Controlling Job-Site Liability Exposures for Painting Contractors

• Inspect the job site for any damage. Note this damage to your client so that they are aware that you did not cause it.
• Identify any hazardous conditions present at the job site, such as asbestos, mold or lead-based paint, which might affect the scope of your work, require special work practices and equipment, or affect your ability to complete the job. Make sure contract documents adequately describe what you will be doing and what you are responsible for.
• Instruct clients to remove fragile and easily damaged items from the intended work area. Determine how you will protect hard-to-move or immovable objects.
• Schedule work at times when the fewest number of people will be present, if possible. Coordinate work schedules with other contractors on the job site.
• Examine all equipment that you will be bringing to the job site to ensure that it is in proper working order. Repair or replace improperly working equipment.
• Assign enough workers to perform the job safely. Make sure that any temporary workers are aware of your safety procedures.
• Transport tools and supplies safely to the work area.

• Protect items that may be damaged by your work. Tape or remove door and window hardware and light switch covers. Lay drop cloths over rugs or furniture.
• Control access to the work area. Require authorized visitors to wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Do not allow non-employees in the work area when hazardous operations are taking place.
• Warn of hazardous conditions that are created by your work, such as wet paint, harmful chemicals, lead dust or people working overhead. Protect others from hazardous conditions left overnight.
• Supervise lesser-skilled employees. Ensure that all employees and subcontractors follow safe work practices.
• Work safely overhead. Erect scaffolds and ladders properly. Use barricades or warning tape to restrict access to areas below work areas. Don’t overload scaffolds. Collapse ladders when not in use. Restrict access to scaffolds left standing overnight.
• Maintain good housekeeping procedures to reduce accident hazards. Pick up tools. Keep walkways clear. Clean up paint spills promptly. Dispose of trash and other waste materials properly. Stack materials in an orderly manner.
• Prevent fires on the job site. Store flammable and combustible paints safely. Ventilate the work area to prevent the build-up of flammable vapors. Control ignition sources.
• Use chemicals safely. Provide material safety data sheets to identify the hazardous properties of the materials. Follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions. Close containers after use. Do not leave materials unattended.

COPYRIGHT ©2002, ISO Services Properties, Inc.