Boom Lift Painting Services: Safe, Efficient, and Professional
12 October 2025Ombre Wall Painting Services Sydney | Pro Decorative Wall Painter
14 October 2025
WHS commercial painting
When it comes to commercial painting projects in Australia, safety isn’t just a checklist, it’s the foundation of every job. Whether you’re painting a high-rise, warehouse, or office complex, WHS (Work Health and Safety) regulations are there to protect workers, tenants, and the public.
At Painters Link, we’ve worked with hundreds of commercial painters in Sydney and across Australia, helping them stay compliant with WHS standards and deliver professional results safely. This guide covers everything you need to know about painting safety requirements for commercial sites, including risk assessments, safety plans, PPE, scaffolding, confined space work, and contractor obligations.
Why WHS Compliance Matters in Commercial Painting
Ever wondered why safety is such a big deal on painting sites? It’s not only about avoiding fines, it’s about preventing injuries, protecting reputations, and ensuring every painter goes home safe at the end of the day.
Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, every business (known as a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking, or PCBU) must ensure the health and safety of its workers. For commercial painting contractors, that means following national WHS laws and state-specific regulations, such as those set by SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe VIC, or WorkSafe QLD.
In real terms, this means:
- Providing safe access to work areas (especially at heights).
- Using the right paints and equipment for the environment.
- Keeping clear documentation of risk assessments and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS).
- Ensuring all workers are trained, inducted, and fit for the task.
If these steps are skipped, a small mistake can lead to serious accidents, from chemical exposure to falls from ladders or scaffolds.
Key WHS Safety Requirements for Commercial Painting Sites
Risk Assessment & Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
Before any brush hits the wall, a proper risk assessment must be done. This helps identify hazards like:
- Working at heights
- Exposure to hazardous substances (solvents, VOCs, lead)
- Electrical hazards near power lines
- Manual handling or repetitive motion injuries
- Slips, trips, and falls
Once the risks are identified, the team must prepare an SWMS. It’s a painting hazards document that outlines:
- The specific tasks being done
- The hazards involved
- The control measures to minimise risks
For example, if you’re spray-painting a ceiling in a shopping centre, your SWMS might include ventilation control, PPE requirements, and access restrictions for the public.
Tip: Many Painters Link members use digital templates to keep SWMS and site safety records easily accessible from their phone or tablet.
Site Induction & Licensing Requirements
Every painter entering a commercial site must complete a WHS site induction. It covers emergency procedures, evacuation points, site-specific hazards, and supervisor details.
Depending on the job type, some painters will also need additional qualifications or permits:
- White Card (Construction Induction Card): Mandatory for all construction site workers.
- High-Risk Work Licence: Required for elevated work platforms (EWP), scaffolding, or boom lifts over 11m.
- Confined Space Permit: Needed for painting in tanks, tunnels, or poorly ventilated areas.
Painters Link often helps contractors connect with certified training providers to make sure their teams stay qualified and compliant.
Hazardous Chemicals & Paint Safety (VOC, Lead, Asbestos)
Paints, thinners, and cleaning solvents can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals. Proper handling and ventilation are essential.
WHS Requirements include:
- Keeping updated Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all products.
- Providing PPE such as gloves, masks, and goggles.
- Ensuring paint storage areas have spill kits and are properly labelled.
- Using low-VOC or water-based paints where possible.
Older buildings may still have lead-based paint or asbestos-containing materials. Painters must test and manage these safely before starting work. Only licensed professionals should handle removal or disturbance of such materials.
Prior to starting surface prep on older commercial sites, we have found that it is always best to perform a lead and asbestos test. In addition to saving time, it shields your team from dangerous health hazards.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
You can’t have WHS without PPE. It’s the simplest and most effective safety measure for painters.
Common PPE includes:
- Respiratory masks (for spray painting or sanding)
- Safety goggles or face shields
- Hearing protection
- High-visibility clothing
- Gloves suitable for paint and chemical use
- Safety shoes
Every worker should be trained on proper PPE use, cleaning, and replacement. WHS officers regularly check PPE compliance on commercial sites, and fines can apply if workers aren’t properly equipped.
