INDUSTRIAL PAINTING

Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

during painting

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 INDUSTRIAL PAINTING

Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) during painting

General guidelines
During the preparation and use of paint, it is important to be aware of the risks
associated with the activity. In brief:

• Read the safety data sheets for all products. Know the risks and how to protect
yourself.
• Obtain the necessary training in the use of the products and equipment to be
used.
• Use the necessary protective equipment to protect the respiratory system, eyes,
skin and hearing.
• Inspect all areas where work will take place to reveal possible SHE faults.
• Ensure correct storage and handling of products and associated thinners before,
during and after the work. The products should be collected in a specially
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allocated area.
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Safety, Health and Environment (SHE):

Safety
 Safety aspects are particularly important in connection with the use of solvent-based
paints.

 Solvents are flammable and in the right environment and under unfavourable conditions
can cause both fire and explosion. Be aware that solvents are heavier than air and will
sink down to areas which lie below the painting work.

 Take extra safety precautions when painting in tanks and confined areas: Adequate
ventilation, explosion-proof working lights and equipment, an assistant with a line and
adequate breaks in fresh air.

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 INDUSTRIAL PAINTING

Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

 Health:
 Surface treatment represents a health risk. The risk can however be reduced to
a minimum if the operators and people in the vicinity of areas where such
work is in progress proceed as follows:

 Read the safety instructions and SHE documentation for the product (safety
data sheet).

 Follow the instructions given. In particular: use adequate approved protective

equipment e.g. fresh air masks, gloves, protective goggles and anti-static
footwear/clothing.

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 INDUSTRIAL PAINTING

Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

 The most serious health risks are associated with the following:
1. Solvents
 Irritation of the skin, eyes and respiratory organs
 Can be absorbed through the skin. Degrease the skin. Can cause eczema
 Negative effects on the liver, kidneys, respiratory organs, blood, central
nervous system and reproductive organs
 Can cause headaches, dizziness and fatigue

2. Epoxy
 Irritation of eyes and skin
 Causes skin allergy
 For sensitive persons: epoxy allergy can be life-long

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 INDUSTRIAL PAINTING

Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

3. Isocyanates
 Irritation of eyes, skin and respiratory organs
 Causes allergy to the skin and respiratory organs
 For sensitive people: allergies can be life-long
 At high temperature: toxic gases such as free isocyanates can be emitted

4. Heavy metals: Dust and vapours

 Metals harmful to health are mainly: chromium (IV), lead, iron, cadmium, cobalt, copper,
zinc and nickel. The organs which can be affected (examples of symptoms/effects):
 Respiratory organs (metal fever)
 Skin (eczema)
 Blood cells (anaemia)
 Nervous system (fatigue)
 Heart (irregular pulse)
 Kidneys (reduced function)
 Bone structure (accumulation)

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Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

5. Dust
 Dust is a factor which must be taken into account both during pre-treatment and
spray application. Dust is inhaled through the nose and mouth and can cause lung
damage (dust disease, silicosis) and irritation of the eyes. Dust on the skin can also
cause irritation depending on what the substance contains.
6. Noise
 Noise is primarily linked with steelwork and preparation. Many tools produce noise
levels over 100 decibels. A lower limit for the use of ear protectors is often set at
around 80 decibels.

( Sound pressure is measured in decibels (dB). The average person can hear sounds down to about 0
dB, the level of rustling leaves. Some people with very good hearing can hear sounds down to -15
dB. If a sound reaches 85 dB or stronger, it can cause permanent damage to your hearing. With
extended exposure, noises that reach a decibel level of 85 can cause permanent damage to the hair
cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss.)
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 INDUSTRIAL PAINTING

Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

 Many risks are involved when working with paints

 Safety
 Explosion and Fire

 Health
 Manufacturing and Surface treatment

 Environment
 Emission to air (VOC)
 Emission to water (Maintenance)
 Emission to soil (Waste handling)

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 INDUSTRIAL PAINTING

Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

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 INDUSTRIAL PAINTING

Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

Safety risk: High pressure equipment
 Surface treatment involves equipment
with very high pressures
 Blast cleaning
 Mixture of air and particles
 Water Jetting
 Water up to above 2500 Bar
 Airless spray application
 Paint

Never point any high pressure unit at another

person or at yourself !!

