COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Risk Management in Painting & Decorating Projects course. This program will equip you with the knowledge and regulatory insight required to identify, assess, and manage the diverse risks associated with painting activities on Australian worksites.

In the painting and decorating industry, risk management is not just about ticking a compliance box—it is a critical practice that safeguards workers, protects clients, and ensures smooth project execution.

This course begins by examining the core purpose and importance of managing risks in painting operations. From legal obligations under Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation to the moral responsibility of protecting team members, this section outlines why proactive risk management is essential. It also highlights common risks specific to painting work—such as chemical exposure, fall hazards, and ergonomic strain—and their potential impacts on health, safety, and productivity.

Hazard identification forms the basis of all effective risk control. This section guides participants in recognising task-specific hazards like sanding dust, spray mist, and elevated access; environmental hazards such as wind, noise, or confined spaces; and chemical risks linked to coatings, thinners, and cleaners. A thorough understanding of these hazards is vital for selecting the right control strategies.

Managing these risks requires familiarity with Australia’s regulatory framework. This section provides an overview of the WHS Act 2011, relevant Codes of Practice (including those on hazardous substances and working at height), and outlines the legal duties of both employers and workers. Ensuring awareness of these obligations helps build a safety-first culture and supports compliance with national standards.

The structured risk management process involves four key steps: Identify, Assess, Control, and Review. This section explains each step in detail, highlighting methods for recording risks on-site and the importance of involving all team members in safety discussions. A collaborative approach fosters ownership and accountability in managing risks across the project lifecycle.

Conducting risk assessments is a core skill in painting operations. This section teaches how to review job scope, assess physical access, and use a risk matrix to evaluate the likelihood and consequence of harm. Participants will learn how to apply this process to real-world tasks and ensure control measures are proportional and effective.

High-risk activities require documented Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS). This section details when SWMS are legally required—for example, when using elevated work platforms (EWPs) or handling hazardous substances—and how to prepare, review, and communicate SWMS with all relevant personnel to ensure shared understanding and compliance.

Controlling risks effectively begins with applying the hierarchy of controls. This section explains how to eliminate hazards where possible, substitute safer materials, use engineering and administrative controls, and resort to personal protective equipment (PPE) only when higher-level controls are not practicable.

Chemical safety is a major concern in painting. This section focuses on understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS), storing and labelling chemicals correctly, and implementing measures to prevent fires, inhalation risks, and environmental contamination from spills or improper disposal.

Working at heights introduces additional complexities. This section covers how to safely plan and conduct painting work on ceilings, stairwells, or building facades using ladders, scaffolds, or EWPs. Emphasis is placed on fall prevention strategies, secure platform use, and edge protection systems.

Manual handling risks are also prevalent. This section provides guidance on lifting paint drums, managing scaffold components, and reducing strain from repetitive overhead work. Task rotation, ergonomic tools, and mechanical aids are discussed as key interventions to reduce injury.

Spraying activities create airborne hazards. This section explains how to manage risks from HVLP and airless spray systems by ensuring proper ventilation, preventing overspray, and using suitable respiratory protection. Strategies for minimising exposure for both workers and bystanders are also included.

Electrical and fire safety must not be overlooked. This section outlines how to isolate circuits before painting near electrical fixtures, manage ignition sources around flammable products, and maintain readiness with accessible fire extinguishers and emergency response protocols.

Slip and trip hazards are a frequent cause of minor injuries. This section provides practical housekeeping strategies such as managing cords, preventing slips on drop sheets, and maintaining clean, orderly work areas through regular walk-throughs and end-of-day cleanups.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) remains a last-line defence in the risk control hierarchy. This section teaches how to select appropriate PPE based on task risk, ensure correct fitting and maintenance, and verify compliance with AS/NZS standards for respiratory, eye, and skin protection.

Effective communication ensures that risk controls are understood and followed. This section discusses how to conduct toolbox talks, display clear safety signage, and foster a culture where workers feel confident reporting hazards, near misses, and safety concerns without fear of blame.

