RISK ASSESSMENT-PAINTING AND DECORATING

This is a risk assessment for the work of "Painting and Decorating". this document is particularly uploaded by QHSE DOCS for our Pro-Users. 

Identify Significant Hazards  

Asbestos-containing material

Lead paint

Use of equipment e.g., Gas/Electrical heat strippers

Abrasive wheels

Sanding wheels, or discs

Wire wheels or brushes

Dust/fumes – rubbing down/stripping & preparing surfaces

Electrical Equipment / Electricity

Chemical products e.g., paint stripper Paint, Varnish, Thinners / white spirits Paste including Fungicides (COSHH)

Work at height

Scissors/knives

Slips & trips

Obstruction/change of Emergency Evacuation routes

Manual Handling

Weather conditions; high winds, heavy rain, hot weather etc.

Who might be harmed? (2)

Site Supervisor, staff, employees, and visitors

Consequences

Asbestos-related disease

Respiratory conditions

Traps, lacerations, bruising, burns

Respiratory disorders/eye soreness

Electric shock, burn, smoke inhalation

Skin irritation, respiratory disorder, ingestion

Death, fractures, musculoskeletal injuries, head injuries, bruising, lacerations.

Cuts, lacerations.

Musculoskeletal injuries, bruising, and fractures depending on the emergency

Musculoskeletal injuries, bruising, fractures

Fall injuries, sunburn, heat exhaustion

Existing Controls 

1. The site Supervisor is aware of the risks associated with asbestos and is aware of the Company/Organization arrangements in fibres. The site Supervisor checks the asbestos survey and if asbestos-containing material is present, checks the walls are in good condition and that asbestos will not be disturbed by the task. The site Supervisor undertakes regular checks of the condition of walls during the progress of the work. In the event of a suspected release of asbestos fibres, the Site Supervisor leaves and seals the area, reports to a line manager and the project/site follows the Company/Organization arrangements in event of release of asbestos fibres.
2. If the interior walls were last painted before 1975, the paint on the walls could be lead-based. In this scenario, the work/project Site Supervisor/engineer search for professional advice before proceeding with any wall preparation.
3. The site supervisor is competent to use the equipment safely and correctly. The site supervisor carries out a visual inspection before use. The site supervisor reports all defects and the equipment taken out of use if faulty. The site Supervisor follows the manufacturer’s instructions when using all equipment and when changing gas canisters on heat strippers. The site Supervisor never leaves gas burners unattended. The site Supervisor never leaves equipment in a position where it could cause a hazard for other building users. The site Supervisor returns gas canisters and equipment to store at the end of the day.
4. Eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited during the task. Respiratory Protective Equipment provided with suitable filters for dust. Safety goggles are provided to reduce the risk of contact with the eyes. Ensure that the room is well ventilated. Dust is dampened down before sweeping up. The site supervisor is aware of where and how to obtain First Aid treatment
5. All equipment is PAT tested annually following Lancashire County Council requirements. Visual inspection of equipment carried out before use. The site Supervisor, Staff and employees are aware of the dangers of electricity; where possible power tools are run on 110 volts or battery power Residual Circuit Devices are fitted. All equipment is switched off when not in use. Fire extinguishers and other standard fire precautions are in place. The site supervisor is aware of suitable cable management i.e., avoiding trailing the cable across pedestrian routes. If light control panels/switches are loosened to allow paint and papering neatly around them then the Site Supervisor isolates them from the mains. If they are to be disconnected and reconnected this is only be done by a qualified person.
6. The site Supervisor is competent in the safe and correct handling, storage, use and disposal of chemical products. The area is kept well ventilated. Products used are specifically for purpose; Water-based paints are used where possible. The Site Supervisor covers all cuts and abrasions with suitable dressing; All products used are kept out of reach of children. COSHH risk assessments are completed for the product(s) being used and explained to the employee. COSHH Manufacturer's Safety Data Sheets are available for products used. Appropriate PPE e.g., Safety goggles, impervious gloves and overalls are provided to reduce the risk of contact with eyes/skin as identified by the COSHH risk assessment. Eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited during the task. Strict personal hygiene is observed by the site supervisor and hands are washed thoroughly after the task. All equipment used with chemicals/cleaning products is cleaned and checked before returning to the store. All flammable products are securely stored at the end of each work period. All rags and cleaning cloths used with flammable liquids are placed in a flameproof, lidded container after use. The Site Supervisor is aware of where and how to obtain First Aid treatment.
7. The site Supervisor selects the correct work at height equipment for the task e.g., ladder, step ladder. The site Supervisor reads this assessment in conjunction with the establishment's risk assessment(s) for the work at height equipment used. Work at height equipment e.g., step ladders subject to routine inspection. The site Supervisor is competent to use the equipment e.g., has undertaken the Lancashire County Council Health and Safety E-learning module for Ladder Safety or equivalent. The site Supervisor does not undertake work at height when alone at the site The site Supervisor is aware to take extra care to ensure stability if ladders are used on top of dust sheets. Warning signs are used to ensure everybody is aware that work at heights is underway before they enter the work area. Cordon off the area, if possible, if required alternative routes should be signposted. Paint containers to be hung from the ladder using a proprietary device The site Supervisor is advised not to stretch or lean away from ladders whilst painting or papering at height.
8. Safety knives are used if required for trimming, Scissors are closed between cutting strips of paper and after use
9. The site Supervisor always ensures good housekeeping. The site Supervisor ensures there is plenty of space around the paste table and hanging wall. The site Supervisor disposes of excess trimmings carefully and does not allow a build-up of pasted-off cuts in the work area. Additional rolls of paper are secured safely when not in use. When using dust sheets, the Site Supervisor ensures they are spread out flat and taped or weighted down, if practicable. Spilt paint and liquids are cleaned up immediately.
10. The site Supervisor ensures that all evacuation routes are kept clear. If changes to evacuation routes need to be made during decoration, staff are informed, and temporary signage is put up. Site supervisor trained in safe lifting and handling techniques e.g. Manual Handling e-learning module or equivalent. Additional staff are available to move furniture and other heavy items; Staff removes all loose materials and equipment from furniture before it is moved. The site Supervisor is advised to minimize repetitive movements wherever possible and ensure they take regular breaks.
11. The site Supervisor assesses the weather conditions before undertaking external painting and does not undertake the task if conditions are unsuitable. The site Supervisor wears clothing appropriate to the weather conditions; the Site Supervisor wears clothing to cover skin and wears sunscreen in hot sunshine. The site Supervisor keeps well hydrated and takes regular breaks in hot weather.

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Risk Assessment-Painting and Decorating