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1 bar ≡ 100000 Pa = 0.1 N/mm2
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Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

How can we reduce the possibility for accidents to happen ?

 Read the Safety Data Sheet and follow the given precautions and
advices

 Check the surrounding areas for nearby activities, particularly welding,

machining etc. (remember lower levels)

 Ensure proper ventilation and check the direction where solvents may
move.

 Always use approved and sufficient personal protection equipment of

approved type 11
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Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

How flammable is a paint ?

The “Flash point” tells how flammable a Paint is.
The flash point is the lowest temperature at which the fumes from the solvents
ignite or explode.

Classification:

 Extremely flammable: Flash point below 0 °C

 Highly flammable: Flash point between 0 and 21°C
 Flammable: Flash point between 21 and 55 °C

This information can be found in the Safety Data Sheet

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 INDUSTRIAL PAINTING

Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

Symbols : Fire and explosion hazards

These symbols can be found in Safety Data Sheets and on the paint tin label

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Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

Symbols : Health hazards

These symbols can be found in Safety Data Sheets and on the paint tin label

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Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

Types of information to be found in the safety data sheet (16 points).

1. Identification of the company
2. Composition and ingredients
3. Hazard identification
4. First aid measure
5. Fire fighting Measures
6. Accidental release measures
7. Handling and storage
8. Exposure control and personal protection
9. Physical and chemical properties
10. Stability and reactivity
11. Toxicological information
12. Ecological information
13. Disposal considerations
14. Transport information
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15. Regulatory information
16. Other information
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Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

Evaporation of solvents during application of an object

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Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) : General precautions

Before the work starts

• Do not start the work without proper training or experience
• Know all safety routines and where to find necessary equipment if an accident
should occur
• Read and understand all Safety and Technical Data Sheets
• Know all the hazards involved (R phrases)
• Know all protective measures requires (S phrases)
• Availability of appropriate, personal protection equipment
• Evaluate the work place regarding
- Other nearby activities, warning signs, mixing station, first aid kits, ventilation,
housekeeping

R phrases – Risk statement (R1 – R68), R1 is the most risk associated 17

S phrases – Safety statement (S1 – S64), S1 is the most safety hazardous
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Safety, Health and Environment (SHE): R-phrases & S-phrases

Code Phrase Code Phrase
R1 Explosive when dry S1 Keep locked up
Risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or other
R2 sources of ignition S2 Keep out of the reach of children
Extreme risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or
R3 other sources of ignition S3 Keep in a cool place

R4 Forms very sensitive explosive metallic compounds S4 Keep away from living quarters
Keep contents under ... (appropriate liquid to be
R5 Heating may cause an explosion S5 specified by the manufacturer)
This material and its container must be disposed of
R54 Toxic to flora S60 as hazardous waste
Avoid release to the environment. Refer to special
R55 Toxic to fauna S61 instructions/safety data sheet
If swallowed, do not induce vomiting: seek medical
advice immediately and show this container or label
R56 Toxic to soil organisms S62 where possible
In case of accident by inhalation: remove casualty to
R57 Toxic to bees S63 fresh air and keep at rest
May cause long-term adverse effects in the If swallowed, rinse mouth with water (only if the
R58 environment S64 person is conscious)
R65 Harmful: may cause lung damage if swallowed    
Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or
R66 cracking     18
R67 Vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness    
R68 Possible risk of irreversible effects    
 INDUSTRIAL PAINTING

Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) : General precautions

During work
• Always use appropriate, approved personal protection equipment
• Use the tools and equipment correctly to avoid injuries to others or to
yourself
• Keep all containers / tins closed
• The work can be exhausting: Take sufficient rests
• Keep the work place tidy during the work

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Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) :

General precautions
After work
• Close all Containers / tins
• Clean the equipment properly
• Store unused paint and thinners safely (Paint store)
• Throw waste in designated containers. (Hazardous waste)
• Clean the personal protection equipment and store it properly to avoid
contamination
• Clean yourself with water and cleaning cream

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Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

Filter types
Dust

P1: Lowest degree of protection

P2: Medium degree of protection
P3: Highest degree of protection

Gas from organic solvents

A1 Lowest degree of protection

A2 Medium degree of protection
A3 Highest degree of protection
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Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

