Apply coatings by the air spray method

URN: COSVR340
Business Sectors (Suites): Painting and Decorating
Developed by: CITB
Approved: 2025

Overview

This standard is about assembling and setting up the high-volume low pressure (HVLP) air spray systems, applying water borne or solvent-borne coatings with air spray equipment, cleaning out and maintaining the air spray equipment. It also includes providing temporary surface protection to the work area

This standard will also involve interpreting information, adopting safe, healthy and environmentally responsible work practices, selecting and using materials, components, tools and equipment, in accordance with organisational requirements which are equal to or exceed current statutory and legislative requirements

This standard is for people working in the occupational area of Painting and Decorating and can be used by operatives, supervisors and managers


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

Interpretation of information

P1    interpret the information relating to the work and resources to confirm its relevance for the following:
•    drawings
•    specifications
•    schedules
•    method statements
•    risk assessments
•    manufacturers’ information
•    technical data sheets
•    safety data sheets
•    current legislation and regulations governing buildings  

Safe work practices
P2    comply with the relevant legislation and official guidance to carry out the work and maintain safe and healthy work practices relating to the following:
•    methods of work
•    safe use of health and safety control equipment
•    safe use of access equipment
•    safe use, storage and handling of materials, tools and equipment
•    specific risks to health, including mental health 
•    specific risks associated with asbestos containing materials
•    specific risks associated with surface coatings containing lead

Selection of resources
P3    calculate and select the required quantity and quality of resources for the methods of work for:
•    materials
•    tools and equipment

Minimise the risk of damage

P4    comply with organisational procedures to minimise the risk of damage to the work and surrounding area by:
•    protecting the work, surrounding areas and adjacent finishes or surfaces from damage
•    maintaining a clear and tidy work area
•    disposing of waste in accordance with current legislation

Approach to the work 
P5    complete the work within the estimated, allocated time, in accordance with organisational procedures, the programme of work and to meet the needs of other occupations and client

Meet the contract specification
P6   comply with the contract information to apply surface coatings by air spray method to the required specification by:
•    demonstrating work skills to:
      -    prepare
      -    load 
      -    protect 
      -    measure 
      -    assemble
      -    position
      -    secure
      -    clean

•    using and maintaining hand and power tools, air spray equipment and associated equipment

•    setting up and adjusting spray equipment (high volume low pressure [HVLP] systems) to achieve the finish stated in the working instructions, relating to the following:
      - preparation of coatings
      - loading the system
      - monitor and maintain supply

•    applying water-borne or solvent-borne coatings by high volume low pressure [HVLP] spray systems to working instructions for the following
      - broad work
      - linear and structural components

•    checking wet film thickness (as specified)

•    implementing shut down procedures
      - temporary shut down
      - final shut down, clean out and maintain spray equipment


Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

P1 Interpretation of information
K1    why organisational procedures have been developed and how they are implemented

K2    types of information, their source and how they are interpreted in relation to:
•    drawings
•    specifications
•    schedules
•    risk assessments
•    method statements
•    manufacturers’ information
•    technical data sheets
•    safety data sheets
•    current legislation and regulations governing buildings  

K3    the importance of accurate information, and reporting and rectifying any concerns

K4    the range of relevant digital services, tools and systems, and how they are used  

K5    the information for relevant, current legislation and official guidance and how it is applied

K6    the types of fire extinguishers and how and when they are used in relation to: 
•    water
•    CO2
•    foam
•    powder   

K7    how emergencies should be responded to in accordance with organisational authorisation and personal skills in relation to: 
•    fires, spillages, injuries
•    emergencies relating to occupational activities
•    identification of and reporting of asbestos containing materials
•    identification and reporting of lead containing materials

K8    the organisational security procedures for tools, equipment and personal belongings in relation to:
•    operative
•    site
•    workplace
•    vehicles
•    company
•    customer
•    the general public  

K9    how to report risks and hazards identified by the following: 
•    methods of work
•    risk assessment
•    personal assessment
•    manufacturers’ technical information
•    statutory regulations
•    official guidance
•    Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)  

K10    the accident reporting procedures and who is responsible for making the report

K11    why, when and how health and safety control equipment identified by the principles of prevention should be used in relation to:
•    collective protective measures
•    personal protective equipment (PPE)
•    respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
•    local exhaust ventilation (LEV)
•    dust suppression  

K12    how to comply with environmentally responsible work practices to meet current legislation and official guidance  

K13    the organisational procedures when dealing with potential accidents, health hazards and the environmental impact whilst working in the workplace:
•    below ground level
•    in confined spaces
•    at height
•    with tools and equipment
•    with materials and substances
•    moving and storing materials by manual handling and mechanical lifting
•    working in proximity to members of the public

