This Airless Spray Unit Setup & Operation SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers setting up and using handheld high-pressure airless paint sprayers for site and outdoor painting. It covers hose and gun checks, earthing for flammable coatings, priming, tip selection, pressure settings, releasing pressure before clearing a blocked tip, overspray control, cleaning, and the emergency response to an injection injury. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Commercial and residential painters
Painting and decorating contractors
Fencing and exterior coating businesses
Building maintenance contractors
Strata and property maintenance teams
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Injection injury from high-pressure paint penetrating the skin
Hose, fitting or gun failure and hose whip under pressure
Contact with pressurised fluid when clearing tips or disconnecting fittings
Fire or static ignition when spraying flammable coatings and solvents
Inhaling overspray, solvent vapours and paint particles
Skin and eye contact with paint, solvent and cleaning agents
Manual handling of drums, pump units, hoses and access equipment
Slips and trips over hoses, leads, drums and uneven ground
Noise from engine-driven pumps and electric shock from damaged leads
Overspray drift onto bystanders, vehicles or nearby property
What's included
11 pre-operational checks, from the SDS and hose inspection to the trigger lock, tip guard, earthing and RCD
A 13-step operating procedure covering pump placement, ventilation, priming, tip selection, pressure, blocked tips and wind
Isolation and energy control for trigger locks, the pressure-release procedure, tip guards and power or engine shutdown
8 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for injection injuries, hose or fitting failure and fire
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Painting SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover spray booth work?
No. It covers handheld airless spraying in the open or on site. Spray booth work, including HVLP, conventional and electrostatic equipment, is covered by the Spray Booth and Finishing Operations SOP.
What does it say about injection injuries?
It treats them as a serious medical emergency. The injured person goes straight to a hospital emergency department with the SDS, even if the wound looks small or painless.
Is a P2 mask enough for spraying?
Not always. The SOP notes a P2 mask protects against particulates only, and where the SDS calls for vapour or supplied-air protection, spraying doesn't start until it is fitted.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