Health hazards when using paints.
Binders
• Skin contact.
• Particularly Epoxy, Amines and Isocyanates may cause skin irritation and
Allergic reactions
Solvents: May enter the body in three ways:
• By inhalation
• Skin contact
• Ingestion
Other constituents:
• Tar, Heavy metals

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Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

Health hazards from solvent exposure
Acute effects
• Headache
• Abnormal tiredness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
Long term effects
• Irritability
• Loss of memory
• Organ damages (kidneys, liver, CNS)
• Reduced reaction ability
• Reduced evaluation ability
Skin irritations
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• Eczema
• Dry and cracked skin
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Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

Health hazard: inhalation of solvents
The most dangerous hazard:
• Solvents will be transported by the blood stream to internal organs of the body.
• Amount absorbed and the effect on the body will depend on: Type of solvent,
period of exposure, concentration and work load.
• May cause damage to: Central nervous system, respiratory system, liver,
kidneys and reproductive systems,
Protective measures:
 Proper ventilation.
 Use approved, protective mask

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Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

Health hazard: Skin contact with solvents
 The most frequently occurring health effects
 - Reddening
 - Swelling
 - Drying and cracking of skin
 - Absorption through intact skin: Some, like Xylene
 - Absorption through damaged skin: Several, like White Spirit
 Protective measures:
 Avoid direct contact
 Protective clothes, gloves and boots

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Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

Health hazards when working with Epoxies.
Hazards :
Eczema and allergic reactions on the skin
Liquid Epoxies with low molecular weigths (below 700) are most likely to give
an allergic reaction
An allergic reaction to Epoxy is irreversible.
Hyper-sensitive persons must stay away from epoxies.
Protective measures
Protective clothes covering the whole body and gloves
Proper cleaning with water, soap and cleaning cream
Use disposable overalls

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Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

Health hazards when working with tar containing paints.
Hazards
The main hazard with tar containing paints is the risk for developing cancer,
especially when exposed to strong sunlight.
Long term exposure to vapours may damage internal organs, cause heritable
genetic defects and birth defects
Short term exposure to fume and vapours may cause irritation to nose, throat
and eyes
Splashes to skin causes irritation
Protective measures
Protective mask to avoid breathing vapours
Protective clothes covering the whole body and gloves

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Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

Health hazards when working with paints containing Isocyanates.
The monomer is more volatile than the pre-polymer and is therefore more
dangerous
Isocyanates are found in Polyurethane paints
Hazards
Irritation of eyes skin and airways
Sensitization by inhalation and skin contact
Asthma
Protective measures
Protective mask to avoid breathing of vapours
Protective clothes covering the whole body, boots and gloves

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Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

Health hazards when working with paints containing heavy metals.
Some times used in pigments, additives or driers.
Hazards (Metal fumes, dust from hot work)
Zinc. Dust and fumes: Zinc fever, chills, coughing, irritation
Copper. Fumes: Metal fever and chills Lead. Dust and fumes. Damage blood
cells, Anemi, skeleton, reduced fertility and central nervous system
Chromium. Dust and fumes: Sensitisation, cancer
Nickel / Cobalt. Sensitisation
General Protective measures
Protective mask to avoid breathing of vapours
Protective clothes covering the whole body, boots and gloves

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Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

How dangerous is a chemical or a paint ?

Different persons will respond differently
In general the hazard will depend on:

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Health, Safety & Environment: PPE

 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

 General PPE list:
•Safety Helmet
•Safety Harness (if working in height)
•Safety shoes or boots
•Protective overalls
•Visible jacket
•Gloves
•Safety glasses or goggles
•Ear protectors
•Respirator

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Health, Safety & Environment: Working in confined space

 Precautions When Painting in Confined Spaces.

•Ensure good ventilation

•Exhaust points for fumes / solvents must be close to the bottom
•Start application from the bottom and up
•Always use non-sparking tools
•Use only approved light and electrical equipment
•Use fresh air masks
•Safety lines
•Sufficient rest periods

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Health, Safety & Environment: Housekeeping

 General precautions

 Good house-keeping is very important

for avoiding accidents.

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