Before a commercial painter starts work, they should be able to show you a current QBCC licence, proof of insurance, a safe work method statement for the job and evidence of how they manage safety on site. If they can’t produce those quickly, that tells you something. Here’s what to ask for, and why each item matters.
1. A current QBCC licence
In Queensland, painters doing building work need to be licensed by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission. Ask for the licence number and check it on the QBCC’s public register at qbcc.qld.gov.au. Confirm the licence is current and that its class covers the work you’re commissioning.
Our licence number is 1180874, and we’re happy for clients to look it up.
2. Insurance that matches the job
Public liability insurance covers damage to property or injury to other people caused by the work. Employers also need workers’ compensation cover for their staff. For larger or higher-risk jobs, contract works cover may apply as well.
Ask for certificates of currency, not just a verbal yes, and check the cover amounts against what your building or lease requires. Our post on what insurance a painter needs goes into more detail.
3. A safe work method statement
A safe work method statement, or SWMS, sets out the hazards of a task, how they’ll be controlled and who’s responsible. Under Queensland’s work health and safety laws, a SWMS is required for high risk construction work, which includes certain work at heights. Safe Work Australia’s code of practice on managing the risk of falls at workplaces is a good reference for what proper controls look like.
A useful SWMS is specific to your site. If it reads like a generic template with your address pasted in, ask questions.
4. Site safety systems and prequalification
Many building owners, strata managers and facility operators require contractors to be prequalified before they set foot on site. That can mean a safety management plan, incident records and third-party assessments. We hold CM3 safety prequalification, which you can read about in our post on CM3 safety certification, and our health and safety page explains how we run jobs.
5. Rope access credentials
If the job involves rope access, ask about the training and certification behind it. IRATA is the international rope access certification body, with three technician levels. Australia’s AS/NZS 4488 standard covers industrial rope access systems. Ask which levels the team holds, who supervises on site and what the rescue plan is. Our guide to rope access and abseil painting explains how a rope access job runs, and our rope access page lists what we do.
6. Product safety data sheets
Every paint and coating has a safety data sheet covering handling, ventilation and storage. On an occupied site, ask which products will be used and request the data sheets. It matters most in healthcare, food and childcare settings, where our guide to healthcare painting covers what to plan for.
Red flags
- No licence number on the quote, or a number that doesn’t check out
- Insurance that can’t be evidenced in writing
- A generic SWMS or none at all for work at heights
- Vague answers about who supervises on site
- Pressure to skip paperwork to start sooner
The paperwork is part of the job
A contractor who’s organised about compliance is usually organised about everything else. Our guide to what to ask before signing a commercial painting quote covers the commercial questions, and our commercial painting page shows what we do. This is general information, not legal advice. When you’re ready, request a quote or call 1300 733 447.
McAuliffe Painting. Eagle Farm, Brisbane QLD 4009. QBCC Lic 1180874.