Working at Heights, Scaffolding, Ladders & EWP Safety
Falls are one of the top causes of serious injury in the painting industry.
When working on commercial buildings, painters often need scaffolds, scissor lifts, or boom lifts to reach high areas. These must comply with AS/NZS 1576 (Scaffolding) and AS/NZS 1891 (Fall-Arrest Systems).
Key Requirements:
- Inspect all equipment before use.
- Ensure scaffolding is certified and erected by a licensed professional.
- Use fall arrest harnesses when working over 2 metres.
- Never climb on guardrails or makeshift platforms.
At Painters Link, we've seen too many close calls because painters used unstable ladders or unapproved access gear. Investing in proper EWP hire and refresher training can prevent costly downtime and injuries.
Electrical and Fire Safety on Painting Sites
Painting projects often involve working near electrical wiring, light fittings, or fire systems.
Painters must ensure:
- Power points and lighting circuits are de-energised when painting near them.
- Portable lighting and tools are tested and tagged (as per AS/NZS 3760).
- Spray painting areas are well-ventilated and ignition sources are controlled.
- Fire extinguishers and first aid kits are available onsite.
Electrical awareness training is also part of WHS compliance, especially for painters working in factories or data centres where high-voltage systems are present.
Waste Management & Environmental Safety
Commercial painting sites must manage their waste responsibly. That includes paint tins, wash water, masking materials, and solvents.
Under WHS and Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) rules, these materials must be disposed of at approved facilities, not into drains or soil.
Eco-friendly practices like low-VOC paints, waterborne systems, and biodegradable cleaners are becoming standard across government and corporate painting contracts.
At Painters Link, we always encourage painters to use sustainable paints and comply with green building standards such as GBCA and NABERS.
Emergency Planning and Incident Reporting
Every commercial site should have a clear Emergency Response Plan. This includes:
- Evacuation procedures
- Contact numbers for first aid and emergency services
- Fire safety and spill response measures
If an incident occurs, it must be recorded and reported in accordance with WHS regulations. Serious injuries or near misses must be notified to SafeWork immediately.
Good reporting helps prevent future incidents and shows clients that your business takes safety seriously.
How Painters Link Supports WHS Compliance for Commercial Painters
We know how overwhelming paperwork and WHS compliance can feel, especially for commercial construction companies. That’s why Painters Link Group helps contractors access tools, training, and supplier partnerships that make compliance simpler.
Here’s how we help:
- Access to WHS document templates (SWMS, Risk Assessment, Induction Forms).
- Training for EWP, Working at Heights, and Lead Safety.
- Guidance on SafeWork NSW and national WHS compliance.
- Insurance (Public Liability, Workers Comp, and Home Warranty).
- Digital systems for managing site checklists and safety records.
By staying organised and proactive, painters can focus on what they do best, painting safely and professionally.
Practical Tips for WHS Commercial Painting Projects
- Always start with a site: specific risk assessment. Don’t copy and paste an old one.
- Hold daily pre-start meetings: They keep everyone aligned on safety updates.
- Keep your documentation digital: Apps like iAuditor or Forminator (used by many Painters Link members) make it easy.
- Regularly inspect your access equipment: Ladders, harnesses, and lifts wear out quickly.
- Keep clients informed: Many building owners now ask for WHS records before payment release.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using expired SWMS or outdated safety plans.
- Ignoring PPE requirements on “small jobs.”
- Failing to isolate electrical areas properly.
- Overlooking chemical safety data sheets.
- Forgetting to report minor injuries or near misses.
FAQs about WHS commercial painting
Conclusion
WHS compliance isn’t just red tape, it’s what separates a professional painting company from a risky one. By following painting safety requirements for commercial sites, you protect your workers, satisfy clients, and win more contracts.
At Painters Link, we’re proud to support painters across Australia in meeting WHS and compliance standards while delivering top-quality finishes.
If you’re a commercial painter in Sydney or anywhere in Australia looking to improve your safety systems, join Painters Link today and access professional resources that keep your business safe, compliant, and growing.
