06 Jun Painter Safety – Chemical and Coating Hazards

Painter Safety – Chemical and Coating Hazards

Painter safety requires understanding the hazards associated with paints, coatings, solvents, primers, thinners, and other chemicals used during surface preparation and finishing. Painters may also be exposed to respiratory hazards, fire hazards, falls, noise, ergonomic stresses, and injuries from tools and equipment.

Before beginning a painting task, understand the materials, equipment, and precautions required to perform the work safely.

Chemical Safety

Paints, coatings, solvents, and surface-preparation products can contain hazardous substances that may be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or accidentally ingested.

• Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before using an unfamiliar product.
• Follow product labels, warnings, and manufacturer instructions.
• Keep chemicals in properly labeled containers.
• Never place paints, solvents, or chemicals in food or beverage containers.
• Keep containers closed when not in use.
• Use less hazardous products when practical.
• Store paints, solvents, and other chemicals according to their hazards and manufacturer requirements.
• Wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking, or leaving the work area.
• Never eat or drink in areas where hazardous painting materials are being used.

Ventilation and Respiratory Protection

Spray painting, sanding, scraping, mixing, and solvent use can generate hazardous dusts, mists, fumes, and vapors.

• Perform spray painting in properly designed spray booths or adequately ventilated areas when required.
• Use local exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to reduce airborne contaminants.
• Position yourself to avoid breathing overspray and vapors.
• Inspect ventilation and spray equipment before use.
• Never assume a dust mask provides protection against chemical vapors.
• Use respiratory protection when required by the hazard assessment, SDS, or company respiratory protection program.
• Employees required to wear respirators must receive the applicable medical evaluation, fit testing, and training.

Personal Protective Equipment

Select PPE according to the product being used and the work being performed.

Depending on the task, PPE may include:

• Safety glasses or chemical splash goggles.
• Face shields for splash or flying-particle hazards.
• Chemical-resistant gloves appropriate for the specific product.
• Protective coveralls or clothing.
• Protective footwear.
• Head, face, and neck protection when necessary.
• Hearing protection around noisy spray equipment, grinders, sanders, or mixers.
• Appropriate respiratory protection when required.

Inspect PPE before use and replace damaged or contaminated equipment as necessary.

Fire and Explosion Prevention

Many paints, thinners, solvents, and coatings may be flammable or combustible.

• Keep ignition sources away from painting and solvent-use areas.
• Observe applicable smoking restrictions.
• Maintain adequate ventilation to prevent accumulation of flammable vapors.
• Store flammable materials in approved containers and locations.
• Keep only the amount of material necessary for the work in the immediate area.
• Properly manage solvent- or coating-contaminated rags and waste.
• Bond and ground containers during transfer operations when required.
• Know the location of appropriate fire-extinguishing equipment.

Never perform hot work near flammable painting operations unless the hazards have been evaluated and appropriate controls established.

Surface Preparation

Sanding, scraping, grinding, and other surface-preparation methods can expose workers to hazardous dust and flying particles.

Before disturbing an existing coating, determine whether hazardous materials such as lead or other toxic substances may be present.

• Use appropriate dust-control methods.
• Wear required eye, face, hearing, and respiratory protection.
• Keep guards installed on grinders and other power tools.
• Inspect tools before use.
• Control dust and debris through proper housekeeping.
• Do not use compressed air for cleaning when doing so could create a hazardous airborne exposure.

Ladders and Elevated Work

Painting frequently requires work from ladders, scaffolds, or other elevated surfaces.

• Inspect access equipment before use.
• Use the correct ladder or work platform for the task.
• Maintain proper ladder positioning and secure ladders when required.
• Do not overreach; reposition the ladder or platform instead.
• Keep tools and materials controlled so they do not fall onto workers below.
• Use required fall protection when exposed to fall hazards.

Never improvise by standing on buckets, boxes, furniture, or other objects to gain additional height.

Ergonomics and Material Handling

Painting can involve repetitive movements, prolonged reaching, awkward postures, and handling containers or equipment.

• Use mechanical assistance or get help with heavy or awkward materials.
• Keep loads close to your body when lifting.
• Avoid excessive reaching, twisting, and overhead work when possible.
• Select spray guns and tools that are comfortable and properly balanced.
• Use stands, fixtures, or other devices to support workpieces rather than holding them unnecessarily.
• Change positions and tasks periodically to reduce fatigue and repetitive strain.

Remember

Painters face more than just paint-related hazards. Evaluate the chemicals, ventilation, PPE, ignition sources, tools, work surfaces, and access equipment before starting the job.

Know what you are working with, control the exposure, and use the appropriate protective equipment every time.