Painter

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.

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.

• Check safety data sheet (SDS) of the paint or coating product for safe use of the product and the selection and use of appropriate personal protective equipment, including respiratory and footwear protection.
• Evaluate the work area for existing and potential hazards. Know the control measures of the identified hazards and associated risks.  Know the routes of entry of chemicals into the body.
• Use the hierarchy of controls and select less harmful substances or products where possible.
• Maintain good ventilation during painting.
• Learn the correct procedures for working at heights.
• Select the correct ladder for the job. Use an extended handle paintbrush whenever possible, and eliminate the use of ladders.
• 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 equipmentin good working order.
• Keep work areas clear of clutter and equipment and ensure proper housekeeping is in place.
• Learn safety procedures for working in confined spaces.
• Know how to prevent exposure to bird and rodent droppings.
• Avoid awkward body positions and take breaks when needed.

• Practice safety procedures for:
  • Working at heights
  • Working with asbestos-containing materials.
  • 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.