This Paint Waste & Washout Disposal SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) gives your team a clear method for handling and disposing of leftover paint, empty and part-empty containers, brush and roller washout water, and rags and absorbents contaminated with paint or solvent. It covers separating water-based and solvent-based waste, using washout stations, labelling and storing waste containers, keeping paint out of stormwater and arranging licensed waste collection. 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
Builders and renovators
Automotive refinishers and smash repairers
Signwriters and print finishers
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
Skin and eye contact with paint, solvents or washout water
Inhaling solvent vapours in poorly ventilated areas
Fire and explosion from flammable solvents near ignition sources
Spontaneous combustion of solvent or oil soaked rags
Paint or washout water entering stormwater, waterways or sewer
Reactions from mixing incompatible wastes
Manual handling injuries moving waste containers or drums
Slips on spilled paint, washout water or solvent
Cuts from broken glass, packaging or sharp container edges
Exposure from unlabelled or poorly labelled waste containers
What's included
7 pre-operational checks, from training and SDS availability to the washout area, waste containers, spill kit, fire extinguisher and separate waste streams
A 12-step operating procedure covering identifying waste type, washout stations, scraping equipment, collecting washout water, contaminated rags, labelling, segregation and licensed disposal
Isolation and energy control for powered washout equipment, ignition sources and keeping waste containers closed
7 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for spills, fires and skin or eye contact
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
Can washout water go down the drain?
No. Washout water is collected in a sealed, labelled container for evaporation, treatment or licensed disposal, and spills must be kept out of drains, gardens and waterways.
Does it cover oily or solvent rags?
Yes. Contaminated rags and absorbents go into a sealed, labelled, non-combustible container, and spontaneous combustion is one of the hazards covered.
Does it cover paint mixing and storage?
No. Mixing, tinting, decanting and storing paint stock are covered by a separate procedure.
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.
