Safety, health and

environment, SHE

Paint School
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 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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 Safety hazard
Explosion / fire
• Mainly related to the solvents
• Remember: Solvents are heavier than air and will flow
along the floor to possible ignition sources
• High risk areas are:
– Close to hot work (welding, gas-cutting,etc.)
– Confined spaces (Ventilation)
Injuries of persons
• High pressure equipment:
- Airless spray, Blast cleaning and Water
blasting equipment

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 Safety hazard: Solvents

Solvents are heavier than air

• A fire may start in lower

areas or compartments
• Ignorant personnel below
can be affected

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 Working with solvents
represents a safety risk

• Solvents are heavier than

air
• The solvents may flow to
lower compartments or
areas
• Hot work may ignite the
solvents
• A fire or an explosion
may be initiated
SHE: Solvents_fire1

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 You need to know where the
safety stations are located
• Learn how to use the equipment
• Time is important in case of accidents
• Photo shows fixed and mobile equipment

CD 4930 no. 14

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 You need to know where the fire
extinguishers are located

• Learn how to use the

extinguishers
• Time is important in
case of accidents
• Testing, services and
maintenance is required
at fixed intervals CD 4930 no. 15

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 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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 Blast-cleaning and water jetting
represent a safety risk for the operator

• High pressures are

involved
• Never point the guns at
yourself or any other
nearby person
• Always use approved
equipment
• Unapproved equipment
may give inadequate
protection
SHE: Glove_and_booth1

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 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

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 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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 Range of concentration where an
explosion might occur
Typical range for solvents:
1 vol.% (10.000 ppm) - 8 vol.% (80.000 ppm)

Too concentrated Upper explosion limit

Risk of having explosion

Too diluted Lower explosion limit

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 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 antistatic clothing with hood
• Use masks with air supply
• Use boots and gloves
Never smoke
• Safety lines or use naked flames !
• Sufficient rest periods

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 Where to find / seek information
about SHE related matters

• Legislation and Regulations from authorities

• Company’s internal safety system
• Safety Data Sheets
• Label on tin of the Paint
• Experienced colleagues
• Suppliers of equipment or products

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 Symbols
Fire and explosion hazards
These symbols can be found in
Safety Data Sheets and on the paint tin label

E O F+ F

Extremely Highly
Explosive Oxidizing
flammable flammable

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

T+ T C Xn Xi

Very Toxic Toxic Corrosive Harmful Irritant

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 Classification of chemicals

E Explosive
O Oxidising
F+ Extremely flammable
A Sensitizing
F Very flammable K Carcenogenic
T+ Very Toxic (cat.1, 2 and3)
T Toxic R Reproduction Hazard
C Corrosive (rep1, 2 and 3)
Xn Harmful M Mutagenic
(mut.1, 2 and 3)
Xi Irritating
IK Not Classified

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 There is a lot of useful information
on the label of the tin

Useful information, such as:

• Health hazard classification
• Risk phrases
• Safety phrases

SHE: Label_on_tin

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 Label of tin gives useful information
Example of tin label: Thinner no.17
• Note the safety and health signs, Risk and Safety (R/S)
phrases
• Read Material Safety Data Sheet for further information

CD 4930 no. 10

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

1. Identification of the company 9. Physical and chemical

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
properties
10. Stability and reactivity
11. Toxicological information
12. Ecological information
13. Disposal considerations
14. Transport information
15. Regulatory information
16. Other information

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 Limit Values. Several expressions
are used. Basically they mean the same.
• Threshold Limit Value (TLV), particularly in USA
• Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL), particularly in UK
• Administrative norm, particularly in Norway

The concentration level of a specified substance

in a working atmosphere which will not
cause harm to a person when inhaling the
contaminated air for more then 8 hours daily
and during a whole “working life time”.

