  • Operational guidelines, with a step-by-step approach to safe work
  • Possible hazards that may be encountered
  • Step-by-step safety procedures to follow
  • Before work starts – Guidelines and Checks
  • Safety measures and guides
  • Operational Safety Checks
  • Before and After Risk Ratings
  • Risk Assessment Matrix
  • High Risk Work Involved
  • Emergency Evacuation Procedure
  • Plant and Equipment
  • Qualifications and Permits
  • Specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Company Personnel Sign-off form

$96.8

Safe Work Australia Aligned