Painting · Australia

SWMS for exterior painting

By Safety PaperworkBuilt from Safe Work Australia and state regulator guidance · How we write and check theseUpdated 9 November 2026

Yes. Exterior painting usually includes high risk construction work (risk of a person falling more than 2 metres; work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant), so a SWMS is required by law before work starts.

It must list the hazards, the controls and how they will be put in place, monitored and reviewed, and the workers must be consulted and sign before starting. The main hazards are falling from height, EWP tip-over or crush, scaffold collapse or fall from scaffold and disturbing asbestos.

Make this SWMS now Word template PDF

SWMS example: exterior painting

This is a complete SWMS for exterior painting, with 6 job steps. Open it in the builder to add your site, crew and signatures, change anything, and download a PDF. Or download the free Word template below and fill it in by hand.

Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Exterior house painting · Painting · Example

Document SWMS-001 · Rev 1

High risk construction work covered

Risk of a person falling more than 2 metresWork in an area with movement of powered mobile plant

Job steps, hazards and controls

#	Job step	Hazards	Risk before	Controls	Risk after
1	Check for power lines and set up barricades under the work	Contact with overhead power lines Public entering the work area Falling tools and materials	High	Ask the network operator to turn off, move or insulate the lines before work starts. Eliminate Use non-conductive (fibreglass) ladders near any power lines. Substitute Mark the safe distance with flags, tape or goal posts and keep all plant and people outside it. Isolate Keep out of the No Go Zone set by your state and the network operator, or get written approval and a safety observer. In NSW and Qld, untrained people and plant stay at least 3 m from lines on poles up to 132 kV, 6 m up to 330 kV and 8 m above 330 kV. In Victoria the limits differ, and work within 8 m of tower lines needs a spotter and the network operator's permission. Administrative Use a dedicated spotter whenever plant moves or raises anything near lines. Administrative Treat all lines as live. If plant touches a line, stay in the cab and keep everyone well away. Administrative Fence off the site with secure temporary fencing and lock the gates when you leave. Isolate Give pedestrians a safe, marked path around the work, with ramps for prams and wheelchairs. Isolate Use hoarding, covered walkways or catch fans where work is above public areas. Engineering Put signs at each entry: site name, contact number and "No unauthorised entry". Administrative Make the site safe at the end of each day: cover holes, lower plant, remove ladders and lock tools away. Administrative Barricade and sign the drop zone under overhead work so nobody walks beneath. Isolate Fit toe boards, kick plates and mesh screens on scaffolds and edges. Engineering Use catch fans, debris netting or covered walkways where people pass below. Engineering Tether hand tools when working at height. Engineering Keep platforms tidy. Do not stack materials near edges or above toe board height. Administrative	Medium
2	Set up scaffold, EWP or secured ladders on firm ground	Falling from height Falling from a ladder EWP tip-over or crush Scaffold collapse or fall from scaffold	Extreme	Do the work from the ground where you can, for example pre-assemble on the ground or use extension poles. Eliminate Install guardrails or edge protection on all open edges before work starts. Isolate Use a scaffold, mobile work platform or EWP instead of working off a ladder. Engineering Where edge protection is not practical, use a fall restraint or fall arrest system on a rated anchor point. Engineering Everyone working at height holds a White Card and has been briefed on this SWMS before going up. Administrative Use a platform ladder, mobile scaffold or EWP for longer jobs instead of a straight ladder. Substitute Use industrial-rated ladders (AS/NZS 1892, 120 kg or more) in good condition. Remove any damaged ladder from site. Engineering Set extension ladders at a 4 to 1 angle on firm, level ground, tied or footed, and reaching 1 metre above the landing. Engineering Use ladders only for short, light work. Do not carry heavy or awkward loads up a ladder. Administrative Check the ground before setting up. Use outriggers and spreader pads, and keep clear of trenches, pits and slopes. Engineering Use a platform with tilt alarm and secondary guarding (anti-entrapment) where there is an overhead crush risk. Engineering Hold a High Risk Work Licence (WP) for boom-type EWPs with a boom of 11 metres or more. Under 11 metres and scissor lifts: trained and assessed (for example EWPA Yellow Card). Administrative Do a pre-start check each day. Keep a trained person on the ground who can lower the platform in an emergency. Administrative Have a written emergency and rescue plan, tested before work starts, for a worker stuck in the platform or hanging in a harness (WHS Regulations r.80). Administrative Never exceed the safe working load, climb on the rails or use a ladder in the basket. Administrative Scaffold is built, altered and taken down only by a competent scaffolder, on a firm base with sole boards and ties. Engineering Fit guardrails, mid rails and toe boards on every working platform. Engineering Use mobile scaffolds only on firm, level ground with castors locked and outriggers fitted. Never move one with anyone on it. Engineering Scaffold where a person or object could fall more than 4 metres is built by a licensed scaffolder (High Risk Work Licence). Administrative Do not use a scaffold over 4 metres until the scaffolder gives a written handover certificate. Administrative Inspect the scaffold before first use, after any change or bad weather, and at least every 30 days. Record it on the scaffold tag. Administrative	Medium