NOTE: There are no definite limits as

individual differences will exist
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 Occupational Air Requirement
(OAR)
The amount of air necessary to dilute the fumes from
one litre of a paint or product to a concentration lower
than the administrative norm

OAR Group OAR Figures

00 0 - 30 m³ /l
0 30 - 100 m³ /l
1 100 - 400 m³ /l
2 400 - 800 m³ /l
3 800 -1600 m³ /l
4 1600 -3200 m³ /l
5 >3200 m³ /l
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 OAR figures for some paints

Type of paint Solvents % solvents OAR figure OAR

by weight group
Alkyd White spirit... 30 - 60 800 - 1600 3
Bitumen Xylene, White spirit 30 - 40 1600 - 2400 4
Epoxy, 2 pack Xylene, Butanol, 50 - 60 3200 - 5000 5
Ethylglycol...
Epoxy mastic Xylene, Toluen, 15 - 25 800 - 1200 3
ethylglycol..
Coal tar epoxy Xylene,… 30 - 40 1600 - 3000 4
Zinc ethylsilicate Ethanol, ethylglycol 20 - 30 800 - 1600 3
Chlorinated rubber Xylene… 40 - 60 1300 - 3800 3-5
Vinyl Xylene, Acetate, 60 - 75 4400 - 6000 5
Ketone...
Vinyl tar Xylene, White spirit 60 - 70 3200 - 4000 5

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 Theoretical calculation
of required ventilation. Example:
Tank : 4000 m³
Application : 200 litre over a period of 12 hours
Occupational Air Requirement
(OAR) : 3000 m³ per litre (OAR group 4)

Amount of air required: 200 l x 3000 m³ pr l = 600.000 m³

Air required per hour : 600.000 m³ / 12 h = 50.000 m³ / h

Number of exchanges per hour:

50.000 m³ per h / 4.000 m = 12.5 X

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 The solvents will remain in a
room for a long period of time
Application by airless spray
PPM Solvent: White Spirit
900 Volume paint: 4.5 litre
Painted area: 25 m²
700 Volume of room: 20 m ³
Ventilation: 100 m ³ per hour
500 Highest concentration:
1- 2 hours after application
300
OEL (level may vary)
100
1 5 10 15 Hours

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 Evaporation of solvents during
application of an object
Area: 20.000 m²
Litres of Dry Film thickness: 300 microns
Solvents
5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

0
Mastic Tar Epoxy Alkyd CR
Vol. % Solids 82 % 65 % 50 % 40 %

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 Are we capable of noticing
the presence of solvents ?
In most cases: Yes
We can smell the Solvents before
the Administrative norm is reached

Lower explosion limit (LEL) (10.000 ppm)

Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL)

(50 - 100 ppm)
Odour Threshold (0.5 - 20 ppm)

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 General precautions for
surface treatment (1 of 3)
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
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 General precautions for
surface treatment (2 of 3)

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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 General precautions for
surface treatment (3 of 3)

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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 Hard hat

• Mandatory at yards
• Always use approved
types
• Here, a smart “All in one
solution”. Hard hat,
protective glasses and ear
protection
• The gloves shown are very CD 4930 no. 03
suitable when blast-
cleaning

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 Noise levels when
working with pre-treatment

• The noise levels are often very high.

• Levels in the range of 120 - 130 decibels are not
rare.
• In many countries protection of the ears are
prescribed at levels above 85 decibels
• Investigation has shown that a considerable part
of the equipment has unsatisfactory noise level

Always use approved types

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 The hazards of dust

Dust entering the lungs may cause several diseases:

• Silicosis (Inhalation of silica from abrasives and quartz)

• Asbestosis (From dust of asbestos)
• Siderosis (From dust of iron oxide)
• Lung cancer (quarts)

Small particles (‹ 5 microns) can enter the

narrow parts of the lungs

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 Why protect against dust ?

• Oxygen enters the body

through the respiratory
organs and diffuses into the
blood system
• Dust may precipitate in the
organs and create a barrier
against the uptake of
oxygen
• A suitable mask will filter
the dust away and clean air
enter the lungs
SHE: Dusk_and_mask1

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 Respirable dust. Vacuum blasting,
free blasting and wet blasting
Respirable dust produced as a function of
pressure and addition of water
mg / m³ % of total

30 30
25 Free Blasting Vacuum Wet Blasting 25
Blasting 1.1 l / min
20 20
15 15
10 10
5 5
0 0
2 Bar 7 Bar 7 Bar 2 Bar 7 Bar

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 Size of particles in dust
from various types of abrasives
The figure shows the relative concentration
of particles less than 5 microns
% of total % of total
30 30
25 25
20 20
15 15
10 10
5 5
0 0
Cast Iron Al. Oxide Al. Silicate Olivin Quartz
Sand Sand

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 Protection against dust and gas

Use approved respirator assembly

• Mask with filter
• Unit consisting of support belt, air flow control
valve, breathing tube, hood/helmet with filter unit.

