1. Scope of Works
This risk assessment covers the external painting and decorating of a commercial masonry facade using a scissor lift mobile elevating work platform (MEWP). Work includes surface preparation (scraping, sanding, filling), application of primer and masonry paint by brush and roller from the MEWP basket, and demobilisation of equipment on completion.
Maximum working height: 12 metres. Anticipated duration: 5 working days. Crew size: 3 operatives including 1 MEWP operator.
2. Applicable Legislation
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 — sections 2, 3, 4
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 — regulations 3, 4, 5
- Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 — regulations 4, 8, 13, 15
- Work at Height Regulations 2005 — regulations 4, 6, 7
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 — regulations 4, 5, 6, 8, 9
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 — regulations 6, 7
- Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 — regulations 4, 6, 7
3. Persons at Risk
- Painting operatives working from MEWP basket
- MEWP operator
- Site supervisor
- Other contractors working in the vicinity
- Members of the public in adjacent areas
- Building occupants
4. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Risk rating: Likelihood (1-5) x Severity (1-5). Ratings shown before and after control measures.
| # | Hazard | Pre-Risk | Control Measures | Post-Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fall from height — MEWP basket | 20 | All operatives IPAF-trained and hold valid IPAF licence (category 3a/3b). Full body harness with short lanyard attached to designated anchor point inside basket at all times. Pre-use checks completed before each shift using manufacturer checklist. MEWP operated on firm, level ground only. Exclusion zone maintained beneath working area. | 4 |
| 2 | MEWP overturn or mechanical failure | 15 | Machine selected with adequate SWL for task. Ground conditions assessed before deployment — outriggers extended on firm ground. Daily pre-use inspection. 6-monthly thorough examination (LOLER) in date. Wind speed monitored — operations cease at 28 mph (manufacturer limit). No modification to platform or controls. | 3 |
| 3 | Exposure to hazardous substances — paint fumes, solvents, dust | 12 | COSHH assessment completed for all products before work starts. Safety data sheets on site. Water-based products specified where possible. RPE (FFP2 minimum) worn during sanding and solvent-based application. Skin protection: nitrile gloves, barrier cream. Eye protection during overhead work. Adequate ventilation — external work provides natural ventilation. | 4 |
| 4 | Falling objects — tools, paint containers from height | 12 | Tool lanyards used for all hand tools. Paint containers secured in basket using bucket hooks. Exclusion zone below work area, barriers and signage. Hard hats worn by all ground-level personnel. Netting or sheeting where risk of splash to pedestrians. | 3 |
| 5 | Manual handling — equipment, paint drums, scaffolding boards | 9 | Mechanical lifting used where practicable (MEWP for raising materials). Two-person lift for items over 20 kg. Operatives briefed on correct manual handling techniques. 25 kg individual lift limit enforced. Materials staged at ground level and loaded into basket before raising. | 3 |
| 6 | Contact with overhead power lines or services | 20 | Pre-start survey of overhead services. Minimum safe distances maintained as per HSE GS6: 15 m from 400 kV, 9 m from 132 kV, 3 m from 11 kV. Where services present, MEWP height limiter set to prevent encroachment. DNO contacted if safe distances cannot be maintained. Operatives briefed at induction. | 4 |
| 7 | Slips, trips and falls at ground level | 8 | Work area kept tidy — paint spillages cleaned immediately. Trailing cables and hoses routed away from walkways or covered. Adequate lighting maintained. Appropriate footwear with slip-resistant soles worn at all times. Daily housekeeping inspections. | 2 |
| 8 | Adverse weather — wind, rain, lightning | 10 | Weather monitored daily. MEWP work suspended at wind speeds above 28 mph. Painting suspended during heavy rain (application quality). Work ceases during electrical storms. Operative welfare facilities available for sheltering. Supervisor authorises resumption. | 3 |
5. PPE Requirements
- Safety helmet to EN 397 (ground-level personnel)
- Full body harness with short lanyard to EN 361 / EN 354 (MEWP operatives)
- Safety footwear to EN ISO 20345 S3 (all personnel)
- Hi-visibility vest or jacket to EN ISO 20471 Class 2 (all personnel)
- Nitrile gloves for paint and solvent handling
- Safety goggles to EN 166 (sanding and overhead painting)
- RPE: FFP2 half-mask respirator (sanding, solvent-based paint application)
6. Emergency Arrangements
First aid: Appointed first aider on site at all times. First aid kit maintained and accessible at ground level. Nearest A&E: redacted.
Fire: Fire extinguisher (foam) available at base of MEWP. Operatives aware of site fire assembly point and evacuation route. No smoking within 10 m of paint storage.
MEWP rescue: Emergency lowering procedure known to all operatives. Ground-level rescue controls accessible and tested daily. Rescue plan documented and briefed.
Spill: Spill kit available for paint and solvent containment. Contaminated materials disposed of via approved waste contractor.
7. Pre-Start Safety Checklist
- MEWP pre-use inspection completed and recorded
- LOLER thorough examination certificate in date
- IPAF licences checked for all MEWP operators
- COSHH assessments reviewed and signed
- Exclusion zone established and barriers in place
- Overhead services survey completed
- Weather conditions assessed — safe to proceed
- All operatives briefed on this risk assessment
- Emergency procedures confirmed with all operatives
- PPE inspected and issued
8. Operative Briefing Record
All operatives working under this risk assessment must confirm they have been briefed on its contents, understand the hazards and controls, and will comply with all stated requirements.
| Name | Company | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| redacted | Example Client Ltd | redacted | redacted |
| redacted | Example Client Ltd | redacted | redacted |
| redacted | Example Client Ltd | redacted | redacted |
Professional Sign-off
This risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by a qualified health and safety professional. It is specific to the scope of works, site, and activities described above. The client retains responsibility for implementing all control measures on site.