3	Test for lead paint and asbestos sheeting before any prep	Lead paint dust and fumes Disturbing asbestos	Extreme	Test old paint for lead before you sand, scrape, cut or heat it. Eliminate Use wet scraping, chemical strippers or shrouded tools with extraction instead of dry sanding. Never burn off lead paint with an open flame. Substitute Seal off the work area with plastic sheeting and keep residents, children and pets out. Isolate Clean up with an H-class vacuum and wet wipes. Never dry sweep. Engineering Wash hands and face before eating, drinking or smoking. Change out of dusty clothes before going home. Administrative Wear a P2 (or better) respirator, disposable coveralls and gloves. PPE Before work, check the asbestos register (workplaces built before 2004). For homes, or if there is no register, have a competent person identify asbestos or assume it is present. Eliminate Seal off the work area and keep everyone else out. Isolate If asbestos must be disturbed, keep it wet, use hand tools not power tools, and clean up with an H-class vacuum. Engineering Friable asbestos (Class A) and more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos (Class B) must be removed by a licensed removalist. Administrative Stop work straight away if you find suspect asbestos. Do not touch it and tell your supervisor. Administrative Wear a fitted P2 (or better) respirator and disposable coveralls. PPE	Medium
4	Wash down and scrape, keeping water away from power	High pressure water jetting Electric shock from leads and power tools Slips and trips	High	Set an exclusion zone around the jetting area. Isolate Use a dead man's trigger that stops the jet when released, and check hoses and fittings before use. Engineering Only trained operators use high pressure jetting gear. Administrative Never point the lance at anyone or put a hand in front of it. Administrative Treat any jetting injury as serious and go to hospital, even if it looks small. Administrative Use battery-powered tools where you can. Substitute Plug all tools into an RCD-protected outlet or a portable RCD. Engineering Keep leads off the ground and out of water, using lead stands or hooks. Engineering Check leads, plugs and tools before every use. Tag out and remove anything damaged. Administrative Test and tag leads, tools and RCDs at the intervals in AS/NZS 3012 (every 3 months on construction sites). Push-button test portable RCDs before each use. Administrative Do not use tools in rain or wet areas unless they are rated for it. Administrative Plan walkways and keep them clear of materials, hoses and leads. Eliminate Run leads and hoses overhead on hooks or stands, or along walls, not across walkways. Engineering Fill or cover holes, and lay boards or mats on muddy access paths. Engineering Clean up offcuts, packaging and spills as you go, not at the end of the day. Administrative Keep work areas, stairs and access paths well lit. Administrative	Low
5	Paint or spray, watching wind drift	Hazardous chemicals Strong wind and storms Sun exposure (UV) Heat stress	High	Choose the least harmful product that does the job, for example water-based instead of solvent-based. Substitute Use chemicals in well-ventilated areas, or use fans and extraction in closed rooms. Engineering Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use and keep a register of hazardous chemicals on site. Administrative Keep chemicals in labelled containers. Never decant into drink bottles. Administrative Check the forecast each morning and plan work at height and lifting around the weather. Eliminate Tie down or weigh down loose sheets, panels, boards and rubbish at the end of each shift. Engineering Set wind limits for roof work, platforms and cranes, using the manufacturer's limits, and stop when they are reached. Administrative Stop work and get down in lightning. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back up. Administrative Plan outdoor work for early morning or late afternoon when UV is lower. Eliminate Put shade covers over fixed work areas. Engineering Check the UV index each day. Use sun protection when it is 3 or higher. Administrative Check your skin regularly and see a doctor about any new or changing spots. Administrative Schedule heavy work for the cooler part of the day. Eliminate Provide shade over work and rest areas, and fans or cooling in roof spaces. Engineering Supply cool drinking water close by and drink a cup every 15 to 20 minutes. Administrative Take regular rest breaks in the shade, more often as it gets hotter. Administrative	Medium
6	Clean up, dispose of waste paint properly and remove access	Poor housekeeping and waste	Medium	Order materials to size and send packaging back where you can. Eliminate Put skip bins and waste chutes close to the work. Engineering Clean as you go, and do a full clean up at the end of each day. Administrative Keep exits, stairs and walkways clear at all times. Administrative Stack materials neatly on level ground, away from edges. Administrative Wear gloves when handling waste. PPE	Low

