Lead paint course a must for contractors
An essential course for all contractors working on Public Works and government sites is now being offered by TAFE NSW – Riverina Institute. The TAFE PLUS Domestic Leaded Paint Hazard Reduction and Management course provides builders and tradesmen with the opportunity to ensure their skills are up to date and comply with OHS Regulations and WorkCover Codes of Practice. Course fees can be claimed as a tax deduction.

‘Under the Australian Standard (AS 4361.2) tradesmen who tender for Public Works or Ministry of Housing Projects must be lead certified if the condition of the building is poor, or if the removal of any lead paint is involved,’ said Institute Business Development Officer Michelle Howells.

‘If you are tendering for work on public schools, public works, or public housing, for example, you won’t be accepted unless someone who is qualified will be working on the job.’ Riverina Institute is the first education provider outside a metropolitan area to offer the one day course, which covers a range of hazard identification, supervision, and reduction and management techniques, as well as duty of care and public liability.

‘The course provides training specifically for people who handle or come in contact with lead-based paint,’ Ms Howells said. ‘It’s designed to improve the process of removal and hazard reduction and will ensure that lead paint is handled correctly to reduce health risks.’

Lead-based paint was used in most buildings prior to the late 1960s. The Institute has run two courses so far, with a further two programmed for this year.

Riverina Institute is also running two other WorkCover accredited courses, OHS Risk
Management and OHS Manual Handling. New OHS legislation, effective from 1 September 2003, states that the workplace must be compliant.

‘If there is a workplace accident then the company or individual could face hefty fines if they have not undergone the appropriate training,’ Ms Howells said.

For further information about this course call the TAFE PLUS Enquiry Service on 1300 131 499.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THIS STORY
CONTACT: MICHELLE HOWELLS
TAFE NSW – RIVERINA INSTITUTE
TEL: (02) 6938 1436

OR TO FIND OUT HOW TAFE PLUS CAN HELP YOU
CONTACT: THE TAFE PLUS ENQUIRY SERVICE

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