Strategies to Protect Building Residents and Employees During Painting

Embarking on a painting project holds the promise of refreshing a building’s aesthetics, but it also raises the important concern of ensuring the well-being of residents and staff. Whether it’s a towering corporate structure or a multi-tenant edifice, the safety of those within is important and cannot be compromised.

In the pursuit of enhancing a property’s visual appeal, the expertise of professional painting companies comes to the forefront. Take, for instance, Custom Painting, Inc., a company that has the best painters in the Bay Area and has a seamless reputation for executing intricate projects smoothly, including the Heritage Estates building in Livermore, CA.

About the Building

Heritage Estates, in Livermore, California, is like a cozy and exciting home for seniors. It’s made to help them have a wonderful time, learn new things, and enjoy each day. The following are some key facts about the building.

  • Location: Heritage Estates, a multi-tenant senior living facility in Livermore.
  • Property Size: Situated on 8.38 acres of land.
  • Units: Comprises 60 to 65 assisted living and 190 independent living units.
  • Gross Building Area: Approximately 244,000 square feet.
  • Phases: The painting project is divided into two phases – senior apartment building (completed) and assisted living building (upcoming in spring/summer 2023).

Exterior Features

The external features of the building were important to consider in ensuring the maximum safety of the residents during the project. In our investigation, we took notes of all the important aspects, including the following:

  • The senior apartment building has a square shape with one side missing.
  • Around 20 patios and balconies in the complex.
  • The building has four stories ranging from 9 to 11 feet high, with some areas reaching up to 13 feet.
  • Previous paint scheme: All-white walls with dark paint on roofing, trim, railings, and fascia.
  • Balcony railings are constructed from metal.

The Painting Process

Our painting process was designed to fulfill the required job in no time and ensure that no safety concerns are present.

Painting Application

The paint job was done thanks to the helpful and professional staff as well as the top-quality paints we used. 

  • Paint Crew: We had a team of 8 to 15 painters working on the project at various times.
  • Access to Areas: The painters could reach all the areas – patios, balconies, and courtyards – using scaffolding or boom lifts.
  • Painting Tools: Our crew used a special spray machine called an airless pump sprayer to apply the paint.
  • Type of Paint Used:
    • Stucco Walls: We used Sherwin-Williams A-100 flat paint.
    • Metal Balcony Railings: For the railings, we used Sherwin-Williams DTM (direct-to-metal) paint.
  • Paint Quantity: In the first phase, we used about 1,500 gallons of paint. In the upcoming phase, we expect to use around 2,500 gallons more.

Protection and Safety

  • Covering and Protection: The painters made sure to cover nearby surfaces and residents’ belongings in all three areas. They used special pieces of cloth to catch any paint drips and protect things.
  • Safety Harnesses: When using tall lifts, the painters wore safety harnesses to prevent them from falling.
  • Walkway Protection: In order to keep things from falling on people below, the walkways were covered with wood attached to the scaffolding.
  • Special Equipment: We also made use of other equipment to ensure the safety of our workers as well as the residents of the building. 
    • Aerial Boom Lifts: These are machines that help painters reach high places safely. They’re like big buckets that lift them up.
    • Scaffolding: Another way painters worked up high. It’s like a platform with tools, and it’s more stable than just a ladder.
    • Barricades: Safety barriers were put around the building to warn people and drivers about the work happening.

Painters took many steps to keep everyone safe and make sure their work was done well.

  • Knee Pads: Knee pads were used to protect their knees when kneeling down or working on lower surfaces, preventing discomfort and potential knee injuries.
  • Ear Protection: In environments with loud noises, such as machinery or tools, ear protection like earplugs or earmuffs were worn to safeguard their hearing. This was particularly due to construction taking place in nearby buildings.
  • Hard Hats: When working in areas with potential overhead hazards or the risk of falling objects, hard hats were worn to protect their heads.
  • Aprons or Smocks: Aprons or smocks were worn to shield their bodies from paint splatters and spills, keeping their clothing cleaner.

Restrictions and Considerations

When it comes to taking on paint projects like Heritage Estates, we understand that there are various restrictions and considerations that demand careful handling. Our team at Custom Painters takes these challenges seriously to ensure a smooth and successful painting process.

Blocking Doorways

One of the key concerns is blocking doorways, as residents need access to their homes. To manage this, our team plans our work carefully, ensuring that we don’t hinder entry or exit points. We create a schedule that allows us to work on one area while keeping other entrances accessible. This way, residents can move freely without disruptions.

Blocking Sidewalks

We were well aware of the need to maintain public access on sidewalks while working on a project. Our approach involved using barricades and signs to divert pedestrians around our work areas. We made sure to keep a clear and safe path for people passing by while our team focused on the painting tasks.

Blocking Streets

For streets bordering the site, we understood the importance of not causing traffic disruptions. Our team coordinated with local authorities to plan our work during off-peak hours whenever possible. This minimized the impact on traffic flow and ensured the safety of our workers, residents, and the general public.

Conclusion

The painting project achieved remarkable success, elevating the quality and beauty of Heritage Estates Livermore, CA. The building now has colors and finishes that suit its form and function. The residents enjoy their enhanced living space which boosts their well-being and health. The painting crew did a superb job by dealing with challenges and following safety measures. Plan your future exterior painting in the Bay Area projects with Custom Painting, Inc. Call us at 510-795-0903 to schedule a visit to your property and get a free quote.