Generic Risk Assessment No 22 Painting and Decorating

Task/ equipment/ Activity: Painting and Decorating in Domestic or Project Premises

Date of Assessment: December 2011
Hazard
Who may be Harmed and How Risk
Controls required
Evaluation
Hazardous substances
paints, thinners and
varnishes

Those who are involved in

painting as well as those in the
vicinity who may be affected
by fumes or dermatitis and
skin conditions for users

High

Working at height

Those involved who need to

access work at height
Falls Serious injury
Death

High

Where possible work at height should

be avoided. Where this is not possible
an assessment must be made as to
how the work will be undertaken
safely. See assessment No 43 Work at
Height

Windows, doors,
woodwork and some
metal work in properties
over 40 years old may
been painted using lead
containing paints.

Staff and clients could be

exposed by attempting to
remove paint.
Poisoning

Medium

If the property is more than 40 years

old and there is a build up of paint
consider first simply painting over
If the paint needs to be removed do
so with a solvent or water based
remover do not heat or sand

Where possible no hazardous

substances to be used , use water
based alternatives
Where it is considered necessary for a
hazardous substance to be used
contact Operations who will arrange
for a COSHH assessment and Safe
Working Procedure to be developed
prior to work commencing

Risk
Evaluation
Low

Action by whom and when

Generic Risk Assessment No 22 Painting and Decorating

Hazard

Who may be Harmed and How

Asbestos

By sanding down walls and

ceilings those undertaking
painting as well as those in the
area may be exposed to
asbestos fibres

Risk
Evaluation
High

Controls required

Portable equipment Users may use a portable

drill for mixing

Those using drill - Injuries

from moving parts

Medium

External painting in hot or

cold weather

Those involved heat

exhaustion, sunstroke,
hypothermia

Medium

If the works are undertaken in a

building owned or leased by Hafal
then the procedures for obtaining
authorisation to work must be
followed. This procedure will ensure
that the relevant asbestos surveys are
consulted and that no asbestos
containing materials are disturbed
If the premises is a domestic house
then no sanding down is permitted
Stir paints manually or,
Equipment must be suitable for use
i.e. proprietary mixer blade
Equipment must be in good working
order and free from defect
If using an extension lead uncoil fully
Plug into nearest plug socket
RCD must be used
Mixing must be undertaken by staff

In hot weather, avoid the hottest part

of the day, wear a high factor
sunscreen and drink plenty of fluids.
Take breaks in shade

In cold weather, ensure appropriate

clothing is worn; take breaks in a
warm place if possible. If not set time
limits on external work

Risk
Evaluation

Action by whom and when

Generic Risk Assessment No 22 Painting and Decorating

Hazard

Who may be Harmed and How

Risk
Evaluation

Work in domestic
premises

Animals, Violence and

aggression, asbestos

High

Signed:

Date:

Controls required

Risk
Evaluation

See assessments No 8 Home visits

and No10 Lone Working
No work to be undertaken which
disturbs the fabric of the building
including sanding down as we have
no knowledge as to the presence of
asbestos. The exception is properties
built after 2000.
Review Date:

Low

Action by whom and when