PPE

Steel cap bootsSafety glassesP2 dust maskChemical-resistant gloves (nitrile)Sun protection (brim hat, long sleeves, SPF 50+)Safety harness and lanyardHi-vis shirt or vestHard hatHalf-face respirator (P2 or P3 filters)OverallsWork glovesFace shieldHearing protection (earmuffs or plugs)Safety goggles

Plant and equipment

Extension ladderMobile scaffold: Scaffolding HRWL (SB or higher) to erect, alter or dismantle where a person or object could fall more than 4 mBoom lift (EWP): HRWL WP for boom-type EWPs with a boom of 11 m or more. Under 11 m: trained and assessed (e.g. EWPA Yellow Card)Pressure cleanerAirless paint sprayer

Permits and plans

Working at heights permit

Emergency

Call 000. Add the nearest hospital, the assembly point and the first aider for your site.

Sign-off

Supervisor and every worker sign to confirm they have read and understood this SWMS.

Free SWMS template for exterior painting

Word (.docx) and PDF, A4 landscape, no email needed. Fill in your site details, then print or send it.

Word template (.docx)PDF template

Make yours in 2 minutes

Same document, filled in for your job. Answer a few yes or no questions, the crew signs on the phone, and you send the PDF.

Start this SWMS

Pre-start checklist for exterior painting

Tick these off before work starts. They come from the hazards, permits and equipment in this job.

SWMS read, explained and signed by everyone on the job
Edge protection installed and checked before anyone works above 2 m
Ladder inspected, secured and extending 1 m above the landing
Scaffold tagged, with a handover certificate if over 4 m
Elevating work platform pre-start check done and the operator is ticketed
Overhead lines identified and safe distances marked
Asbestos register or survey checked for the work area
Exclusion zone below the work and public kept out
Weather checked: water, shade and rest breaks planned
Wind and weather checked; stop work limits agreed
First aider, first aid kit and emergency number (000) confirmed
PPE checked and worn: steel cap boots, safety glasses, P2 dust mask, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile)

The safe sequence of work

Check for power lines and set up barricades under the work
Set up scaffold, EWP or secured ladders on firm ground
Test for lead paint and asbestos sheeting before any prep
Wash down and scrape, keeping water away from power
Paint or spray, watching wind drift
Clean up, dispose of waste paint properly and remove access

Hazards to watch on exterior painting

The hazards most specific to this job, and the step where each one comes up.

Step 4High pressure water jettingHigh pressure water cuts through skin and injects water and dirt into the body, or the hose whips.

Step 2EWP tip-over or crushThe platform tips on soft or sloping ground, the worker is crushed against a beam or ceiling, or is thrown out of the basket.

Step 3Lead paint dust and fumesPaint on buildings built before 1970 is likely to contain lead, and anything before 1997 may. Sanding, scraping or heating it releases dust or fumes that poison workers and families, especially children.

Step 2Scaffold collapse or fall from scaffoldA scaffold that is badly built, overloaded or altered collapses or tips, or a worker falls from an unguarded platform.

Step 5Sun exposure (UV)Long hours in the sun cause sunburn, eye damage and skin cancer.

Step 1Contact with overhead power linesA ladder, EWP, crane, tipper or long length of material touches or gets close to an overhead line and electrocutes people.

Highest risk on exterior painting: Extreme before controls (B), down to Medium after controls (A), on the Australia 5 by 5 risk matrix (likely and catastrophic becomes unlikely and major).

