The obligation
PCBUs must control flammable and explosive atmospheres created by spray painting, including ventilation design, ignition source elimination, and classified area management.
Spray painting generates flammable vapour-air mixtures. The Code requires PCBUs to: prevent accumulation of flammable atmospheres through adequate ventilation; eliminate ignition sources (electrical equipment, static, smoking); comply with hazardous area classification requirements; maintain spray booths to manufacturers' specifications; and ensure electrical installations in spray areas meet relevant standards. Powder coating risks (combustible dust explosions) must also be managed.
- What
- PCBUs must control flammable and explosive atmospheres created by spray painting, including ventilation design, ignition source elimination, and classified area management.
- Source
- worksafe.qld.gov.au
description
Full analysis
lock
Free account
tips_and_updates
What this means for you
lock
Free account
lock_open
Read the full analysis, tailored to your industry
- star
Impact summary tailored to your industry
- check_circle
Full plain-English analysis of what changed
- check_circle
Email alerts & digests when this law changes
- check_circle
Compliance self-assessment tools
Labels
fire
explosion
flammable atmosphere
spray booth
ventilation
hazardous area
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Fire and explosion risk control is a WHS requirement set out in Spray painting and powder coating 2021 (QLD). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (QLD). The relevant provision is Spray painting and powder coating 2021 > Fire and explosion risk § 4.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Fire and explosion risk control is a WHS obligation under Spray painting and powder coating 2021 (QLD). In short, PCBUs must control flammable and explosive atmospheres created by spray painting, including ventilation design, ignition source elimination, and classified area management.
What changed recently?
Fire and explosion risk control was last updated on 26 August 2026.
