School should be a place where students feel safe and inspired to learn, but many educational facilities – especially older ones – harbour hidden health hazards that compromise this environment. Issues like lead paint, asbestos, mould and slippery floors pose significant risks to the wellbeing of students, staff and visitors. Addressing these challenges takes more than just a fresh coat of paint. It requires expert and comprehensive commercial painting interventions to create safer, healthier spaces.
At Dukes, we transform schools, universities and childcare centres across Sydney and NSW with repainting, remedial building repairs and lead paint remediation. With over 60 years of experience, we offer customised solutions that enhance appearances and address critical health and safety concerns. If you manage an educational facility, here’s what you need to know.
Lead paint is a hidden hazard in the woodwork and various other substrates in many older school buildings, especially those constructed before 1971. As these coatings deteriorate, they expose children to dangerous lead particles, which pose significant health risks. Long-term exposure can lead to developmental issues, learning difficulties and behavioural problems in young children.
Lead-based coatings must be either removed or encapsulated. As specialists in lead paint remediation, we’ve completed numerous abatement projects, particularly in the education sector. While we maintain the same high standards across all industries, we are especially mindful that children and pregnant women—commonly present in educational buildings—are most at risk from lead exposure. This awareness is key in designing tailored safety systems for school environments.
Recent projects include the thorough removal of lead paint from 200 timber windows at Balgowlah High School, completed while the school remained fully operational. We successfully restored a safe and healthy learning environment, and our client was delighted with the outcome, praising our team’s commitment to safety.
Another significant concern in educational spaces is the presence of asbestos and mould. Asbestos, often found in older school buildings, can become exposed when paint coatings on walls and ceilings deteriorate. Once disturbed, asbestos fibres can become airborne, causing serious respiratory health risks. Mould thrives in damp environments and can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues, and worsen asthma, especially in children.
Delaying maintenance that addresses leaks or poor ventilation often leads to mould growth in school buildings. The excessively wet weather in NSW in 2022 has exacerbated this issue, resulting in a backlog of mould problems in many schools.
To address these concerns, asbestos exposure requires encapsulation, safely sealing asbestos-containing materials to prevent the release of harmful fibres. For mould remediation, we first identify the moisture source, treat surfaces carefully and apply mould-resistant coatings to prevent future growth, improving indoor air quality.
Slippery floor surfaces are common in high-traffic areas of schools, increasing the risk of trips and falls for staff and students. Regular maintenance and the application of anti-slip coatings are essential to prevent potential injuries.
Our comprehensive commercial painting services include expert flooring works. We provide durable and effective anti-slip coatings, particularly beneficial for areas prone to moisture or where accidents are more likely to occur. Our meticulous application process ensures these coatings bond well to the surface for long-lasting protection.
Due to its safety features, non-slip flooring is ideal for school settings, and we frequently use it in our school projects. For example, we recently painted several concrete floors at Pacific Hills High School, incorporating a non-slip additive to prevent slips.
The structural integrity of school buildings is crucial for safety. Neglecting maintenance over time can lead to issues such as rusting steel and rotting timber, compromising the structure’s stability. Promptly addressing these problems is vital to preventing further deterioration and ensuring the facility’s safety.
Dukes provides specialised coatings to protect steel from rust and timber from rot. These coatings act as barriers, preventing moisture and other elements from causing damage. Additionally, we offer remedial building repairs to address existing damage, ensuring the building remains safe and functional.
When budgeting for painting projects that address health and safety concerns, facility managers should prioritise urgent issues such as lead paint removal, asbestos encapsulation and anti-slip treatments. Including regular maintenance and touch-ups can help prevent larger, more costly projects down the line.
It’s also wise to build contingencies by setting aside 10-15% of the budget for unexpected issues like structural repairs. Treating these projects as health and safety investments not only enhances the immediate environment but also reduces future liabilities and maintenance costs.
When choosing a commercial painter for school projects, ensure they have experience in educational environments and the necessary licenses for lead and asbestos work. Look for compliance with health and safety standards, use of low-VOC paints and expertise in mould-resistant coatings and anti-slip treatments. Strong references, flexible scheduling and comprehensive insurance are also essential for a smooth project execution.
To ensure minimal disruption to the school environment during painting projects, our team works during off-hours or holidays whenever possible. This approach allows us to complete the work with the least impact on students, visitors and staff.
We also implement a phased approach, dividing the project into manageable sections to keep most areas operational. Using quick-drying paints helps minimise odours and reduces drying time, allowing for a faster turnaround.
Clear communication with school staff is essential, keeping them informed about the project timeline and any temporary access restrictions. Additionally, we set up containment zones using plastic sheeting or barriers to prevent dust, paint fumes and debris from affecting occupied areas.
At Dukes, we stay up to date on the latest technology and techniques.
For example, innovations like antimicrobial paints inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses and mould on frequently touched surfaces and are ideal for enhancing safety in schools. Additionally, advancements in low- and zero-VOC formulations minimise harmful chemical emissions, significantly improving indoor air quality during and after painting projects.
Contact Dukes today to request a quote or learn more about commercial painting for education. Be sure to check out our project gallery to see examples of our quality work in action.
© Copyright Dukes Painting Services Pty Ltd. Website by Brilliant Digital