Painter Fact Sheets

WHAT DOES A PAINTER DO?

A painter applies paint and other decorative finishes to interior and exterior surfaces of buildings and other structures.

Some of the main duties of a painter are to:

• Prepare surfaces to be painted (includes scraping, removal of wallpaper, etc.).
• Determine what materials will be needed.
• Use, clean, and maintain various equipment.
• Supervise apprentices or other workers.
• Provide estimates and invoices for clients.

What are some health and safety issues for painters?

Painters can work at a variety of workplaces, construction sites, homes, etc. and face a constantly changing set of hazards. The hazards include:

• Working at heights.
• Ladders, platforms and scaffolds.
• Working in confined spaces.
• Risk of eye injury.
• Slips, trips and falls.
• Risk of injury from falling objects.
• Exposure to moulds, fungi and bacteria.
• Exposure to bird and rodent droppings.
• Exposure to paint products, solvents, lead and other toxic substances.
• Proximity to flammable or combustible materials.
• Working in awkward positions, or performing repetitive physical tasks.
• Standing for long periods of time.
• Lifting heavy or awkward objects.
• Exposure to heat and ultraviolet radiation.
• Noise.
• Stress.
• Electrical hazards from working close to live electrical power lines or equipment.
• Shift work or extended work days.
• Working alone.

What are some preventive measures for painters?

• Check safety data sheet (SDS) of the paint or coating product for the selection and use of appropriate personal protective equipment and safe use of the product.
• Evaluate the work area for existing and potential hazards. Know the control measures of the identified hazards and associated risks.
• Learn the correct procedures for working at heights.
• Select the correct ladder for the job. Use extended handle paintbrush whenever possible, and eliminate the use of ladders.
• Avoid awkward body positions and take breaks when needed.
• Learn safe lifting techniques.
• Know how to prevent injury from electrical hazards. Maintain safe distances from energized electrical equipment or utility lines.
• Keep tools and equipment, and their safety features, in good working order.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment and footwear.
• Keep work areas clear of clutter and equipment.
• Learn safety procedures for working in confined spaces.
• Maintain good ventilation during painting.
• Know how to prevent exposure to bird and rodent droppings.

What are some good general safe work practices?

• Practice safety procedures for:

• • Working at heights
  • Working with asbestos contained products
  • Using ladders
  • Lifting
  • Repetitive physical tasks
  • Selection, use, maintenance and storage of personal protective equipment
  • Confined space entry

• Follow company safety rules.
• Learn about chemical hazards, WHMIS and SDSs.
• Know how to report a hazard
• Follow good housekeeping procedures.
• Select less harmful substances or products where possible.

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