COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Safe Working Practices in Painting & Decorating Operations course. This training will provide you with the knowledge and skills to manage work health and safety (WHS) risks specific to painting and decorating environments.
The painting and decorating industry presents a wide range of risks—from hazardous chemicals and working at heights to manual handling and respiratory hazards. Embedding safe work practices into daily operations is essential to protect health, prevent injury, meet legal requirements, and ensure a productive and compliant worksite.
This course begins by exploring the importance of WHS in painting operations. Participants will gain an understanding of the most common risks associated with the trade, including falls, chemical exposure, manual strain, and equipment misuse. Embedding safety into routine tasks not only protects workers from harm but also improves project reliability, reduces downtime, and enhances workforce morale.
Understanding legal obligations under WHS legislation is critical for all personnel involved in painting projects. This section outlines the roles and responsibilities of Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs), workers, contractors, and supervisors under the WHS Act and Regulations. Participants will be made aware of the potential consequences of non-compliance, including legal penalties and reputational damage, and the importance of due diligence in meeting safety requirements.
Identifying hazards is the foundation of risk management. This section teaches how to recognise task-specific dangers such as ladder falls, spray inhalation, or sanding dust; site-specific hazards such as overhead electrical lines or changing weather conditions; and health risks arising from inadequate ventilation or prolonged exposure to hazardous substances.
Manual handling is a frequent source of injury in painting. This section covers correct techniques for lifting paint containers, setting up ladders and scaffolds, and preparing surfaces. Participants will also learn how to minimise musculoskeletal strain through the use of trolleys, mechanical aids, or team lifting strategies.
Working at heights is one of the highest-risk activities in painting. This section covers the safe use of ladders, trestles, scaffolding, and elevated work platforms (EWPs), with a focus on fall prevention, stabilisation, and the proper use of edge protection systems in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a critical role in preventing injury. This section provides guidance on selecting appropriate PPE—such as gloves, overalls, masks, and goggles—based on the specific risks of the task. Participants will also learn about fit testing for respiratory protection, maintenance routines, and when PPE must be replaced.
Safe ladder and access equipment use is crucial for injury prevention. This section outlines how to inspect ladders before use, position them securely, and avoid unsafe practices such as overreaching or unstable footing. Training in correct ladder setup reduces the likelihood of falls and access-related injuries.
Electrical safety is particularly important when painting near live systems. This section details how to safely isolate circuits before commencing work, avoid contact with overhead or hidden wiring, and ensure the use of Residual Current Devices (RCDs) when operating powered tools in compliance with electrical safety requirements.
Chemical safety and hazardous substance handling are core WHS concerns in painting. This section focuses on interpreting Safety Data Sheets (SDS), storing and labelling products correctly, and taking precautions to prevent inhalation, skin contact, and fire risks. Participants will also be instructed on the use of appropriate ventilation and flammable goods storage protocols.
Maintaining air quality is essential for health, particularly when working indoors or with solvent-based products. This section explores methods for ensuring ventilation, including the use of extraction fans, natural airflow, and product selection to minimise harmful emissions.
Fire safety is a critical risk area in painting environments. This section explains how to identify flammable materials, prevent ignition sources, and respond to emergencies. Participants will learn how to store products safely, locate extinguishers, and implement fire response plans where required.
Spray application requires special precautions. This section provides training on the safe setup, operation, and cleaning of airless spray systems, with a focus on avoiding injection injuries, overspray exposure, and equipment malfunctions. Participants will also learn to designate appropriate spray zones to manage airborne risk.
Dust control is vital during surface preparation. This section addresses the use of dustless sanding systems and HEPA-filtered vacuums, and the correct use of respiratory and eye protection. Dust suppression techniques reduce both immediate health risks and longer-term occupational illnesses.
Good housekeeping is an essential safety practice. This section provides guidance on managing slip and trip hazards caused by spills, masking materials, tools, and electrical leads. Participants will be encouraged to maintain clean and orderly work areas through daily tidy-ups and effective waste disposal.
Emergency preparedness is vital for all painting sites. This section focuses on understanding site-specific emergency procedures, locating first aid kits and identifying trained first aid officers, and knowing how to respond to injuries, chemical spills, or unexpected incidents. Accurate and prompt incident reporting is also covered.
