PAINTINGPAINTING

PAINTING

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Paints may contain toxic or irritant substances. A paint for which no manufacturer's information or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is available should not be used. Information must also be provided on thinners and cleaning solvents.

Some paints dry by evaporation of the paint's solvent and the process may release flammable or toxic vapours. All interior and enclosed spaces should be well ventilated while painting is in progress and until the paint has dried.

Smoking should not be permitted during painting. Naked lights, such as matches, should not be used in spaces until paint has fully dried.

Great care should be taken when mixing two-pack (two component) paint, as a chemical reaction takes place during the mixing which might create heat and fumes.

Chemical rust removers are corrosive and precautions should be taken to protect eyes and skin.

Spaces where paint and painting equipment are stored should be well ventilated (see section 10.9 for guidance concerning entering into such spaces when the ventilation system is inoperative).

SPRAY PAINTING

Operators should closely follow the manufacturer's instructions on the operation of spray equipment.

A "paint mist" may form during spraying operations and personnel should wear suitable personal protective equipment such as a combination suit, hood, gloves and eye protectors. A respirator may also be necessary.

Paints containing tin, mercury, lead or any toxic compounds should not be sprayed in interior spaces.

Airless spray equipment ejects paint at a very high pressure. The operation 1s hazardous as the paint can penetrate the skin or cause eye injuries. Great care should be taken in the use of such equipment.

Operators of spray equipment should be trained in the correct methods of unblocking nozzles according to the manufacturer's instructions.

PAINTING ALOFT AND WORKING OVER THE SIDE

Chapter 15 should be read for the precautions to be taken when working aloft and over the side.