Painting at heights can be a risky and dangerous task if safety rules are not followed. Accidents can happen quickly and lead to serious, even fatal injuries. Therefore, it is essential to respect all necessary safety measures when performing commercial painting at heights.
In this article, we will review some of the most important rules for painting at heights safely.
WHY HIRE A PROFESSIONAL PAINTER
It is always preferable to call upon a professional painting company for paint jobs that require working at heights. Such work requires specific skills and knowledge, particularly in terms of safety.
A professional painter has the necessary equipment and training to ensure that the work is done according to industry standards.
WEARING A HELMET
Some types of work require wearing helmets to prevent serious injuries such as concussions. On the construction site, wearing a helmet is mandatory to stay safe, especially when working at heights. It helps protect the painter from objects that may fall from the scaffolding or roof.
Helmets should always be replaced after heavy use, a bad fall or if they show any visible damage. It is also recommended to wear protective eyewear when the weather is unfavorable. This is also the case when using electrostatic paint, specialty coatings or any other types of paint.
WEARING THE HARNESS
Wearing a harness is another important safety measure to follow during high-rise commercial painting projects. This significantly reduces the risk of serious injuries or falls.
Professional commercial painters working at heights undoubtedly require a safety harness to prevent fatal falls. The equipment should be adjusted to the worker’s height, and it should always be well maintained and not damaged.
THE PRESENCE OF THE FOREMAN
The foreman is responsible for the continuous supervision of the work site and for ensuring that all safety rules are followed.
They ensure that the workers:
- Wear the necessary protective equipment
- Adopt proper postures to avoid injury
- Are securely attached when climbing
- Ensure that the power is cut off on nearby electrical wires, regardless of the surface being painted
In addition to ensuring the work safety of employees on the job site, the foreman is also responsible for the safety of bystanders. They are also responsible for the protection of the residents of the commercial building where the work is being carried out. The foreman may close off the street and sidewalk to prevent an object from falling on a nearby pedestrian or vehicle.
LIFTING EQUIPMENT
The use of proper lifting equipment is also essential to ensure safety during high-rise painting jobs. Scaffolding, aerial work platforms, and other lifting equipment should be selected according to the height and nature of the work to be performed. All equipment must be tested and inspected before use.
Having a modern aerial work platform not only increases productivity but also reduces fatigue and the number of accidents. Extension ladders and scaffolding are less stable and pose a higher risk. Therefore, it is preferable to use lifting platforms and elevating platforms.
The aerial work platform, commonly known as “the giraffe”, is useful for small-scale work. This is the case for painting work on cornices, skylights, logos or awnings.
The lifting platform (scissor platform) is particularly used for painting different types of buildings with a large surface area.
HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAININGS
All construction workers, including commercial building painters, must undergo mandatory training offered by the CSST. It is also essential to receive training courses both theoretical and practical before using a lift. Learning must be regularly provided to ensure that workers are aware of the latest safety standards.
High-rise painting can be dangerous, but with the necessary precautions, it can be done safely. It is essential to follow all safety rules when working at heights.
By hiring a professional commercial painter, you can be assured that the work will be done safely and efficiently.