Effective communication ensures that safety information is shared and understood. This section covers participation in toolbox talks, pre-start briefings, and site safety meetings. Participants will learn to report hazards and near misses without fear of reprisal, and how to interpret site signage and checklists.
Supervision plays a key role in maintaining safe standards. This section explains how to monitor apprentices and less experienced team members, reinforce safety procedures on the job, and support the development of risk awareness. Supervisors will also learn how to intervene appropriately when unsafe practices are observed.
A positive safety culture is the long-term goal of any organisation. This section provides strategies for encouraging worker involvement in safety improvements, rewarding safe behaviours, and maintaining a blame-free reporting environment. Teams that actively engage with safety practices are more productive, compliant, and resilient.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge, awareness, and practical skills needed to implement and maintain safe working practices in painting and decorating operations—helping to prevent injury, protect your team, and support a culture of safety excellence on every worksite.
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 Safety in Painting & Decorating Work
- Importance of WHS in painting environments
- Common risks and injury types in painting operations
- Benefits of embedding safety into daily routines
2. Understanding WHS Legislation and Responsibilities
- Duties of PCBUs, workers, supervisors, and contractors
- Overview of the WHS Act and relevant Regulations
- Legal consequences of non-compliance
3. Identifying Hazards in Painting Work Environments
- Task-specific hazards
- Site hazards
- Health risks from chemical exposure or poor ventilation
4. Safe Manual Handling Techniques
- Lifting and moving paint drums, ladders, and tools safely
- Preventing musculoskeletal injuries during surface prep
- Using aids like trolleys, lifters, or assistance where needed
5. Working at Heights Safely
- Ladder setup, use, and fall prevention
- Safe use of trestles, scaffolds, and elevated work platforms (EWPs)
- Working near edges, voids, or roof spaces
6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
- Selection and use of gloves, masks, goggles, and overalls
- Fit testing and maintenance of respiratory protection
- PPE care, cleaning, and replacement protocols
7. Safe Use of Ladders and Access Equipment
- Inspecting ladders before use
- Securing and stabilising ladders properly
- Avoiding overreaching or unsafe positioning
8. Electrical Safety in Painting Projects
- Isolating power before painting around sockets or fixtures
- Avoiding contact with live wiring and overhead services
- Use of RCDs (Residual Current Devices) with powered tools
9. Chemical Safety and Hazardous Substance Handling
- Reading and understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Safe storage and labelling of paints, thinners, and adhesives
- Preventing skin contact, inhalation, and fire hazards
10. Ventilation and Air Quality Control
- Ensuring adequate airflow in enclosed or indoor areas
- Using extraction fans or opening windows and doors
- Monitoring air quality during spraying or solvent use
11. Fire Safety and Flammable Material Handling
- Identifying flammable products and storage requirements
- Preventing ignition sources on site
- Access to extinguishers and fire response protocols
12. Spraying Equipment and Airless Spray Safety
- Safe setup, operation, and cleaning of spray equipment
- Preventing injection injuries from high-pressure systems
- Spraying in well-ventilated, designated areas only
13. Dust Control During Sanding and Surface Prep
- Using dustless sanding systems and HEPA vacuums
- Wearing respiratory protection and goggles
- Avoiding sanding near electrical or sensitive equipment
14. Slips, Trips, and Good Housekeeping Practices
- Managing spills, overspray, and tripping hazards
- Keeping pathways clear of tools, leads, and buckets
- Cleaning work areas regularly and disposing of waste safely
15. Emergency Preparedness and First Aid
- Site-specific emergency response plans
- Identifying first aid officers and locating kits
- Reporting incidents promptly and accurately
16. Communicating Safety Information on Site
- Participating in toolbox talks and pre-start meetings
- Reporting hazards, near misses, and unsafe behaviour
- Using signage, labels, and checklists effectively
17. Supervising Safe Work Practices
- Monitoring apprentices and new team members
- Ensuring adherence to safety procedures
- Coaching teams in risk awareness and hazard response
18. Promoting a Positive Safety Culture
- Encouraging reporting without blame
- Recognising safe work behaviours and leadership
- Engaging teams in ongoing safety improvements
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”.