Property exposures are dependent on the substances used. Proper control of flammables is essential. What kind of storage is provided? Are reactive substances labelled and separated? If painting is done in the building, is there an approved paint booth used? Is lighting explosion-proof and are electrical wires in conduit?

Inland marine exposures include the contractor’s equipment and the transport of paint. The types of jobs determine the type of equipment. There may be rental, leasing or borrowing of equipment due to occasional use of certain type of equipment. The transport of barrels of paint can be difficult and training in proper handling is essential.

Occupier’s liability is a concern both at the contractor’s yard and the job site. Yard exposure revolves around potential damage to neighbouring premises from fire, explosion, or fumes caused by the paint and supplies. Job site losses can occur from the damage to client’s premises or to passers-by from paint fumes and vapours and from falling objects if any work is done above ground.

In many cases, the paint contractor has to remove old paint or coverings and this may involve scraping, chemical applications, or sandblasting. All have potentially high premises damage exposures. In addition, any exterior painting may have an over spray exposure which may damage surrounding premises, vehicles, or structures. Any exterior spray painting or sandblasting operations need to be handled with great care.

Any time interior work is done in buildings, ships, tanks, or other structures, interior ventilation is a very high concern to clients, passers-by, and the contractor’s workers. Fumes can cause severe bodily injury.

Environmental concerns are also very high from the disposal of waste paints, solvents, and chemicals. One very significant and increasingly prominent exposure is lead paint. Although the application of lead paint is now a controlled substance, this type of paint is still available and approved for specific commercial and industrial applications.

Automobile exposures depend on the type and use of vehicles, and radius of operation. Do any vehicles have special modifications or built-in equipment such as lifts and hoists? Age, training, experience, and drivers’ records, as well as the age, condition, and maintenance of the vehicles, are all important items to consider.

Workplace safety exposure can be high. There are exposures to fumes, to above ground work on ladders and scaffolds which can cause serious injuries. What type of personal protection and safety devices are in use? What type of training is given to workers?

Another serious exposure is the removal of old paint. What is the paint contractor’s procedure to determine if the paint to be removed is lead based and what procedures will be used to clean up and dispose of chips and the solvents used to remove lead? Lead contamination has liability, environmental, and workers compensation related hazards that need serious review and evaluation.

Any time work is done off the ground on ladders and scaffolds, there is a potential for injury from falling or being struck by falling objects. Careful controls are necessary, as well as good maintenance of equipment such as lifts, ladders, and scaffolding. What restraining and safety equipment is being used?