What are the safety requirements for painting the exterior of a multi-storey commercial building in NB?

Painting the exterior of a multi-storey commercial building in New Brunswick requires compliance with WorkSafeNB regulations for working at heights, including proper fall protection, scaffolding standards, and hazardous material handling — this is not DIY territory and must be performed by qualified commercial painting contractors with appropriate coverage and training.

WorkSafeNB regulations require fall protection for any work performed at heights above 3 metres (approximately 10 feet) — which means virtually any multi-storey exterior painting project. The required fall protection system depends on the working method. For scaffold-based painting, the scaffolding must be erected and inspected by a competent person, comply with the applicable sections of the NB Occupational Health and Safety Act, and have guardrails, toe boards, and access ladders installed correctly. For swing-stage work on taller buildings, additional requirements apply including anchoring systems, lifelines, and harnesses that meet WorkSafeNB standards.

Scaffolding safety is the most critical element of multi-storey exterior painting in NB. Scaffolding must be erected on stable, level ground — which can be challenging on older commercial sites in Saint John and Fredericton where the ground around heritage buildings is uneven. All scaffolding must be capable of supporting at least four times the anticipated load, including painters, materials, and equipment. In NB's weather, scaffolding must also be monitored and secured against wind loading — Maritime windstorms are common and can collapse improperly secured scaffolding.

Lead paint is a major safety concern for older commercial buildings in New Brunswick. Buildings constructed before 1978 very commonly have lead-based paint on exterior surfaces, particularly on trim, window frames, and metal elements. WorkSafeNB and Health Canada guidelines require that lead paint disturbance (scraping, sanding, heat gun removal) be performed with proper containment, wet suppression methods to minimize dust, and respiratory protection (P100 respirators). Waste containing lead paint debris must be disposed of in compliance with NB environmental regulations. Any contractor you hire for an older commercial building repaint should assess for lead paint before starting and have lead-safe work practice procedures in place.

Practical tips for building owners: Before hiring a commercial painting contractor for multi-storey exterior work, verify that the contractor carries commercial general liability insurance (minimum million is standard in NB), WorkSafeNB employer coverage, and can provide their safety plan for the project. Ask specifically whether they will assess for lead paint and what their lead-safe work procedure is. Get the safety plan in writing before work begins.

For exterior work on any building above two storeys, professional commercial painters are not just recommended — they are essentially required by NB safety law. New Brunswick Painting can help connect you with commercial painters who carry the appropriate WorkSafeNB coverage and safety training for your project.

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