Even the most common substances can be hazardous if they’re used without taking commonsense precautions. While paint is not a particularly high-risk substance, it does contain ingredients that can cause health and safety problems. And certain types of paints, such as those containing polyisocyanates, are even more hazardous.
Although OSHA doesn’t single out paint as a hazard, the ingredients in paint are covered under the Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) and the regulations that deal with spray finishing operations (29 CFR 1910.107).
Because of the potential dangers, employees involved in paint-related activities must understand the health and safety hazards and the basic protective measures that can make painting as safe an activity as your employees probably assume it is.
Required Training
At a minimum, employee training should include:
• Identification of hazardous ingredients in paints used in your facility
• Short- and long-term health hazards
• Use of MSDSs to find safety and health information
• Fire and explosion prevention
• Ventilation requirements
• Protective clothing and equipment
• Cleanup and storage of materials
Employees involved in spray finishing operations that involve the use of flammable and combustible materials should be a special target for comprehensive training that meets all requirements of 29 CFR 1910.107.
The paint safety checklist from BLR’s Safety Audit Checklists program can help make your operation a picture of safety. See how this award-winning resource can make all your workplace safety programs more effectiveand protective. Try it at no cost and no risk. Get the full story.
Emphasize Health Risks
Health problems can develop from direct skin contact with paint or from inhaling paint vapors or mists. Short-term overexposure can cause:
• Eye irritation
• Sore throat, cough, or runny nose
• Nausea, fatigue, or dizziness
• Skin rashes or swelling
Exposure to paints that contain hardeners or certain resins can also bring on flu-like symptoms, such as chills, fever, or shortness of breath.
Problems like these usually appear quickly—and disappear just as quickly when exposure ceases. Long-term overexposure, however, can cause more serious ailments, including liver, kidney, or lung damage or problems with the digestive or central nervous system.
Another long-term problem is sensitization to certain paint ingredients, which may be caused by a massive overexposure or repeated exposure on a smaller scale. A person who becomes sensitized to, for example, polyisocyanates (which bind paint ingredients to create a smooth and durable surface) may never again be able to be exposed to the ingredient without developing allergy-like skin or respiratory reactions.
Highlight the Safety Hazards
There are also potential safety hazards associated with paint. Some paints are flammable and can catch fire when exposed to even a spark, lit cigarette, or static electricity—especially in an unventilated area.
A closed paint container exposed to high heat may also explode. Yet another potential hazard is reactivity. Some chemicals in paint become hazardous if mixed with or exposed to other substances.
While these problems sound serious, it’s fairly easy to avoid them. The first step to prevention is, as with any hazardous substance, for employees to read the label and material safety data sheet (MSDS). This information lists the ingredients and possible hazards as well as the proper protective equipment and handling procedures.
Examine the best-selling Safety Audit Checklists program for 30 days at no cost … not even for return shipping. Get the details.
Tomorrow, we’ll look at more safety and health guidelines that can keep employees safe whether they’re painting walls or spray finishing parts.
Other Recent Articles on Safety Management
Is Your Accident Reporting Policy All It Should Be?
Accident Reporting: Not Just More Paperwork
Heavy-Duty Movers Require Heavy-Duty Precautions
Are You on Board with Safety Onboarding?