HAZARDOUS MATERIAL “PAINT COATING”

Physical Characteristics of the Material

Containment
Spray paint, also known as aerosol paint, is paint that's stored in a pressurized container and
dispensed using a valve to release a mixture of paint and a propellant, usually pressurized gas or
compressed air. 

State of the Paint

The result is a fine, even mist that is easily applied to a variety of surfaces. Spray paint works the
way it does because it's actually a combination of paint and a gas propellant. Most propellants in
spray cans are mixtures of ignitable gases, such as propane and butane.

Chemical Characteristics of the Material

Paint Contains:

Pigment(s) - There are four basic types of pigments used in spray paint. White pigments such as
titanium dioxide are used to scatter light and make the painted surface more opaque. Color
pigments, as the name implies, provide color to the paint mixture. These include a variety of
synthetic chemicals. Inert pigments are used as fillers that alter the film characteristics of the
paint. Finally, functional pigments provide extra performance characteristics such as imparting
protection from ultraviolet rays.

Binder(Resin) - a polymer, often referred to as resin, forming a matrix to hold the pigment in
place. The three most important binders (resins) used in modern paints are: Acrylic Polymers
(resins), Alkyd Polymers (resins) or Epoxy polymers (resins).

Extender- larger pigment particles added to improve adhesion, strengthen the film and save
binder

Solvent(Sometimes called a thinner) either an organic solvent or water is used to reduce the
viscosity of the paint for better application. Water-borne paints are replacing some paints that use
volatile organic compounds such as the hydrocarbons which are harmful to the atmosphere.

Additives- used to modify the properties of the paint. Paint additives are used to prevent defects
in the coating (e.g., foam bubbles, poor leveling, flocculation, sedimentation) or to impart
specific properties to the paint (e.g.. better slip, flame retardance, UV stability) that are otherwise
difficult to achieve.
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Physical or health Risks

Paint Poisoning
Paint poisoning occurs when large amounts of oil-based paint get into your stomach or
lungs. It may also occur if the poison gets into your eyes or touches your skin. It can
cause watering eyes and runny sinuses, Unconsciousness, dizziness, confusion and even
coma may occur too.

Paint Fumes
When oil-based paint fumes are emitted into the air, it can lead to acute to severe health
symptoms upon exposure. Symptoms can fluctuate from irritated skin, stomach pain, to
more severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing, and even
pneumonia

Allergic Reactions
Oil-based paint may cause allergic reactions, gastrointestinal symptoms, difficulty
breathing, rapid heartbeat and other adverse reactions to its high levels of chemicals.

Risks form the Material

Propellant in Spray Paint
The solvents used in paint and coats are typically flammable or combustible. While simply
handling them poses a risk to workers, spray applications multiply that risk due to the generation
of aerosols and vapors.

The vapors from spray painting spread quickly – especially in a confined space – resulting in a
potentially explosive atmosphere. This mist coming into contact with an ignition source could
result in an explosion that doesn’t just put the workers in the immediate workspace in danger, but
also others in the building and nearby area.

Risk from Hydrocarbons in the Paint

The primary risk is from the hydrocarbons in the paint, and symptoms include respiratory
difficulty or coughing, confusion, rapid heartbeat, skin irritation and blistering and irritated
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Risk from the Chemical Composition of the material

Risks from the Pigments

Hazard: While most natural dyes are safe and nontoxic, some of these synthetic dyes are
toxic, carcinogenic and can cause skin and eye irritation. Many carcinogenic and allergic
synthetic dyes are banned now. Many dyes, though not banned yet, may not be
completely safe. Most synthetic dyes are not biodegradable; they accumulate on lands
and in river causing ecological problems.

Synthetic dyes are made from chemical compounds such as mercury, lead, chromium,
copper, sodium chloride, toluene, or benzene. These are proven to be harmful to humans,
especially those that work with them in production.

Risks from the Binder

 Acrylic Polymers (resins)

Hazard: Low oral toxicity. If it is dispersed in the air, it can irritate the eyes. Irritation
after skin contact is not known. No adverse health effects are known.

 Alkyd Polymers (resins)

Hazard: The manufacturing of alkyd resins involves a wide variety of organic

ingredients, most of them relatively mild and of low toxicity.

 Epoxy polymers (resins)

Hazard: The chemicals in epoxy resin systems can affect your health when they come in
contact with your skin, or if they evaporate or form a mist or dust in the air you breathe.
The main effects of overexposure are irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, skin
allergies, and asthma.

Risk from the Solvent

Hazard: Thinners are chemical mixtures used as industrial solvents. Humans can come
into contact with thinner by occupational exposure or by intentional inhalation abuse.
Thinner sniffing causes damage to the brain, kidney, liver, lung, and reproductive system.
Skin Contact Acute Exposure Effects: May cause irritation; numbness in the fingers and
arms; drying of skin; and dermatitis.
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Precautions

Isolating the Hazard

Using a spray booth ensures that workers in the surrounding area are not affected by the airborne
paint. It also helps contain any vapors that could cause a fire or explosion.

Engineering Controls
Engineering controls like ventilation systems can reduce the presence of vapors in the work
atmosphere and minimize worker exposure to potentially hazardous fumes.

Personal Protective Equipment

Proper PPE is essential to protect worker health. For employees involved in spray painting
operations, this should include:

 Eye protection
 Gloves
 Aprons
 Respirators

Preventative Maintenance
While much of the safety focus is on the potentially harmful substances being sprayed, it's
important to consider the spraying equipment as well. Conduct regular preventative
maintenance to ensure that spray guns and other related equipment are working as they are
supposed to.

OSHA Standards
Of course, OSHA also mandates that employers take specific action to mitigate the risks
involved with spray painting and coating work. It’s important that both employers and workers
get familiar with some of the key standards to ensure a safe work atmosphere for everyone.