painting health & safety - ANU guidelines

see full document here

http://info.anu.edu.au/policies/_DHR/Procedures/Painting_Procedures.asp

================

This document specifies the minimum requirements to be undertaken in the areas of -

• Painting,
• Spray-painting, and the
• Application of two pack paints and coatings.

It is expected that these procedures will be followed while working in all of The Australian National University's spray paint booths, paint workshops, and University buildings. The implementation of painting tenders\contracts, and painting by contract labour is also required to follow these guidelines. This document not only details procedures which are designed to protect the safety and health of painters but also to minimise the impact on other ANU staff and the environment.

============

HEALTH AND SAFETY BACKGROUND

During the process of painting, persons may be exposed to a variety of substances, which may have implications to their safety and health. For example, solvents and paints are formulated with a variety of ingredients. However, exposure and absorption occurs via -

• Inhalation
• Skin absorption
• Ingestion

Once within the body, the resulting dose in the body can exert an effect on various tissues and organs. This effect may be in the short term (acute effect), such as dizziness, or from repeated exposure (chronic effects), such as liver damage. The effect on health of various products can be found in their material safety data sheets, and these should be consulted by every painter before they use the product for the first time. If unsure about the products effects or for a clarification of the information please contact your supervisor or the Occupational Health and Safety Unit.

In general the risk to health from various paint products varies from least to greatest, as follows -

• Water colours, although they may contain toxic pigments.
• Acrylic paints, contain only small amounts of organic solvents.
• Oil based paints and lacquers, contain significant amounts of organic solvents. The solvents can be responsible for dizziness, headaches, nausea, tiredness, irritating cough, red and stinging eyes. Solvents will also de-fat the skin possibly leading to dermatitis.
• Two pack acrylic and some epoxy paints. Consult MSDS.
• Two pack polyurethane paints, which contain isocyanates (in the hardener) and organic solvents. The isocyanates are potential sensitising agents which may cause asthma.

========================

Personal Protective Equipment for Spray Application

A full-face positive pressure airline respirator. This design is suitable for use in the application of all paint commonly applied at the University. This type of respirator must be used when handling two pack paints containing isocyanates. This form of respirator also includes in-built eye protection.

However, for the application of less hazardous paints (eg. acrylic based paint) a half-face respirator with spray paint canisters (type: A1 P2 with pre-filter) may be used. Eye protection (eg safety glasses or goggles) is then required.

Note: In spray booths where an airline respirator is available, it should be used.

Gloves
Solvent resistant gloves made of nitrile (eg. Ansell's Sol-vex) or PVC must be worn when handling paint, solvents and during spraying. Rubber gloves are not suitable. Disposable nitrile gloves (eg. Best N-DEX Nitrile gloves) are acceptable while spraying. Re-useable gloves should be checked before use for leakage and contamination (inside) the glove.

To check for cuts and holes, simply grab and pull the cuff of the glove with both hands, flip the glove end over end two or three times to produce a good seal, then grab the cuff with one hand sealing the air within. Squeeze the glove with the other hand (the fingers should inflate), look for holes.

Overalls\coveralls
Protective clothing should be worn to avoid contamination of street clothes. Tradesmen's overalls with sleeves or disposable coveralls are suitable. Cotton or anti-static fabrics are preferred.

Hearing protection
Where noise levels are in excess of the 85 dB(A) occupational exposure limit, hearing protection (ear muffs or ear plugs) should be worn. They may also be worn simply to reduce the noise to a comfortable level.

When the noise level exceeds 85 dB(A), the noise level of the booth should be documented and placed near the booth with a hearing conservation warning sign.

Footwear
Good footwear should have a non-slip chemical resistant sole and protective upper.

Maintenance
For personal protective equipment to function correctly and last a reasonable length of time, it must be correctly maintained. This involves -

• Pre-use checks, to ensure the equipment is not damaged, leaking, and working correctly,
• Worn and correctly used, contact the OHS Unit or manufacturer\supplier if unsure. Appropriate training shall be given before equipment is used for the first time.
• Cleaned, after use to prevent the build-up of dirt and bacteria.
• Stored correctly. For example, half face respirators should be stored in a sealed container to prevent absorption of contaminates.
• Respirator filters must be changed when appropriate.