What changes on your site

This example covers the job itself. Your site may add more. Add controls for any of these that apply (the builder asks you these as yes or no questions):

Will anyone work on a roof?
Is there a skylight, clear sheet, fibro or other fragile roofing?
Will you cut, grind or drill concrete, brick, stone, tiles or fibre cement?
Will you remove, cut, repair or dispose of an existing engineered stone benchtop?
Will you use chemicals, solvents, glues, paints or fuels?

Licences and legal requirements in Australia

This task can involve these high risk construction work categories under the WHS Regulations:

Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
Work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant

Equipment on this job that needs a licence, ticket or training:

Mobile scaffold: Scaffolding HRWL (SB or higher) to erect, alter or dismantle where a person or object could fall more than 4 m
Boom lift (EWP): HRWL WP for boom-type EWPs with a boom of 11 m or more. Under 11 m: trained and assessed (e.g. EWPA Yellow Card)

A SWMS must be prepared before any high risk construction work starts. It must list the high risk work, the hazards and risks, the control measures, and how those controls will be put in place, monitored and reviewed. It must be easy for the workers to read and understand.

Rules that apply: WHS Regulation 2011, Part 3.2 (falling objects); WHS Regulation 2011, Part 4.4 Falls; WHS Regulation 2011, Part 4.5 High risk work; WHS Regulation 2011, Part 4.4 Falls, Part 5.1 Plant and r.225 (scaffolds); WHS Regulation 2011, Part 7.2 Lead; WHS Regulations, Chapter 8 (Asbestos); WHS Regulation 2011, Part 4.7 and AS/NZS 3012; WHS Regulation 2011, Chapter 7 Hazardous chemicals.

Each state has its own regulator and some extra rules: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Australian Capital Territory.

Why SWMS get rejected

Principal contractors send documents back for these reasons. This example avoids them, but check yours too.

It is generic: another site address, tasks that are not on this job, or no sign it was reviewed for this site. WorkSafe WA says a generic SWMS may not meet the regulations unless it is reviewed and amended for the workplace.
The HRCW boxes are not ticked, or the ticks do not match the tasks (for example a roof job with no falls box ticked).
Falls are controlled only by "be careful", training or a harness, with no edge protection or scaffold and no reason why higher controls are not reasonably practicable.
Workers will clip on to a harness but there is no rescue plan for someone left hanging.
The "how controls are implemented, monitored and reviewed" part is missing, or it says the same thing on every row.
No worker sign-on, no person responsible for compliance, or a date given to the principal contractor that is before they actually received it.
Licence or White Card details are missing for workers operating plant or doing licensed high risk work.

Questions

Do I need a SWMS for exterior painting?

Who signs the SWMS?

The person conducting the business (PCBU) or their supervisor prepares it with the workers, and every worker doing the high risk work signs to show they were consulted and understand it. Give a copy to the principal contractor before work starts.

How long do I keep it?

Keep this SWMS, and every revised version, until the high risk construction work is finished, where workers and inspectors can see it on site. If a notifiable incident happens during the work, keep it for at least 2 years after the incident.

What PPE is needed for exterior painting?

Usually Steel cap boots, Safety glasses, P2 dust mask, Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile), Sun protection (brim hat, long sleeves, SPF 50+), Safety harness and lanyard, Hi-vis shirt or vest, Hard hat, Half-face respirator (P2 or P3 filters), Overalls, Work gloves, Face shield, Hearing protection (earmuffs or plugs), Safety goggles. The site rules may add more, so check with the principal contractor.

More painting SWMS

SWMSInterior Painting6 steps SWMSLead Paint Removal10 steps SWMSSpray Painting6 steps SWMSRoof Restoration6 steps SWMSPressure Washing6 steps SWMSEpoxy Floor Coating5 steps

Related jobs in other trades

RoofingGutter ReplacementAlso involves public entering the work area RoofingRoof Tile ReplacementAlso involves strong wind and storms ScaffoldingScaffold ErectionAlso involves contact with overhead power lines Welding and fabricationStructural Steel ErectionAlso involves contact with overhead power lines ConcretingConcrete Slab PourAlso involves contact with overhead power lines DemolitionInternal Strip OutAlso involves disturbing asbestos

Toolbox talks for this job

Toolbox talkLadder Safety Toolbox talkScaffold Safety Toolbox talkOverhead Power Lines Toolbox talkExtension Leads and Power Tools

Blank SWMS template: free SWMS templates. Also for other countries: United Kingdom (RAMS) · United States (JHA) · Canada (FLHA)