Incident response must be swift and structured. This section outlines reporting protocols for injuries, chemical spills, and equipment malfunctions. Participants will learn how to carry out initial responses, escalate issues as needed, and apply lessons learned to strengthen future procedures.

Competent workers are safer workers. This section covers the importance of training for task-specific risks, supervising less experienced staff, and maintaining up-to-date records of safety licences, verifications of competency (VOCs), and refresher training to ensure ongoing compliance and capability.

Continuous improvement is the hallmark of effective risk management. This final section focuses on reviewing the effectiveness of existing controls, auditing sites for compliance, and applying feedback from incidents and audits to refine safety practices and create a more resilient workplace.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the practical tools, legal understanding, and leadership strategies required to implement effective risk management in painting and decorating projects—safeguarding your team, meeting compliance obligations, and delivering projects with confidence and care.

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 Risk Management in Painting & Decorating

• Purpose and importance of managing risks in painting work
• Legal and moral obligations under WHS legislation
• Common risks unique to painting and decorating environments

2. Identifying Hazards in Painting Projects

• Task-specific hazards: sanding, spraying, working at heights
• Environmental hazards: weather, noise, confined spaces
• Chemical and product-related hazards

3. Understanding Legislative and Regulatory Frameworks

• WHS Act 2011 and associated Regulations
• Codes of practice relevant to painting, ladders, hazardous substances
• Employer and worker duty of care obligations

4. The Risk Management Process

• The four steps: Identify, Assess, Control, Review
• Methods for recording and monitoring risks on site
• Importance of involving workers in the risk process

5. Conducting a Risk Assessment for Painting Activities

• Reviewing job scope, access conditions, and surfaces
• Assessing likelihood and consequence of harm
• Using a risk matrix to determine risk ratings

6. Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

• Identifying when SWMS is legally required
• Preparing task-specific SWMS for spraying, EWP use, and chemical handling
• Reviewing and updating SWMS with all relevant personnel

7. Hierarchy of Risk Control Strategies

• Eliminating hazards where possible
• Applying substitution, engineering, and administrative controls
• Ensuring PPE is used only as a last resort

8. Managing Chemical and Hazardous Substance Risks

• Understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Safe storage, handling, and labelling of coatings and thinners
• Preventing fire, inhalation, and spill hazards

9. Working at Heights Risk Control

• Assessing height-related painting activities
• Using ladders, mobile scaffolds, or EWPs safely
• Fall prevention measures and edge protection systems

10. Manual Handling and Ergonomic Risks

• Lifting paint drums, setting up scaffolds, prolonged overhead rolling
• Rotating tasks to reduce fatigue and injury
• Using mechanical aids such as trolleys and board carriers

11. Spraying and Airborne Particle Control

• Risks associated with HVLP and airless spraying systems
• Ventilation, overspray prevention, and respiratory protection
• Managing exposure for both workers and bystanders

12. Electrical and Fire Safety Precautions

• Isolating electrical circuits before painting switches, lights, or ceilings
• Avoiding ignition sources near flammable materials
• Fire extinguisher placement and emergency response awareness

13. Slips, Trips, and Housekeeping Controls

• Managing wet floors, drop sheets, and masking materials
• Cord management for tools and equipment
• Regular clean-ups and walk-throughs to maintain order

14. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Painting

• Selecting PPE based on risk
• Fitting, maintaining, and replacing PPE correctly
• Ensuring compliance with AS/NZS PPE standards

15. Communication of Risk Controls On-Site

• Toolbox talks and pre-start safety briefings
• Displaying signage and safety instructions clearly
• Encouraging open reporting of hazards and near misses

16. Incident Reporting and Emergency Response

• Procedures for reporting injuries, chemical spills, or equipment failure
• Conducting initial response and escalation
• Learning from incidents to refine safety procedures

17. Supervision, Training, and Worker Competency

• Ensuring workers are trained for task-specific risks
• Supervising apprentices and new hires with higher oversight
• Maintaining safety licences, VOCs, and refresher training records

18. Continuous Improvement in Risk Management

• Reviewing effectiveness of existing controls
• Auditing painting sites for compliance and performance
• Applying lessons learned to improve future project safety

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”.