This Surface Preparation & Sanding SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how to prepare walls, timber, plaster and painted surfaces safely before painting or coating. It covers checking for lead-based paint, setting up dust extraction, scraping back loose paint, filling and patching, hand and power sanding, managing vibration and noise, and degreasing and cleaning surfaces ready for coating. 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
Property maintenance businesses
Plasterers and patching trades
Heritage restoration 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
Lead-based paint dust in older buildings or surfaces of unknown age
Dust from sanding timber, plaster, filler and old paint
Eye injury from dust, paint flakes and debris
Hand-arm vibration from orbital and palm sanders
Noise from powered sanding equipment
Repetitive scraping and sanding and awkward overhead postures
Cuts from scrapers, blades and sanding tools
Electric shock from damaged leads or sanders
Falls from ladders, trestles or platforms
What's included
7 pre-operational checks, from training and lead paint testing to sander condition, dust extraction, access equipment and PPE
A 9-step operating procedure covering lead checks, containment, scraping, filling, sanding, changing discs, vibration breaks and degreasing
Isolation and energy control for disconnecting sanders before changing discs or clearing dust extraction hoses
5 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for suspected lead-based paint, breathing difficulty, eye injuries, cuts and dust fires
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 lead paint removal?
No. Where lead-based paint may be present, work stops and your lead paint identification and removal procedure is followed before any further scraping or sanding.
Does it cover spray painting?
No. Spray painting and the application of coatings are outside the scope. This SOP covers preparing surfaces ready for coating.
When should workers check for lead paint?
When a surface's age or history is unknown, or the building predates 1970, workers check whether it has been tested for lead before starting.
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.
