This helpful guide provides a suitable overview for spraying paints in a spray shop and the types of equipment that should be used. Covering the key points that you should follow in order to help reduce exposure to an acceptable level.

Why is it important?

The most common hazards posed by spray-painting operations are skin irritations, respiratory problems, and fire. Besides adequate administrative and engineering controls, proper PPE (personal protective equipment) should be provided to workers to protect them from these hazards.

Hazards:

• Reactive products such as epoxy and isocyanate (containing paints) cancause asthma, as a result of inhaling paint mist. In addition they can also cause eczema by skin contact
• Exposure to various solvent vapours mightlead to a range of health effects, such as the central nervous system, irritation of eye, skin and respiratory system.

The Correct PPE to use when spraying

• Use either an air-fed half-mask with a visor (LDM2) or an air-fed visor (LDH3).
• Make sure that you provide dedicated connectors to prevent accidental connection to non-breathing lines, eg nitrogen.
• Disposable covers should be provided to ensure that the visor is protected from spray.
• Chemical resistant gloves should also be provided, preferably single use gloves. Chemical resistant gloves are usually either Nitrile, latex or vinyl.
• After using single use gloves, make sure that they are disposed of correctly once removed.
• Where decibel readings are high, ensure that earplugs or earmuffs are provided.

Precautions to take when spraying:

• Ensure that you are aware of all the above hazards and the correct PPE.
• Make sure that you have been provided with the ‘compliant’ spray guns that minimise paint mist.
• Before you start spraying check that air-fed breathing apparatus is working correctly. This should be checked every time before being used and must be worn when spraying.
• Make sure that you keep your breathing apparatus on until you have left the habitat.
• Ensure that you measure the clearance time for the habitat.
• Make sure that the habitat extraction is up and running before you begin spraying. Remember to keep this running for the clearance time once you have finished spraying.

If you are unsure or need advice on the correct Personal Protective Equipment to use for paint spraying, please contact Finework.