Painting

Even the most common substances can be hazardous if they are used without taking common sense precautions. A perfect example is paint - so seemingly routine that the whole family uses it. While most paint is not an especially high-risk substance, many paints contain ingredients that can cause health and safety problems. Workers must know the hazards and the basic protective measures that can make painting as safe as they assumed it was.

1. Keep all equipment clean, in good working condition and stored in its proper place.
   
   
2. Wear proper PPE when working including but not limited to the following:
   
   
   1. Clothing that fully covers the skin.
      
      
   2. Gloves that resist specific paint ingredients.
      
      
   3. Eye/face protection if recommended. (Safety glasses, goggles, hoods or face shields.)
      
      
   4. Properly fitted respirators where required.
      
      
   5. Use protective skin creams when appropriate.
   
   
   
3. Keep area clean and access to tools and equipment uncluttered.
   
   
4. Be aware of these potential hazards:
   
   
   1. Rashes, swelling, etc., from short term skin contact.
      
      
   2. Eye irritation; sore throat, cough, runny nose; nausea, fatigue, dizziness, flu-like symptoms from short term inhalation.
      
      
   3. Liver, kidney, lung, digestive system, central nervous system damage from long term or massive exposure.
      
      
   4. Sensitization (skin or respiratory) to any future exposure from long term or massive exposure.
      
      
   5. Fire - avoid using paint in an unventilated area; never expose it to an ignition source such as a spark, lit cigarette or static electricity.
      
      
   6. Explosion, especially if closed container is exposed to high heat.
      
      
   7. Reactivity from mixing with or exposure to other substances, including water.
   
   
5. If you or a fellow worker are exposed to a paint hazard:
   
   
   1. Inhalation - Get to fresh air immediately. Oxygen or artificial respiration may be needed.
      
      
   2. Skin contact - Wash with soap and water after removing any contaminated clothing.
      
      
   3. Eye contact - flush eyes with warm water for at least fifteen minutes and get medical attention at once.
   
   
6. Know where the MSDS book is kept and how to read an MSDS. Check labels of all chemicals and MSDS's for ingredients, hazard, protective procedures and PPE. Conduct a chemical inventory each year in September (Refer to the FM Hazard Communication Procedure, I:12). Handle all chemicals with rubber gloves, face, and eye protection.
   
   
7. Ventilation. Painting in a well ventilated area reduces the chance of inhaling hazardous vapors, and makes fires much less likely. Spray booths used in work place painting have built in ventilation systems that provide fresh air in the booth while venting out hazardous substances. Always make sure the ventilation system is working properly before painting in a booth.
   
   
8. Special precautions for spray booths:
   
   
   1. Never use anything that could spark or flame when in a spray booth.
      
      
   2. Space heaters, hot surfaces, portable lamps, or trash that could catch fire should be kept our.
      
      
   3. Don't keep more paint than you need for the job in a spray booth.
      
      
   4. Remove debris from spray booth immediately and dispose of properly.
      
      
   5. Have fire extinguishers and/or sprinklers nearby.
      
      
   6. Respirators are required when working in a spray booth.
   
   
9. Use water based paints when possible.
   
   
10. Don't mix paints with other substances without approval.
    
    
11. Keep paints away from ignition sources and NEVER smoke in areas where paint is used or stored. Post NO SMOKING signs.
    
    
12. Keep paint containers closed and tightly sealed when not in use.
    
    
13. Don't use paint from a container with missing or illegible label.
    
    
14. Use ventilation and protective equipment when scraping or removing old paint to prevent lead exposure.
    
    
15. Store paint in fireproof cabinets in areas with moderate temperatures, away from ignition sources and incompatible materials.
    
    
16. Wash before eating, drinking, smoking, applying makeup or touching contact lenses.
    
    
17. Remove paint from skin according to manufacturers recommendations, NEVER use solvents or thinners.
    
    
18. Contain and clean up any spills immediately, according to MSDS and supervisor's instructions.
    
    
19. Dispose of empty paint cans and combustible rags promptly in proper receptacles.
    
    
20. Dispose of excess paint, thinners and solvents according to proper procedures.
    
    
21. Be prepared for an emergency. Fast, proper first aid is critical when someone is overexposed to a paint product. For inhalation related problems, get the person to fresh air right away. If needed provide oxygen or artificial respiration. For rashes or other skin problems, remove contaminated clothing and wash thoroughly with soap and water. When paint comes in contact with the eyes, flush eyes with warm water for at least 15 minutes and get immediate medical care.
    
    
22. Report all accidents to your supervisor immediately.