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What This Checklist Is
This checklist is a practical self-review tool that helps businesses reflect on how spray painting and powder coating risks are identified and managed at work. It is commonly used during internal reviews, planning activities, or improvement discussions where coatings, solvents, dusts, or heat are involved. The checklist is intended for owners, managers, and supervisors who want a clear way to sense-check everyday workplace safety controls.
It is a practical review tool, not a compliance test and not legal advice.
How This Checklist Relates to the Code of Practice
A WHS Code of Practice describes accepted ways of managing Work Health and Safety risks in Australia. This checklist reflects the key themes of the Code by focusing on hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control for spray painting and powder coating tasks. Answering “Yes” and “No” helps highlight where current practices reduce risk and where gaps or weaknesses may exist.
The checklist supports understanding of good practice without claiming legal alignment.
Why Use a Code of Practice Checklist?
Spray painting and powder coating involve hazards that can be underestimated during routine work. A checklist like this helps clarify what “good practice” looks like in real tasks, not just on paper. It supports early identification of weak or missing controls and helps set clearer priorities for WHS improvement.
It also supports more informed discussions with workers, advisors, or inspectors about workplace safety.
Key Features
Simple Yes / No checklist format
Written in plain English
Designed for Australian WHS Codes of Practice
Suitable for small and medium businesses
How to Use This Checklist
Work through the questions honestly, based on how spray painting or powder coating is actually carried out rather than how it is meant to be done. The checklist is most useful when answers reflect real equipment use, ventilation, materials, and work practices.
Treat “No” answers as areas needing further attention. Use the results to prioritise practical actions and revisit the checklist when processes, materials, or risks change.
What Inspectors Commonly Expect to See
Inspectors generally focus on how spray painting and powder coating risks are managed in practice, not just on written procedures. They look for evidence that hazards are identified, risks are assessed, and controls are applied and maintained during day-to-day work. Tools like this checklist support informed decision-making by showing that risks related to fumes, dusts, fire, and exposure have been actively reviewed.
Action and understanding usually matter more than paperwork alone. Inspectors often want to see that issues identified lead to practical changes.
Notes or action lists from checklist reviews
Changes made to risk controls or work practices
Records showing issues were identified and addressed
FAQs
What types of hazards does this checklist cover?
It covers common hazards such as fumes, dusts, flammable materials, heat, and exposure during spray painting and powder coating. The focus is on how these risks are managed in everyday work.
Is this checklist only for large workshops?
No. It is suitable for small workshops and businesses where spray painting or powder coating is done occasionally or on a small scale.
Does completing the checklist make these tasks safe?
No. The checklist helps identify strengths and gaps but does not control risks on its own. It supports review and improvement.
When should spray painting and powder coating risks be reviewed?
Reviews are useful when materials change, equipment is modified, or incidents occur. Many businesses also review periodically.
Articles and Further Reading
Regulation s351–s356 – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals – Establishes duties to identify hazardous chemical risks, assess exposure, and implement effective control measures where chemicals are used.
Regulation s49–s50 – Airborne Contaminants – Sets requirements for managing exposure to airborne contaminants, including fumes, vapours, and dust generated during work processes.
About the Author
About the Author
Nathan Owen
Nathan has worked in construction for 15 years, primarily in health and safety and site management. He has frontline experience including operating plant and machinery and post-graduate qualifications in health and safety.