Colourwise Painting – Health & Safety Policy

(Aligned with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, New Zealand)

Owner / PCBU: Glenn Manuge, Sole Trader, Colourwise Painting

As a sole trader, Glenn operates as a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
He has a Primary Duty of Care to protect his own health and safety and to ensure that others — including clients, contractors, visitors, and members of the public — are not put at risk by his work.

1. Commitment

Colourwise Painting is committed to delivering painting and decorating services in a way that protects the health and safety of everyone involved or affected by the work.
Safety informs every stage — planning, setup, task execution, and clean-up.

2. Responsibilities as a Sole Trader (PCBU)

As far as is reasonably practicable, Glenn will:

  • Provide and maintain a work environment that is without risks to health and safety.

  • Use safe systems of work for surface preparation, application, and clean-up.

  • Ensure safe use, handling, and storage of tools, ladders, scaffolds, and substances (paints, thinners, solvents).

  • Provide and use suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) at no cost to anyone assisting him.

  • Identify hazards and eliminate risks where possible, or otherwise minimise them using the hierarchy of controls.

  • Maintain current training, licences, and awareness of HSWA requirements.

  • Report and manage incidents and near-misses immediately; preserve the site after any notifiable event until authorised by WorkSafe NZ.

  • Consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other PCBUs (builders, electricians, other trades) to manage overlapping risks.

3. Risk Management Process

For every job, Glenn will:

  1. Identify hazards before work starts.

  2. Assess the risks to himself and others.

  3. Control risks by eliminating or minimising them using the hierarchy of controls.

  4. Maintain and review controls regularly and after any incident or change.

4. Emergency Planning

  • Maintain an emergency plan suited to each worksite (fire, chemical spill, injury, natural hazards).

  • Keep first aid equipment in his vehicle and on site as required.

  • Confirm emergency contacts, access/egress, and meeting points before work begins.

  • Preserve any notifiable-event site until released by WorkSafe NZ.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Use and maintain appropriate PPE (respirators/filters, gloves, eye protection, coveralls, safety footwear, hearing protection).

  • Ensure PPE fits correctly and is in good condition.

  • Replace worn or expired items promptly.

  • No person assisting will ever be charged for PPE or safety measures.

6. Hazardous Substances & Chemical Safety

  • Maintain a current hazardous-substances inventory and carry Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

  • Store and transport chemicals safely with compliant labelling and segregation.

  • Provide and follow safe-use training and instruction.

  • Plan for emergency response where threshold quantities apply.

  • Dispose of waste (rags, containers, wash water) safely and legally.

  • Follow WorkSafe guidance for lead-based paint and solvent exposure.

7. Working at Height & Access Equipment

  • Use industrial-rated ladders (AS/NZS 1892) and inspect before use.

  • Use scaffolding or edge protection when height or duration requires it.

  • Follow WorkSafe’s Working at Height guidelines.

  • Maintain stable footing and three points of contact; avoid overreaching.

8. Asbestos & Lead Awareness

  • Before work on older buildings, check for asbestos-containing materials (ACM).

  • If suspected, stop work and arrange testing by a competent person; use licensed removal where required.

  • When lead-based coatings are present, use containment, wet-sanding or HEPA extraction, hygiene controls, and safe waste disposal.

9. Lone / Remote Work

  • Maintain a check-in system for start/finish times.

  • Keep a charged phone and ensure someone knows his location and schedule.

  • Carry a first aid kit, emergency contacts, and vehicle safety equipment.

  • Confirm access to emergency services before beginning work.

10. Health Monitoring & Exposure Control

  • Monitor for signs of exposure (respiratory irritation, skin reactions, headaches, dizziness).

  • Arrange medical or exposure testing if symptoms arise or hazardous substances are used regularly.

  • Keep and review monitoring records as required.

11. Future Workers & Engagement

If Glenn engages workers or subcontractors in future, Colourwise Painting will:

  • Provide suitable training, induction, supervision, and PPE.

  • Encourage open consultation on all health and safety matters.

  • Establish Health & Safety Representative elections or committees when requested.

12. Continuous Improvement

  • Review this policy annually or after any incident, near miss, or change in work practice.

  • Record and implement improvements.

  • Welcome feedback from clients, fellow PCBUs, and WorkSafe NZ to continually strengthen safety performance.

Last updated: 28 October 2025 (NZDT)

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