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Lead was commonly added to paint products right up until the 1980s and was not completely banned in Australia until the early 1990s. For schools operating in older buildings, this is not just a historical footnote—it is an active safety consideration that requires proper management by qualified professionals.
Does Your School Still Have Lead Paint?
It is easy to assume that lead-based paint is a thing of the past, but older buildings are often layered with many years of paint. During surface preparation and repainting work, these older layers become exposed and with them, the risks associated with lead.
A simple and important rule of thumb: if your school building was constructed in the 1980s or earlier, assume it has been painted with lead-based paint until a professional test confirms otherwise.
There are no visible markers that distinguish lead-based paint from modern alternatives. Testing must be carried out by a qualified, reputable painting contractor as part of their pre-work safety checks which is something Avello Group conducts as standard practice on all schools built prior to the 1980s.
How Dangerous Is Lead Paint in a School Environment?
Lead paint that is intact and undisturbed poses a relatively low immediate risk. The danger arises when paint begins to flake, chip, or deteriorate. At that point, lead dust and flakes can be absorbed into the body through the skin, eyes, and mouth which is why the presence of children makes this a particularly serious concern.
Flaking or chipping lead paint in a school setting should be treated as a hazard and addressed promptly by a licensed professional.
What Are the Options for Managing Lead Paint?
There are two accepted approaches to managing lead paint in schools:
Encapsulation
Encapsulation is generally the preferred method. It involves sealing affected surfaces to prevent further deterioration and minimise disturbance. When carried out correctly as part of a broader school painting maintenance programme, encapsulation is a cost-effective way to manage lead paint while keeping the building in excellent condition.
Removal
Where removal is necessary, it is a more involved and carefully managed process. Key safety measures include:
- Using a Fibre Containment System (FCS) to capture paint flakes and prevent contamination
- Wet stripping rather than sanding to minimise lead dust
- Thorough site preparation and clean-up by licensed professionals
Every site is unique, which is why professional assessment and contracting is essential. For detailed guidance, you can also refer to WorkSafe Victoria.
Our Responsibility to You
At Avello Group, lead testing is a non-negotiable part of our pre-work process for any school built prior to the 1980s. Skipping this step puts students, staff, and your organisation at serious risk and can result in WorkSafe Victoria involvement, significant penalties, and lasting health consequences.
As a school, understanding the presence and condition of lead paint in your buildings is not optional. It is part of your duty of care to everyone on site.
If you are unsure about the state of your school's paintwork or would like to discuss a maintenance plan, our team is here to help.
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