Every painter trained to implement safe lead paint and asbestos work practices has a duty to the community, client, employees and themselves to faithfully implement the requirements of AS/NZS Guide to Hazardous Paint Management and the additional requirements of local agencies with responsibilities for the environment, waste disposal, public health and workplace health and safety.

Responsibilities Of Painters Qualified in Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Work Practices

Contractors who undertake the removal management of lead based paint in accordance with AS/NZS Guide to Hazardous Paint Management are required to demonstrate competence.

The National Institute of Painting and Decorating, in partnership with the non-profit government funded Lead Group, maintains a free data-base of painters who have completed the course and are qualified.

Students should be aware of their responsibilities to maintain the integrity of what they do. When dealing with hazardous materials, the issue of legal liability for breaches of the standard are very serious. Taking short-cuts can render the contractor liable, not only to fines under Workplace Health and Safety and Environmental legislation, but also to civil action for damages for negligence.

Those who undertake lead abatement work who are not qualified are now liable for substantial penalties. If you as an qualified contractor are losing work to unqualified competition, you should give serious consideration to reporting unqualified practitioners to the Lead Group or the National Institute of Painting and Decorating.

Qualified Lead Abatement Contractors have a responsibility to maintain the integrity and professionalism of the program.