COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Hazard Identification & Control in Painting Operations course. This program has been developed to assist you in recognising, assessing, and controlling hazards commonly encountered in painting tasks across construction and maintenance environments. Participants will gain the knowledge and skills required to uphold safety, reduce risks, and comply with Australian work health and safety legislation through the proactive management of hazards.

This course begins with an overview of the importance of systematic hazard identification in the painting industry. It defines key concepts such as hazards, risks, controls, and near misses, and reinforces the duty of care that employers and workers share under WHS legislation. By understanding the purpose and process of hazard management, participants will be better prepared to prevent incidents before they occur.

Painting operations present a range of hazards that must be understood and controlled. This section explores common physical risks such as working with ladders, power tools, and scaffolding, as well as chemical exposures from paints, thinners, and preparation agents. Participants will also consider environmental factors, including inadequate lighting, noise, and extreme weather conditions, which may influence task safety.

Chemical hazards are especially prominent in painting activities. Participants will examine how to identify dangerous substances by reading product labels, hazard pictograms, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). The section highlights the risks of inhalation, skin contact, and fire when working with volatile or toxic materials, reinforcing the importance of chemical literacy in painting environments.

Surface preparation tasks often generate airborne dust, involve manual handling of heavy items, or require the use of heat and chemical stripping tools. This section focuses on the hazards associated with these preliminary steps, providing guidance on how to control dust exposure, ensure safe tool usage, and reduce strain through proper handling techniques.

Application methods introduce their own risks, particularly with spray painting. This section explores how overspray, airborne mist, and pressurised equipment can pose hazards to both workers and surrounding areas. Additional attention is given to spill risks, slips from equipment misuse, and maintaining clean, orderly work zones to prevent incidents.

Working at heights is a frequent aspect of painting, especially on external structures and elevated surfaces. Participants will learn how to identify fall hazards associated with ladders, mobile scaffolds, and extension poles. The section also outlines best practices for using access equipment safely and ensuring proper edge protection.

Musculoskeletal injuries are a significant concern in painting due to repetitive tasks and awkward positions. This section explores the ergonomic risks of bending, reaching, and lifting heavy materials, and encourages the adoption of control strategies such as job rotation, mechanical aids, and supportive work design to minimise injury.

Electrical and fire hazards are present wherever painting activities take place near power sources or involve flammable materials. Participants will learn to identify ignition sources, manage temporary lighting and power tool usage, and apply fire prevention strategies in accordance with workplace procedures and relevant Australian standards.

Long-term exposure to certain painting materials can result in chronic health conditions. This section examines the consequences of repeated chemical exposure, respiratory hazards from confined or poorly ventilated spaces, and skin conditions caused by direct contact with irritants. Participants will be encouraged to adopt protective measures and report early signs of health concerns.

Painting activities can also pose environmental risks, particularly from improper waste disposal or spillages. This section explores how to prevent paint runoff from entering drains, soil, or stormwater systems, and highlights the legal consequences of environmental contamination. Emphasis is placed on responsible product use and containment practices.

Effective hazard identification requires the use of inspection tools and observational techniques. Participants will be guided on how to conduct pre-start checks, use hazard identification checklists, and document unsafe conditions. These practices support a systematic approach to recognising and addressing hazards before work begins.

The hierarchy of controls is a fundamental model for managing workplace risks. This section explains how painting-related hazards can be eliminated, substituted, or mitigated using engineering, administrative, and personal protective control measures. Examples are provided to illustrate how each level of control can be applied in practice.

Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are mandatory for high-risk painting tasks. Participants will learn how to develop and implement SWMS that outline the nature of the task, associated hazards, control measures, and emergency responses. The section reinforces the importance of clear communication and worker understanding of SWMS requirements.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is often the final barrier against exposure. This section covers the correct selection, use, and maintenance of PPE suited to chemical, physical, and environmental hazards in painting. Supervisors are encouraged to monitor compliance and ensure PPE is used appropriately at all times.

Hazard reporting is vital to ongoing risk management. Participants will explore how to report hazards, unsafe acts, or conditions using formal procedures, and how to document corrective actions taken. Timely reporting helps ensure that identified risks are addressed before they result in harm.

