Safety in the Paint Shop
Storage
Materials once delivered should be placed into a proper storage area, solvent based products should not be left outside where drums can become heated. A check of the drums should be carried out to ensure lids are secure and that no material is leaking from the containers.
Solvent based products can give off vapours which are heavier than air and will accumulate in depressions etc. Vapour may travel a considerable distance to a source of ignition. Vapours displace oxygen and are very dangerous in enclosed spaces, which are poorly ventilated and are highly flammable, mobile phones, cigarette lighters and any naked flame should be kept away from paint storage areas. Never store clothing or food in areas that may come into contact with paints or solvents.
Work Area
During the application of coating it will become necessary to have product in the work area. Lids should be kept on whenever possible to limit the amount of vapour or risk of spillage. If spillage does occur avoid breathing the vapour and avoid contact with the skin and eyes.
Absorb spills with inert material such as sand or other absorbent material (sawdust should not be used to absorb spills)
Personal Care
Solvents etc can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, contact with the skin or the eyes so proper protection is required to avoid this occurring.
Masks
Masks should be worn anytime a product is being used (check safety data sheets for suitable masks) to ensure no material or vapour is being inhaled.
Gloves
Gloves should be worn when ever handling solvent based coatings as solvent can absorbed into the body through the skin. Chemical resistant gloves such as rubber, PVC, nitrile or neoprene are most suitable. Never wash hands in solvent as contact dermatitis may arise therefore, use industrial hand cleaners or soap and water. The application of a barrier cream prior to starting work helps to keep the coatings away from the skin. (Avoid hand creams that contain silicon etc which will contaminate the timber surface and cause coating problems)
Saftey Glasses
Safety glasses should be worn when working with solvent based products, solvent and chemicals can enter the body through the eyes, other risks include damage to the eyes and there is also a risk for anyone wearing contact lenses as they absorb and concentrate irritants.
Protective Clothing
Protective clothing should be worn whenever using solvent based products, solvent and chemicals can enter the body through any part of the skin, so to minimise the risk it is advisable to cover any exposed skin areas with the correct protective clothing.
Ingestion
Never swallow any type of paint or solvent. Never store paint or solvent in container usually used for the storage of foodstuffs, coke bottles etc, the risk of accidental ingestion becomes a real possibility. If swallowed do not induce vomiting. Wash the mouth with water. Give water to dilute stomach contents. If vomiting occurs, place victims head downwards, head lower than hips to prevent vomit entering lungs. Seek immediate medical attention.
Work Site
There are certain precautions that should also be taken in and around the workplace.
- Rags that are covered in solvent, stain, and the like can combust and cause fire. Dispose of rags etc in self closing metal containers filled with water.
- Never smoke or use mobile phones or a naked flame, cigarette lighter or welding equipment in the paint shop.
- Clean old lacquer etc from floor or spray booth with a non-metal scraper, a single spark could ignite over-spray left on floors or walls.
- Keep area clean, sweep up over-spray regularly and dispose of in an appropriate manner.
- Make sure that appropriate fire fighting equipment is at hand, fire extinguishers should be dry chemical, foam or Co2. in most cases.