Safe and sustainable paint choices for aged care and education
While schoolchildren and retirees enjoy leisurely painting activities, commercial painting for their spaces requires a delicate balance of safety and sustainability, ensuring environments that prioritise well-being and longevity. We can ensure the safety of these sensitive spaces by making the right paint choices for aged care facilities and educational institutions, fostering peace of mind for all occupants.
In the absence of definitive laws for vulnerable industries, factoring in the impact of low VOC paints and indoor paint fumes on building occupants and commercial painters is standard practice for thorough WHS risk assessments. At Dukes, safety is our top priority, guiding our paint choices for the health of all stakeholders.
Risks associated with traditional paints
Revitalising aged care facilities, retirement homes, schools, universities and daycares with a fresh coat of interior paint is an essential step towards creating a sought-after modern, clean setting. However, the choice of paint is crucial as many indoor paints emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and inhalation can lead to health issues such as respiratory irritation, dizziness, headaches and vision disturbances.
The impact of paint fumes can differ depending on several factors, including the concentration of chemicals in the indoor air and the duration of exposure. Particularly vulnerable groups include infants, children, expectant mothers, the elderly, those with compromised respiratory systems and pets – especially birds.
Conventional paints are either oil-based or water-based (latex). Oil-based paints release VOCs during application and drying due to their solvent content. Opting for water-based paint can minimise VOC emissions, offering a viable alternative for reducing indoor air pollution. However, some paints labelled “low VOC” may still emit tiny amounts of VOCs.
Commercial painting for vulnerable industries
At Dukes, we manage retirement living, aged care projects and commercial painting for educational sites with the utmost consideration and respect. We maintain an unwavering commitment to client welfare, tailoring our solutions to suit their needs. For example, our flexible scheduling minimises disruption in these delicate settings.
We have been transforming spaces since 1958, and we specialise in working in live environments. These projects require extra care in site setup to restrict access to children and the elderly.
We ensure a secure work area with appropriate signage, fencing and barriers. Our painters and crew hold current WWCC and police checks, and all have extensive experience in live environments to facilitate smooth daily operations.
When it comes to paint choices, we offer low VOC options. Additionally, we only use eco-friendly materials, reflecting our dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Becoming more environmentally friendly
Like most industries, commercial painting is making an active effort to become more environmentally friendly. Paint manufacturers are leading the charge by innovating water-based products that are low VOC.
Paintback is a government and industry-led initiative diverting unwanted paint from landfills and turning it into energy. How does it work? DIY and trade painters bring their unwanted paint and packaging to a Paintback site. The materials are then stored for transportation to treatment facilities. These facilities separate the packaging and waste liquid. Uncontaminated containers are recycled, while solvent paint can be used as an alternative energy source. Water is extracted from acrylic paint, and the by-product is utilised in various industrial applications.
Numerous top paint brands are proudly involved in the Paintback program. Beyond just disposing of excess paint, Paintback actively engages in researching creative methods to repurpose these materials, contributing to the advancement of a circular economy.
Tips for making informed paint choices
“We encourage facility managers and decision-makers in aged care and education to truly take the time to understand the scope of work and the associated risks when executing projects,” says Paul Williams, General Manager/Managing Director at Dukes. “Always engage with a trusted, experienced commercial painting business specialising in repainting live environments.”
You can also consult with major paint manufacturers such as Taubmans and Dulux. These companies provide fit-for-purpose paint specifications at no cost to building owners and offer advice on the best paint for each surface.
Dukes delivers a comprehensive commercial painting solution for these highly specialised industries. We offer open communication from initial discussions to project completion, ensuring a seamless and cost-efficient experience. Our compassionate and understanding approach guarantees hassle-free service. Additionally, we perform remedial building repairs before painting to ensure the longevity of our work.
Talk to the experts in painting for aged care, retirement living and education
If you have a commercial painting project in mind for aged care and retirement living or education, the team at Dukes can help with a well-executed, lasting transformation.
While safe and sustainable paint choices are crucial for these industries, the need for greater eco-consciousness across the entire commercial painting industry is evident. At Dukes, we make optimal choices for each client and frequently work with various other sectors, including strata, commercial property, government and heritage
For commercial painting and remedial building repairs that require sensitivity due to vulnerable occupants, contact our friendly team today.
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