Specifications and On-site Lead Testing
Require a Painting Specification or Independent Report? The MPA can assist.
Well-written paint specifications contain exactly as much detail as they need to make expectations clear.
At the same time, these specifications need to be unambiguous in order to avoid confusion about an owner’s expectations. It should be clear to a contractor that the owner expects all aspects of the document to be lived up to, or else any recommended changes should be clearly mentioned during the quoting process.
Clarity of the paint specifications will reduce the likelihood that a contractor’s work does not conform to expectations. A clear understanding between both parties will also reduce the probability that expensive changes will occur during the painting process.
As mentioned before, specifications can act as legal documents in the case of a dispute, and any confusion resulting from unclear specifications may increase the risk of a breach of contract or a legal dispute.
But what are the actual elements of a specification document? There are many elements that make up a paint specification including the Scope of Works, Standards Used, Workmanship, Surface Preparation, Materials, Paint Application, Schedule of Works and Exclusions.
The Master Painters Association offers a service for any consumer wanting us to assist with writing their paint specification. For more information please contact us on 03 9813 5922.
Lead Testing
Beware before you start stripping old paint.
Since the 1800’s lead was used as a major ingredient in paint. It was used as a drying agent, as colouring (tinters) and to protect iron from rusting. Most Australian houses built before 1970 contain lead paint. Some types of paint before 1970 contained up to 50% lead. Lead paints made before 1970 were used on exterior and interior surfaces. Many buildings may have lead based paint covered by more recently applied paint.
Lead paint becomes dangerous when it peels or chalks or breaks off the substrate. Large paint flakes can be eaten by children or pets. Also, fine lead dust particles can be breathed in or can contaminate the house and its contents. Testing for lead in paint is vital to protect the workers, occupants and any person or animal that has contact with a property. Do it yourself lead test kits are available at the Master Painters Association or you can contact us and we can come to site and do the testing for you and provide a detailed report.
The person most at risk is the person removing lead-based paints or removing and working on substrates that have lead paint applied. Not only are painters and decorators dealing with lead paint substrates, but also DIYers also put themselves, their children and pets at risk with home renovations.
Once lead is absorbed into the body, it can cause some serious health issues such as headaches, tiredness, constipation, nausea, stomach pains as well as kidney, nerve and brain damage.
More information can be found in the Industry Standard for the Surface Coatings Industry or Worksafe Victoria.