Near misses offer important learning opportunities. This section encourages the reporting and analysis of near miss events and minor incidents, with the aim of uncovering root causes and strengthening controls. Participants will be shown how to use near miss data to improve workplace safety outcomes.

Training and awareness are key to fostering a safe painting environment. This section outlines the role of WHS inductions, ongoing toolbox talks, and targeted hazard control training. A strong safety culture depends on engaged workers who understand their responsibilities and actively contribute to safe work practices.

Safety systems must evolve based on experience and changing conditions. In this final section, participants will learn how to review the effectiveness of hazard controls, update procedures in response to audits or feedback, and drive continuous improvement across painting operations. This ensures that safety remains dynamic, proactive, and aligned with industry best practices.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and practical tools to identify hazards, implement appropriate controls, and maintain a safe and compliant painting work environment—supporting the health, safety, and wellbeing of all personnel involved.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Hazard Identification and Control in Painting

• The importance of proactive hazard management in painting
• Definitions of hazards, risks, controls, and near misses
• Legal obligations under WHS legislation and duty of care

2. Common Workplace Hazards in Painting Environments

• Physical hazards: tools, ladders, access platforms
• Chemical hazards: paints, solvents, and surface preparation agents
• Environmental hazards: weather, noise, and lighting

3. Identifying Chemical Hazards in Paint Products

• Recognising harmful components in paints and thinners
• Interpreting labels, symbols, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Risks from skin contact, inhalation, and flammable liquids

4. Assessing Hazards in Surface Preparation Activities

• Dust generation from sanding, grinding, or scraping
• Use of heat guns or chemical strippers
• Manual handling of heavy or awkward materials

5. Risks Associated with Application Methods

• Overspray, mist, and airborne particles from spraying
• Incorrect pressure settings and equipment failure
• Trip and slip risks from rollers, trays, and spills

6. Identifying Access and Fall Hazards

• Working on ladders, scaffolds, and elevated platforms
• Use of mobile scaffolds and extension poles
• Improper use of access equipment or inadequate edge protection

7. Ergonomic and Manual Handling Risks

• Repetitive movements and awkward postures
• Lifting heavy paint drums or working overhead
• Risk reduction through job rotation and load assistance

8. Electrical and Fire Hazards in Painting Areas

• Working near live circuits or temporary power
• Fire risks from flammable paints and ignition sources
• Safe use of lighting, extension cords, and power tools

9. Identifying Health Hazards from Long-Term Exposure

• Chronic effects of prolonged chemical exposure
• Respiratory risks in confined or poorly ventilated areas
• Skin irritation and sensitivity from repeated contact

10. Environmental Hazards on Painting Sites

• Risks of paint spills to drains, soil, and stormwater
• Use of environmentally harmful products
• Legal consequences of uncontrolled discharge

11. Using Observation and Inspection Tools to Identify Hazards

• Conducting pre-start inspections and hazard checklists
• Observing unsafe acts or conditions during work
• Documenting findings and initiating controls

12. Applying the Hierarchy of Controls to Painting Hazards

• Eliminating unnecessary hazards through task redesign
• Substituting safer materials or methods
• Implementing engineering, administrative, and PPE controls

13. Developing and Implementing Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

• Identifying high-risk tasks requiring a SWMS
• Including control measures and emergency responses
• Ensuring all workers understand and follow the SWMS

14. Supervising the Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Selecting the right PPE for chemical, physical, and environmental risks
• Ensuring proper use, storage, and maintenance of PPE
• Monitoring worker compliance with PPE requirements

15. Reporting and Responding to Hazards

• Procedures for reporting hazards and unsafe conditions
• Acting on hazard reports and resolving them effectively
• Recording corrective actions and follow-ups

16. Managing Near Misses and Minor Incidents

• Encouraging early reporting of near misses
• Investigating causes to prevent escalation
• Documenting lessons learned and adjusting controls

17. Training Workers in Hazard Awareness and Control

• Induction processes and ongoing WHS training
• Toolbox talks focused on task-specific hazards
• Encouraging a culture of safety and shared responsibility

18. Reviewing and Improving Hazard Control Measures

• Conducting formal reviews of control effectiveness
• Updating procedures based on audits, feedback, or incidents
• Promoting continuous improvement in safety practices

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.