Different contaminants require different filters

• Dust: Filter P1 - P3
• Gas from organic solvents: Filter A1 - A3
• Combination-filters (P and A) are recommended

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 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 Other types might be
required for products
classified as corrosive.

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 This type of mask
protects against dust, only
• Various type of filters protect against various types of
dust and different particle / dust size (P1, P2, P3)
• Read Material Safety Data Sheet thoroughly

CD 4930 no. 08

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 Brown filter mask for
protection against solvents
• Important to select correct type of filter:
Read Material Safety Data Sheet.
• Store safely and well protected against contamination

Use approved
masks and
filters only CD 4930 no. 06

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 Health hazards from
solvent exposure
Acute effects Long term effects
• Headache • Irritability
• Abnormal tiredness • Loss of memory
• Dizziness • Organ damages
• Nausea (kidneys, liver, CNS)
• Reduced reaction ability
• Reduced evaluation ability
Skin irritations
• Eczema
• Dry and cracked skin
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 Health hazards when
working with surface treatment.
Brain and nervous
Eyes
Hazards: system
Respiratory system
• Skin contact Heart and
circulation system
Kidneys
• Inhalation
Liver
Skin
• Ingestion
Reproductive
system
Gastro intestinal
tract

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 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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 Suit covering the whole body
gives good protection

• Here: Disposable suit

for painting with epoxy
• Fresh air mask
• Gloves

SHE: Disposable_suit1

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 Fresh air mask

• Usually used in closed

compartments
• Air supply from
compressor placed outside
the compartment
• Beard may cause leaks

CD 4930 no. 19

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 Health hazard:
Skin contact with solvents
The most frequently occurring health effects
• Causes:
- 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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 Breathing of vapours and direct
contact with skin must be avoided
Thinners are very
harmful to the body.
Solvents can lead to
several health problems
• Dry out the skin
• Transportation by the
blood may harm vital
organs:
Brain, liver, nervous CD 4930 no. 09
system, kidneys,
reproduction system etc.
Take care of your own health

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 Several mistakes are done .
Are you able to find them ?

• SHE related mistakes

• Technical mistakes

SHE: Mistakes1

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 Health hazard:
Splash in the eyes
Often occurring when pouring thinners and stirring paints

• Some thinners are more dangerous than others

• Consult the Safety Data Sheet.
• Irritates or injures the eyes

Protective measures:
 Use approved safety glasses or a visor
 Flush for at least 15 minutes with tempered, clean water
 Seek medical assistance

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 Eye wash / shower cabinets are usually
located in the vicinity of the work place

Øyevask
• Make sure you know the
location of them Dusj, kabinett
• Important to keep in order; 9 - 25
function testing regularly

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 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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 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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 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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 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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 Health hazards when working
with antifoulings.

• Antifoulings are generally looked upon as Toxic

• Some antifoulings contain Tin
• Tin may cause irritation to skin and eyes the central
nervous system and effect the immune system

General Protective measures

 Protective mask to avoid breathing of
spray mist / droplets
 Protective clothes covering the whole body,
boots and gloves

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 Application of Antifouling
Antifouling is considered toxic

Operator follows Safety

and health regulations:
• Mask
• Protective suit
• Working gloves
CD 4930 no. 12

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 How dangerous is a
chemical or a paint ?
Different persons will respond differently
In general the hazard will depend on:

The toxicity and The concentration The contact period

amount and risk of exposure with the chemical
of the compound

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 Noise levels when
working with pre-treatment

• The noise levels are often very high.

• Levels in the range of 120 - 130 decibels are not rare.
• In many countries protection of the ears are prescribed at
levels above 85 decibels
• Investigation has shown that a considerable part of the
equipment has unsatisfactory noise level

Always use approved types

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 Conditions at the workplace

Near by activities Cordon off areas

Housekeeping

Ventilation
Waste treatment

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 It is important to warn other
personnel about ongoing paint work

• Several type of signs are

used to describe the
hazards
• Do not forget to put up the
signs before the work starts
• Do not overlook warnings
put up by others CD 4930 no. 13

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