Checklist on Worker Safety for Painting Contractors

• Do you have a written safety program listing safety procedures and policies? Writing down the safety procedures will help with new worker training, reinforce the company policy on safe work, and establish what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior at the work site.
• Do you evaluate every work site and identify potential hazards before starting work? This pre-work survey can help identify the work conditions, hazards and safety equipment required to complete the tasks. It also may be helpful in claim litigation for damage to customer property.
• Do you obtain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each chemical you use? The MSDS is a detailed information bulletin prepared by the manufacturer or importer of a chemical product that describes the hazards of the material and provides information on how it can be safely handled, stored and used. It is a key source of safety information, valuable as both a training and reference tool for workers and as a resource for emergency responders.
• Do you instruct workers on how to read and understand each MSDS? Employers should inform workers of the location and availability of the MSDS forms and should train workers in how to read and interpret information on the MSDS. This training should be provided to workers at the time of their initial assignments and whenever a new hazardous chemical is introduced into a worker's area.
• Do you provide personal protective equipment and train workers on proper use? Teaming the correct personal protective equipment with a good training program can give the worker a large measure of safety, where other controls are inadequate or impossible. However, personal protective equipment can be effective only if the equipment is selected based on its intended use, employees are trained in its use, and the equipment is properly tested, maintained and worn.
• Do you ensure that there is adequate ventilation for all sanding and paint removal operations? When feasible, open windows, doors and skylights and use fans to keep the dust and vapors at the lowest levels possible.
• Do you use wet sanding when practical? Wet sanding has been determined to reduce dust levels and is a recommended method when ventilation or respirators are not feasible.
• Do you provide dust masks or respirators when dry sanding and ventilation is inadequate? If respirators are supplied, ensure there is a written program on their use and that each worker is trained in the selection, care and cleaning, fit testing, and storage of the item.
• Do you package material and equipment at the minimum weight for safer lifting? Keep all supplies packaged to a weight below 50 lbs. Use a two-person lift to move heavier items.
• Do you inspect ladders and fix when needed prior to using? Ladders with broken rungs or missing feet should be removed from service and fixed. Never use metal ladders around electric components.
• Do you store flammable materials in an approved cabinet? Consider purchasing special cabinets manufactured to store flammable materials. This will help with inventory control, provide a fixed location to store these hazardous items, and help workers to identify which items are hazardous.

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