Safety checklist — Painting

Application of paint, varnish and coatings. Based on Québec's Construction Safety Code (CSTC) and CNESST standards.

Before work

11 items

✓
PPE worn: respirator with organic vapor cartridge, safety glasses, chemical gloves
✓
SDS for paints, solvents and strippers reviewed
✓
Ventilation if the space is enclosed — according to the product and the risk assessment
✓
Ignition sources eliminated if flammable products
✓
Scaffold / stepladder inspected if working at height
✓
Lead survey verified if old building (paint stripping)
✓
Continuous ventilation maintained during application
✓
No spraying near hot work (CSTC 3.14.1)
ℹ️ 3.14.1: fire precautions. The CSTC does not write a 3 m radius.
✓
Solvents stored in closed containers between uses
✓
Fresh air breaks if prolonged application in enclosed area
✓
Solvent-soaked rags in closed metal container

After work

4 items

✓
Ventilation maintained until fully dried
✓
Paint and solvent containers closed and stored per SDS
✓
Hazardous waste (solvents, rags) disposed properly
✓
Tools cleaned — area tidy

15 verification items — use this checklist on-site with the app

Use on-site — free

PDF reports, history and team management in the app

For information only — this is not legal advice. OK Sécurité is an independent company with no affiliation to the CNESST: we are not mandated, endorsed or certified by it. Completing a checklist here does not by itself establish your compliance — your exact obligations depend on your job site and your prevention program. Where there is any discrepancy, the official text published by Légis Québec or the CNESST prevails.

More checklists — Finishing & Cladding

Exterior cladding

Installation of siding, cladding and façade finishes

14 checks

Doors and windows

Installation of doors, windows and hardware

14 checks

Tiling / Floor covering

Installation of ceramic, vinyl and floor coverings

12 checks

Drywall / Interior systems

Gypsum board, plaster, partitions and suspended ceilings

11 checks

Drywall taper / Finisher

Drywall taping, joint compound and sanding

12 checks

Floor layer / Sander

Installation and sanding of wood floors

14 checks

See all 9 checklists →

More safety checklists

Formwork

Installation and removal of formwork

14 checks

Rebar / Steel reinforcement

Installation of rebar and welded mesh

13 checks

Roofing

Installation of membranes, shingles and roofing

16 checks

Electronic security systems

Fire alarm, intrusion, cameras and access control

13 checks

Lifting / Crane operations

Crane operations and load handling

18 checks

Excavator inspection

Daily pre-operation inspection of excavator

23 checks

Related official rule

Échafaudage

Échasses interdites en tout temps : CSTC 3.19.1

CSTC 3.19.1 : le travail sur des échasses ou appareils similaires est interdit en tout temps sur un chantier de construction au Québec.

Échafaudage

Échafaudage CSTC 3.9 : construction, montage et plans

CSTC 3.9 : échafaudages conçus pour les charges et le vent, montage sous personne qualifiée, protection contre les chutes 2.9. Plans à la CNESST dès 9 m (bois) ou 18 m (métal) — art. 2.4.1.

Related guides

Respiratory protection on construction sites

Choosing and using respiratory protection on Québec construction sites: RPE types, fit testing, maintenance, and field checklist integration.

Risks and prevention — Painting

Painting and coating application exposes workers to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), isocyanates (in polyurethanes), and fire/explosion risks in confined areas. RSST Annex I sets OELs per contaminant. Ventilation follows the risk assessment and, if the space is confined, CSTC 3.21.

Paint spraying generates mist requiring an organic-cartridge or supplied-air respirator depending on the product. Ignition sources must be eliminated in spray zones. Lead paint removal in older buildings requires a specific decontamination protocol.

Scan to access OK Sécurité

Open the app directly on your phone to complete your safety checklists on-site.

ok-securite.com