Access, Safety & EWMS on Apartment-Block Repaints

By Alex Dzissah, Founder, AKD Painting

The thing that separates a strata repaint from a house job is height and shared access. Painting the upper levels, balconies and stairwells of an occupied block safely, without cutting residents off from their homes, is a planning job as much as a painting job. Here is how it is done properly.

Getting to the work safely

Balconies and upper elevations need proper access, and the right choice depends on the building. Some blocks suit scaffold, others are better done from a swing stage or elevated work platform. We assess the building and pick the access that is safe and efficient for its shape, rather than forcing one method onto every job. Access is a real part of a strata cost, and a quote that ignores it is not a complete quote.

Safe work method statements

Height and access work is covered by safe work method statements that set out how each task is done safely and what controls are in place. For a strata job we supply these along with our insurance and certificates of currency. Committees and agents rely on that paperwork to meet their own obligations, so we have it ready.

Keeping residents moving

An occupied block cannot be shut down. We stage the work so entries, stairwells and car park access stay usable, give residents notice before work reaches their level or blocks a walkway, and keep paths clear at the end of each day. Where a balcony or entry is being worked on, we coordinate timing with the residents affected.

Protecting the building and belongings

Common furniture, planters, intercoms, light fittings and residents’ balcony items are protected or moved and returned. Drop sheets and containment keep dust and overspray off cars and shared surfaces. Tidiness on a strata site is not cosmetic, it is what keeps residents on side through a multi-week job. The same discipline applies on the walk-ups of Balmain and across our commercial painting projects.

This post is part of our full guide to strata and apartment painting in the Inner West.

Frequently asked questions

How do you reach the upper levels and balconies?

With the right access for the building, which may be scaffold, a swing stage or an elevated work platform. We assess each block and choose the safe, efficient option.

Will residents still be able to get in and out?

Yes. The work is staged so entries, stairwells and car park access stay usable, with notice before work reaches each area.

Do you provide safe work method statements?

Yes. We supply safe work method statements for the access and height work, along with insurance and certificates of currency.

Planning a repaint of an occupied block in the Inner West? We handle the access and safety so residents are never locked out. Book a free on-site quote via our contact page, or call 0474 854 369.