P3 Selection of resources
K14    why the characteristics, quality, uses, sustainability, limitations and defects associated with the resources are important and how defects should be rectified

K15    the organisational procedures to select resources, why they have been developed and how they are used

K16    how to confirm the resources and materials conform with the specification

K17    why, where and how the resources should be used and how any problems associated with the resources are reported in relation to:
•    water-borne and solvent-borne coatings
•    masking materials including but not limited to masking tape, masking paper, dust sheets, masking shield 
•    single pack, two-pack coatings (base, activator and solvent) and specialist coatings
•    protective sheeting 
•    appropriate access equipment
•    hand tools, wet film thickness gauges and air spray equipment (high volume low pressure [HVLP] systems) and associated equipment  

K18    how to identify the hazards associated with the resources and methods of work and how they are overcome

K19    methods of calculating the quantity, length and wastage associated with the methods and procedures to apply surface coatings by brush and roller

P4 Minimise the risk of damage
K20    how to protect work and its surrounding areas and adjacent finishes or surfaces from damage and the purpose of protection from general workplace activities, other occupations, members of the public and adverse weather conditions

K21    how to minimise the damage to existing building fabric

K22    why and how the disposal of waste must be carried out safely in accordance with the following:
•    environmental responsibilities
•    organisational procedures
•    manufacturers’ information
•    statutory regulations
•    official guidance  

K23    why it is important to maintain a safe, clear and tidy work area

P5 Approach to the work
K24    the programme of work to be carried out including the estimated and allocated time and why deadlines should be kept

K25    the types of progress charts, timetables and estimated times and the organisational procedures for reporting circumstances which will affect the work programme

P6 Meet the Contract Specification

K26    the importance of teamwork and communication

K27    the importance of mental health awareness and wellbeing

K28    the importance of applying Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) when dealing with others

K29    the needs of other occupations associated with applying coatings by the air spray method

K30    how to recognise and determine when specialist skills and knowledge are required and report accordingly

K31    the relevance of an assessment of historical significance

K32    how to recognise specific requirements for structures of special interest, traditional construction, hard-to-treat buildings and historical significance

K33    how to work with, around and in proximity to plant and machinery

K34    how to work at height using access equipment

K35    how to use all hand and power tools and associated equipment

K36    how and why operative care and maintenance of all hand and power tools and associated equipment is carried out

K37    how to establish site access requirements

K38    how to check suitability of previously decorated or prepared surfaces

K39    how to provide protection by sheeting, masking and removing items

K40    how to select and assemble component parts for paint spraying equipment (high volume low pressure [HVLP] systems)

K41    how to prepare and apply coatings: single pack and two pack systems

K42    how to load, operate, maintain (during use) and monitor the paint spray equipment

K43    how to establish air-change requirements in confined areas

K44    how to assemble, set up, operate, shut down, clean, maintain and store spray equipment

K45    how to use correct spray gun technique on broad areas, angles, linear items and complex structural features

K46    how atmospheric conditions affect coatings and their application process  

K47    how to implement safety procedures to protect operatives and the general public from spraying activities

K48    how to identify and report spray equipment problems

K49    how to identify and rectify application problems

K50    how to measure wet film thickness with gauges

K51    how to identify the working life of prepared materials


Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours

Behaviours try to address the fact that NOS mainly concentrate on outcomes. In some industries, outcomes alone are not seen as sufficient. Employers also feel it is important to describe the general ways in which individuals go about achieving the outcomes.

The following behaviours have been identified for this NOS and should be noted but are not required to be assessed.
B1 Quality focused:
Pay attention to detail to achieve high quality work to current industry standards. Awareness and consideration of other trades. Provide protection to adjacent finishes to avoid possible damage.

B2 Positive and mature attitude:
Conscientious and professional including appearance. Take responsibility for personal judgements and actions. Be aware of the limits of personal competence. Upholding ethical standards, including honesty, integrity, fairness, inclusion, respect, and transparency in all aspects of role.

B3 Teamwork:
Work as part of a larger construction team. Collaborate effectively with other tradespeople and communicate well to achieve project goals. Demonstrate good customer service. Be polite, approachable, and responsive to client needs.

B4 Attention to Sustainability
Have an awareness of sustainability and environmental considerations when using resources and carrying out processes.

B5 Continuous Learning:
Identify personal development needs and take action to meet those needs through learning and development opportunities. Keep up to date with best practice, new technology, techniques, and materials.


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

4

Indicative Review Date

2030

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

CITB

Original URN

COSVR340

Relevant Occupations

Construction Operatives, Painters and Decorators

SOC Code

5323

Keywords

Air Spray Painting; Surface Coatings; Water-borne; Solvent-borne; Wet Film thickness; Dry Film thickness High pressure low volume; HVLP