Safety and Health Program- Painting Upgrade Chapter

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Painting Operations

Policy:

Painting and paint removal present hazards requiring effective controls. Hazards include exposure to toxic materials and flammable or explosive mists, particulates, and vapors.

Inhalation of mists and vapors from nearly all paints, solvents, thinners, cleaning chemicals, strippers, and epoxies can be injurious depending upon the agent's toxic characteristics and the amount and method of exposure. Further, many can physically injure the skin and eyes, or be absorbed through the skin.

Potential physical and health hazards can be effectively controlled by appropriate work procedures, controls, facility design, protective clothing, and equipment.

Procedures:

Pressure Equipment-

Pressure equipment used in painting operations is hazardous because of the compressed air component; therefore, the Supervisor shall assure that spray painting equipment is in serviceable condition.

On all air-type spraying equipment a pressure regulator valve shall be installed in the air line between the compressor and painting equipment. A pressure relief valve and a pressure gauge shall be installed between the pressure regulator and pressurized paint containers and/or spray guns. Pressure relief valves shall be set to open at pressures not more than 10 pounds above the required working pressure.

Other Equipment-

Painter's ladders, scaffolds, and other equipment shall be inspected prior to use to be certain they are in safe condition.

Paint Mixing-

Paint mixing shall be done in designated, adequately ventilated rooms constructed of fire-resistant materials. All sources of ignition shall be prohibited in mixing areas. All electrical fixtures or equipment in or within 20 feet of designated paint preparation areas shall meet the requirements of the National Electrical Code (NFPA #70) for Class I Division 2 locations.

Housekeeping-

Good housekeeping is essential to safe operations in paint shops. Paint rooms, booths, etc., shall be kept clean with equipment stored in a proper and orderly manner. All solvent or paint soiled rags shall be placed in approved self-closing metal containers plainly marked to indicate the contents. At the end of each day, these containers shall be emptied or removed to an approved location for pickup and disposal.