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Spray Painting & Aerosol Work Risk Assessment — Generated Instantly for £29
Describe the spray job — surface, substance, equipment and location. We generate a fully written, UK-compliant risk assessment covering overspray, ventilation, flammability and public exposure in minutes.
Used by decorators, vehicle refinishers, industrial coating applicators and property maintenance teams across the UK
💨 Spraying near occupied buildings, public footpaths, or in an enclosed space? Mention it — we'll include ventilation controls, overspray containment, public protection measures and the specific duties owed under COSHH 2002 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Legal requirements for spray painting and aerosol work
Most spray paints, primers and aerosol propellants are hazardous substances covered by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). Regulation 6 requires an assessment of exposure risk before work begins, and Regulation 7 requires that exposure is prevented or, where that is not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled — typically through local exhaust ventilation (LEV), containment, and respiratory protective equipment (RPE).
Where flammable solvents or propellants are used, the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) require control of ignition sources and safe storage. HSE data identifies isocyanates — found in many 2-pack spray paints used in vehicle refinishing and industrial coating — as one of the leading causes of occupational asthma in the UK, making RPE selection and face-fit testing a critical control.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR) require a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for the activity, and Regulation 3(1) extends the duty of care to anyone affected by the work — including members of the public near external spraying jobs. A written risk assessment is expected by clients, principal contractors and enforcing authorities for any spray or aerosol coating work. Use our risk assessment generator to produce one instantly, or read the ultimate guide to risk assessment for background.
How it works
1. Describe the job
Tell us the surface (masonry, vehicle, metal, furniture), substance being sprayed, equipment used, whether the job is indoors or outdoors, and if the public are nearby. Not sure a formal assessment applies to you? Check do I need a risk assessment.
2. Let the app take the strain
Anyrisks produces a fully written, UK-compliant risk assessment referencing COSHH 2002, DSEAR 2002 and MHSWR 1999 where relevant to your specific job.
3. Instant download and use
Download as PDF and Word. Hand it to your client, file it for compliance, or attach it to your job pack. £29, no subscription.
What it covers
Every spray painting and aerosol work risk assessment is written in full — covering overspray, ventilation, fire risk and health exposure relevant to your job.
Inhalation exposure to solvent vapours and overspray
Isocyanate exposure and occupational asthma risk (2-pack paints)
Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and general ventilation requirements
Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) selection and face-fit testing
Skin and eye contact from spray drift and splashback
Fire and explosion risk from flammable propellants and solvents
Safe storage of aerosol cans and solvent-based products
Overspray containment and masking of adjacent surfaces
Public exposure control near streets, footpaths and residential areas
Working at height when spraying elevated masonry or cladding
COSHH 2002 substance assessment and control measures
DSEAR 2002 compliance for flammable atmospheres
Manual handling of spray equipment, compressors and paint drums
Waste disposal of empty aerosols and contaminated materials
Works for
From masonry paint applications to vehicle refinishing, Anyrisks covers every type of spray and aerosol work.
What customers say
"We spray masonry paint on housing association blocks regularly. Anyrisks covered overspray control and resident safety without me having to draft it myself every time."
Craig D.
Exterior decorating contractor, Glasgow
"Using 2-pack isocyanate paint in the bodyshop, I needed something that actually referenced the RPE and health surveillance side properly. This nailed it."
Leanne P.
Vehicle refinishing technician, Sheffield
"Spraying near a busy footpath meant I needed public protection measures documented properly. Anyrisks had it covered along with DSEAR for the solvent storage."
Owen T.
Property maintenance operator, Cardiff
Anyrisks vs DIY templates
| Anyrisks | DIY / Templates | |
|---|---|---|
| Written in full — not a blank form | ✓ | ✗ |
| COSHH 2002 substance exposure referenced | ✓ | ✗ |
| DSEAR 2002 flammability controls included | ✓ | ✗ |
| Isocyanate and RPE requirements covered | ✓ | ✗ |
| Public exposure control addressed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Covers indoor and outdoor spraying | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ready in under 2 minutes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Instant PDF and Word download | ✓ | Sometimes |
Frequently asked questions
Is a spray painting risk assessment different from a general painting risk assessment?
Yes. Spray and aerosol application creates fine airborne overspray, higher solvent vapour concentrations, and a greater risk of inhalation exposure than brush or roller work. It also raises specific ventilation, fire/explosion, and public exposure concerns that a general decorating risk assessment does not cover in detail.
Does this cover isocyanate-based paints (2-pack systems)?
Yes — mention if you are using 2-pack isocyanate paints, common in vehicle refinishing and industrial coatings. Isocyanates are one of the most common causes of occupational asthma in the UK according to HSE, and the assessment will include respiratory protective equipment (RPE), face-fit testing, and health surveillance requirements.
Do I need to reference COSHH 2002 for aerosol and solvent-based products?
Yes. Most spray paints and aerosol propellants are classed as hazardous substances under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). Your assessment must identify the substance, exposure route, and control measures such as ventilation and RPE.
What about members of the public nearby during external spraying?
Describe the location — street, driveway, shared car park, near residential windows — and the assessment will include public protection measures such as screening, hoarding, signage, warning the public, and controlling overspray drift under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 general duty to non-employees.
Does it cover fire and explosion risk from flammable aerosols?
Yes — many aerosol propellants and solvent-based paints are flammable. The assessment references the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) where relevant, covering ignition source control, ventilation, and safe storage of aerosol cans and solvents.
Is masonry paint spraying on buildings covered?
Yes — mention the surface type (masonry, render, metal cladding, vehicles, furniture) and the job scale, and the assessment will address specific hazards such as working at height, overspray onto adjacent surfaces, and weather-dependent controls.
How long does it take to generate?
Under two minutes. Describe the spray or aerosol work — location, substance, equipment and duration — and Anyrisks produces a complete, regulation-referenced risk assessment instantly.
Is the assessment accepted by clients and site managers?
Yes — Anyrisks produces a fully written, professionally formatted risk assessment referencing UK legislation by name and number, in the format expected by clients, principal contractors and HSE inspectors.
Also see: The ultimate guide to risk assessment · Do I need a risk assessment · Risk assessment legal requirements · Risk assessment generator