Surface Preparation — Safe Work Method Statement

Covers all surface preparation activities prior to painting including water blasting, abrasive blasting, mechanical sanding, chemical cleaning, rust treatment and substrate repair. Applies to timber, masonry, concrete, steel and plasterboard substrates in accordance with AS/NZS 2311 and AS 1627 series.

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 8 PPE items specified 7 AS/NZS standards cited 5×5 risk matrix Worker sign-off section

High-Risk Activity Categories

Hazardous Chemicals

Legislation Referenced

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 WHS Reg 2011, Part 4.3 - Noise exposure

PPE Requirements

P2/P3 particulate respirator (AS/NZS 1716) Half-face respirator with A1P2 cartridge (AS/NZS 1716) Safety goggles (chemical splash) (AS/NZS 1337.1) Class 5 hearing protection (AS/NZS 1270) Chemical-resistant gauntlet gloves (AS/NZS 2161.10) Anti-vibration gloves (AS/NZS 2161.3) Non-slip enclosed footwear (AS/NZS 2210.3) Disposable coveralls (Category III Type 5/6)

Australian Standards Referenced

AS/NZS 2311 - Guide to the painting of buildings AS 1627 - Metal finishing - Preparation and pretreatment of surfaces (series) AS 4361.1 - Guide to lead paint management: Industrial applications AS/NZS 1716 - Respiratory protective devices AS/NZS 1715 - Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment AS/NZS 1270 - Acoustics - Hearing protectors AS/NZS 1580 - Paints and related materials - Methods of test

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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.