Scope

Painters and decorators apply decorative and protective finishes in residential, commercial, institutional and industrial settings. They prepare a variety of surfaces (wood, masonry, drywall, plaster, concrete, synthetics, stucco and metal) prior to the application of materials such as paint, high performance coatings, waterproofing, fireproofing, varnish, shellac, wall coverings and specialty finishes.

Painters and decorators are employed by construction companies, painting contractors, building maintenance contractors or are self-employed. They work on projects such as home interiors and exteriors, residential high rises, wall covering work, industrial tanks and plants, bridges, airports, institutions, marine and offshore projects, and other commercial and industrial projects. Some painters and decorators may work for years on a single site; others may work for contractors that rarely work on the same site more than once.

Painters and decorators may come in contact with hazardous materials such as isocyanates, free silica, lead, volatile organic compounds and at times, carcinogenic materials. They may work with some physical discomfort when preparing surfaces or applying coatings in awkward positions. Painters and decorators may work indoors and/or outdoors.

Key attributes for people entering this trade are manual dexterity, excellent colour and artistic aptitude. Good physical condition is important because the work often requires considerable standing, kneeling, and repetitive activities such as brushing and rolling. Painters and decorators must have an eye for detail, the ability to plan work, and knowledge of many types of finishes, their properties and their applications. Painters and decorators must be able to calculate areas and relate such calculations to required material. Good communications and customer service skills are required by painters and decorators who often interact with home/business owners, contractors, interior designers and architects.

This analysis recognizes similarities or overlaps with the work of carpenters and lathers (interior system mechanics).

Experienced painters and decorators may advance to supervisory positions for painting contractors or to other related fields such as construction management, instructing or inspection.

Observations

Painters and decorators need to be aware of the safety and environmental concerns involved in the use of trade equipment. For example, high and ultra high water jetting equipment and other types of abrasive blasting equipment are used to strip paint from building, tanks, bridges, ships, and piping.

Manufacturers are continually making changes to their products to make them more environmental friendly. Environmental concerns have encouraged a movement toward 100% solid materials (low or no VOCs). The industry is on the cutting edge of the use of intumescent coatings in industrial settings. High performance emulsion paints and varnishes have vastly improved in their durability and overall performance. They have also become more environmentally and user-friendly. Ceramic insulating paints are fairly new to the trade. These paints were first introduced in the industrial sector, but are now being used for residential applications as well. The use of these paints for homes is expected to rise because of the increasing awareness of energy efficiency.

Basic computer skills are gradually becoming a necessary occupational skill for communications, research and design. Due to technological advances in the industry, ongoing training in new materials and their applications is critical to painter and decorators.

Safety

Safe working procedures and conditions, accident prevention, and the preservation of health are of primary importance to industry in Canada. These responsibilities are shared and require the joint efforts of government, employers and employees. It is imperative that all parties become aware of circumstances that may lead to injury or harm. Safe learning experiences and work environments can be created by controlling the variables and behaviours that may contribute to accidents or injury.

It is generally recognized that safety-conscious attitudes and work practices contribute to a healthy, safe and accident-free work environment.

It is imperative to apply and be familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety Acts and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Regulations. As well, it is essential to determine workplace hazards and take measures to protect oneself, co-workers, the public and the environment.

Safety education is an integral part of training in all jurisdictions. As safety is an imperative part of all trades, it is assumed and therefore it is not included as a qualifier of any activities. However, the technical safety tasks and sub-tasks specific to the trade are included in this analysis.

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