Painting at Heights:

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Painting at heights is a task that demands precision, attention to detail, and most importantly, an unwavering commitment to safety. Brabant Painting presents a safety overview for painting double storey homes and buildings and higher, drawing from years of expertise to help you navigate this complex task. Here’s the basics  you should understand about harnesses, scaffolding, scissor lifts, cherry pickers, safety standards, equipment for painting, personnel training, and site preparation before you employ a team of painters at your site.

A fall from height can have devastating consequences for our staff and their families. That’s where harnesses come into play, serving as a critical safety net for all our team when working on ladders, roofs and equipment.

From full-body harnesses to positioning and retrieval harnesses, it’s critical to use the right equipment. The key is to select a harness that aligns with the nature of the work. Full-body harnesses distribute the force of a fall across the body, minimising the risk of injury, while positioning harnesses enable workers to work hands-free at height.

Wearing a harness incorrectly can render it ineffective. It’s imperative that our workers are trained on how to wear them properly, ensuring all straps are adjusted to fit snugly, and that the harness is free from damage or wear and tear. We use a buddy system where checking a team member’s harness is part of our work protocol.

A well-maintained harness is a reliable harness. Regular checks for cuts, frays, or signs of wear can be the difference between a close call and a calamity. Ensure that maintenance and inspections are part of our routine safety protocols.

Scaffolding provides a sturdy platform for our painters, essential for tasks that require precision and stability. For more information on scaffolding standards

Each type of scaffolding—whether it’s supported, suspended, or aerial lifts—serves a unique purpose. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each type is key in selecting the most suitable option for a project.  We will create a site plan assessing accessibility and terrain to ensure we bring the right equipment to site.

Safety on scaffolding begins with proper assembly. We have to ensure that all components are secure and that the structure is stable. Incorporate guardrails and toeboards to prevent falls and dropped object incidents. At Brabant Painting, we have assessed that rain and wet conditions pose too great a threat to the team and the quality of our work when it involves height work.  If possible we will move our team onto areas of the project that are inside or covered.  Bear in mind that dampness can cause issues with paint finishes and colour.

Assembling and dismantling scaffolding requires skill and precision. Only our experienced competent personnel undertake these tasks and their work is assessed by a safety foreperson prior to work commencing.

We often recommend these mechanised platforms offer mobility and access, essential for tasks at varying heights.  They often provide the best solution for reaching hard to get to parts of your building’s exterior walls and roofs.

Scissor lifts are ideal for tasks that require vertical elevation, providing a stable platform for workers. They are best utilised in areas with ample space and even flooring. See NZ Lift Standards Basically the ground needs to be perfectly flat and concrete pads provide the best surface due to the lift’s weight and lack of manoeuvrability. 

Cherry pickers offer extended reach but demand careful operation. Ensuring the ground is stable, utilising safety harnesses, and adhering to weight limits are paramount for safe operation.  These are not toys and operators need to be highly alert to their surroundings.

Regular maintenance ensures these machines operate smoothly and safely. Conduct pre-operation checks and routine maintenance to identify and address any potential issues before they escalate.

Adherence to safety standards is non-negotiable. They are the foundation of safe practices in painting at heights.

WHS provides comprehensive Standards aimed at protecting workers at heights. At Brabant Painting We ensure our practices align with New Zealand WHS standards for comprehensive safety when working at heights.

The right equipment ensures not just efficiency, but also safety.

At Brabant Painting we recommend everyone Invest in quality protective gear, including helmets, gloves, and eyewear, to safeguard our team from potential hazards.

A trained and competent workforce is the biggest asset in ensuring safety and efficiency. At Brabant Painting our team completes their WHS training for Working at Heights.

Painting at height is dangerous and education and on the job training with an experienced and certified team mate are the measures that we take to ensure safety on the job. We ensure our team has the necessary certifications and licences to operate equipment and undertake painting tasks at heights.

A well-prepared site sets the stage for a safe and efficient painting project.

Conduct a thorough assessment of the site, identifying potential hazards and devising strategies to mitigate them. Uneven or unstable ground as well as power lines pose the greatest risk to painters using height equipment.

At times we need to implement the necessary precautions, from stabilising surfaces to setting up safety barriers, ensuring a safe working environment.

When doing any painting we need to take into account environmental factors, from weather conditions to surrounding structures, and adjust our work accordingly.

Painting at heights demands a unique set of skills, equipment, and safety protocols. By adhering to industry standards, investing in quality equipment, and ensuring our team is adequately trained, We are set for a successful and safe painting project.