Painting and decorating: risk assessment and method statement

Surface preparation and application of paints, stains and wall coverings to internal and external surfaces at the site, by brush, roller or spray, working from steps, podiums, towers or scaffold as required.

A starting point, not a finished RAMS. SiteHelm's RAMS, COSHH and CDM templates are a starting point. A competent person must check them for each job. You stay responsible for safety on your site. Add the hazards particular to your site before you use it.

CompanySiteDatePrepared by

Risk assessment

Risk = severity × likelihood, each from 1 to 5. 1 to 3 is low, 4 to 6 medium, 8 to 12 high and 15 to 25 very high.

Hazard	Who might be harmed and how	Risk	Controls	With controls
Falls from steps, towers or scaffold	Operatives painting at height may fall from steps, towers or scaffold, causing serious or fatal injury.	5 × 3 = 15 Very high	Podiums or towers with guardrails used instead of ladders where possible. Stepladders used only for short-duration, light work. Towers erected by trained operatives and inspected before use. External high-level work only from scaffold or MEWP.	5 × 1 = 5 Medium
Disturbing lead paint during preparation	Operatives sanding or burning off old paint may ingest or inhale lead, causing lead poisoning.	4 × 3 = 12 High	Existing paint on older buildings tested for lead before preparation. Wet abrading or chemical stripping used; no dry sanding or burning off. FFP3 RPE and disposable overalls worn; no eating or smoking in the area. Lead waste bagged and disposed of as hazardous waste.	4 × 1 = 4 Medium
Solvent vapour inhalation	Operatives using solvent-based paints in enclosed rooms may inhale vapour, causing dizziness or ill health.	3 × 3 = 9 High	Water-based products used where the specification allows. Rooms ventilated during and after application. RPE with suitable filters for solvents and spray work. COSHH assessments followed for each product.	3 × 1 = 3 Low
Disturbing asbestos-containing coatings	Operatives preparing textured coatings or old boards may disturb asbestos, causing serious lung disease.	5 × 2 = 10 High	Asbestos survey checked before preparation of existing surfaces. Textured coatings not sanded or scraped until confirmed asbestos-free. Stop work and report any suspect material.	5 × 1 = 5 Medium
Fire from solvents, heat guns and rags	Operatives and others may be injured by fire from heat guns, solvents or oily rags self-heating.	4 × 2 = 8 High	Heat guns used only under a hot works permit, never on lead paint. Solvents stored in a ventilated, locked store away from ignition sources. Oil-soaked rags laid flat to dry or kept in a sealed metal bin. Fire extinguisher available at the work area.	4 × 1 = 4 Medium
Paint and chemical contact with skin or eyes	Operatives may get paint, strippers or mist in the eyes or on skin, causing burns or dermatitis.	3 × 3 = 9 High	Eye protection worn when working overhead, spraying or using strippers. Gloves suitable for the product worn. Eyewash and washing facilities available.	3 × 1 = 3 Low
Dust from sanding filler and surfaces	Operatives sanding filler and prepared surfaces may inhale dust, causing respiratory irritation.	3 × 3 = 9 High	Sanders with on-tool extraction used. FFP3 RPE worn where dust cannot be controlled. Area cleaned by vacuum, not dry sweeping.	3 × 1 = 3 Low
Manual handling of paint tins and equipment	Operatives carrying tins, steps and boards may suffer back or shoulder strain.	2 × 3 = 6 Medium	Tins decanted into smaller containers for use at height. Trolleys used to move materials. Two-person carry for towers and long boards.	2 × 1 = 2 Low
Slips on dust sheets and spills	Operatives may slip on loose dust sheets or spilt paint, causing sprains or fractures.	3 × 3 = 9 High	Canvas or non-slip dust sheets laid flat and secured. Spills cleaned up immediately. Walkways kept clear of tins and tools.	3 × 1 = 3 Low

Weather: External coatings only in dry conditions within the manufacturer's temperature range; stop in high winds.

Method statement

Supervision and briefing

Operations will be controlled by a competent supervisor. Painting and decorating will be carried out by experienced, competent decorators.

All operatives involved will be briefed on:
- Safe working at height procedures
- COSHH requirements for each product
- Lead and asbestos precautions when preparing existing surfaces
- Fire precautions for solvents and rags
- Emergency procedures

PPE

Safety boots
Gloves suitable for the product
Hi-visibility clothing
Eye protection where necessary
Overalls
RPE (FFP3 for dust; solvent filters for spray work)

Plant and equipment

Podium steps/stepladders/mobile tower
Brushes, rollers and extension poles
Sanders with on-tool extraction
Dust sheets and masking materials
Lead paint test kit
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit

Things to watch for

Existing surfaces at the site will be checked for lead paint and asbestos before any preparation starts.

Particular care must be taken to avoid:
• Falls from access equipment
• Disturbing lead paint or asbestos-containing coatings
• Solvent vapour build-up in enclosed rooms
• Fire from solvents and oily rags

Products and colours will be confirmed against the specification, and occupied areas agreed with the client before work starts.

Working conditions

Rooms will be ventilated during and after application. Wet paint will be signed, occupied areas kept separate, and flammable products stored in a secure, ventilated store.

Access

Access to the work area is via the the site building interior or scaffold as applicable. Paints and equipment will be moved by hand or trolley; no carrying tools up ladders.

Where the work is

Internal rooms and external elevations of the site; paint store and wash-up area agreed on site.

Sequence of work

Brief operatives, check the specification, COSHH assessments and survey information.
Test existing coatings for lead where the building is older.
Set up access equipment and lay and secure dust sheets.
Mask off and protect adjacent surfaces and fittings.
Prepare surfaces: clean, fill and sand using extraction or wet methods.
Apply primers and undercoats as specified.
Apply finish coats, keeping rooms ventilated.
Hang wall coverings where specified.
Inspect finishes and complete snagging.
Clean equipment; dispose of waste paint and rags safely.
Remove masking and dust sheets and secure the work area.

Emergencies

Stop work immediately, make the area safe, move people out of danger, report it to the site manager or supervisor, and call 999 if anyone is hurt or in danger.

References

COSHH 2002; Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002; Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012; Work at Height Regulations 2005; BS 6150.