Exterior Painting (Residential) — Safe Work Method Statement

Covers exterior painting of residential dwellings including weatherboard, rendered masonry, fascia, eaves, windows, doors and veranda posts. Includes surface preparation, priming and topcoating using brush, roller and limited spray application from ladders, scaffolding and ground level in accordance with AS/NZS 2311.

A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a legal requirement under WHS Regulations for any high-risk construction work in Australia. It identifies hazards, assesses risks using a 5×5 matrix, and sets out control measures following the hierarchy of controls. Our SWMS documents reference specific WHS Regulation clauses and AS/NZS standards for every piece of PPE, giving you audit-ready documentation that satisfies regulator requirements in every state and territory.

5 work steps 11 hazards identified 11 control measures 7 PPE items specified 7 AS/NZS standards cited 5×5 risk matrix Worker sign-off section

High-Risk Activity Categories

Working At Heights

Legislation Referenced

WHS Reg 2011, Reg 291(1)(a) - Risk of fall of 2m or more WHS Reg 2011, Part 3.1 - Managing risks to health and safety WHS Reg 2011, Reg 39 - Provision of information, training and instruction WHS Reg 2011, Reg 44 - Duties relating to hazardous chemicals

PPE Requirements

Full body harness with double lanyard (AS/NZS 1891.1) Hard hat (Type 1) (AS/NZS 1801) Safety glasses (medium impact) (AS/NZS 1337.1) Half-face respirator with A1 cartridge (AS/NZS 1716) Nitrile chemical-resistant gloves (AS/NZS 2161.10) Non-slip enclosed footwear (AS/NZS 2210.3) SPF 50+ sunscreen and broad-brimmed hat (General duty)

Australian Standards Referenced

AS/NZS 2311 - Guide to the painting of buildings AS/NZS 4576 - Guidelines for scaffolding safety AS/NZS 1891.1 - Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices: Harnesses and ancillary equipment AS 4361.1 - Guide to lead paint management: Industrial applications AS/NZS 1716 - Respiratory protective devices AS/NZS 1337.1 - Personal eye protection AS/NZS 1892.1 - Portable ladders

$67.95

Buy This Document Buy Complete Painting Pack — Save $170

WHS Reg s.299 Compliant Editable Word Format Instant Download

See a sample document →

Not sure your existing swms is compliant? Run the free WHS compliance check →

Also Available As

JSA — $16.95 Toolbox Talk — $20.95 SOP — $33.95

Using This SWMS On Site

Keep the SWMS where the work is being carried out and have it available if the principal contractor asks for it. Workers named on it sign the acknowledgement page before starting, and it gets reviewed whenever the method, the site conditions or the crew change.

SWMS — Common Questions

When is a SWMS legally required?

Under WHS Regulation 299, a SWMS must be prepared before any high-risk construction work (HRCW) begins. This includes work at heights, demolition, work near energised electrical, excavation over 1.5m, and 18 other defined activities.

What should a SWMS include?

A compliant SWMS must identify the high-risk work, list hazards and risks, describe control measures using the hierarchy of controls, and be signed by the workers involved. Our documents include all required elements plus specific legislation references.

Who needs to sign a SWMS?

The PCBU (or employer in Victoria) who commissions the work, and every worker carrying out the high-risk construction work, must sign the SWMS before work begins.