This Lead Paint Identification & Removal SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers testing for lead-based paint on site, then containing and removing it safely during painting preparation, maintenance, renovation or demolition. It sets out lead testing, containment and sealing HVAC, wet scraping, chemical stripping, HEPA-extracted sanding, encapsulation, banned methods, decontamination, clearance checks and lead waste disposal. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Painting and decorating contractors
Renovation and restoration builders
Demolition contractors
Heritage building specialists
Property maintenance businesses
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
Breathing lead dust or fume from sanding, scraping, heating or blasting
Swallowing lead dust or chips from hands, food, drink or cigarettes
Skin and eye contact with chemical paint strippers
Fire or vapour from flammable solvents in some strippers
Toxic fumes from heat guns run too hot or from open flame
Lead dust spreading into occupied rooms, vehicles or the environment
Secondary exposure to family or the public from clothing, tools or waste
Slips, trips and falls on wet surfaces, sheeting or tool leads
What's included
8 pre-operational checks, from lead-risk work category and surface testing to containment planning, respirator fit testing and decontamination setup
A 12-step operating procedure covering containment, wet scraping, chemical stripping, HEPA-extracted sanding, encapsulation and banned methods
Isolation and energy control for sanders and heat guns, with open flame methods excluded
10 shutdown, decontamination and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for containment failure, acute lead exposure and stripper contact with eyes or skin
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 blood lead testing and health monitoring?
No. Health monitoring, blood lead testing, licensing and air monitoring are covered by the WHS Manual procedure on lead and lead-based paint.
Which surfaces should be treated as lead paint?
Any surface that may have been painted before 1970 is treated as lead-based until testing proves otherwise.
Which removal methods are not allowed?
Dry abrasive blasting, dry power sanding without extraction, high-pressure water blasting without containment, and open flame or torch burning.
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.
