Painter Safety 1

Painters apply coatings to surfaces and products to protect and/or beautify them. They use chemicals such as solvents, fillers, etchers, primers, color, and clear coats.

Be familiar with the chemicals you use in the workplace. Read and understand the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the proper use of each chemical. Chemical containers require labels with at least the name and the primary hazard of the chemical inside. Choose chemicals that have lower hazard ratings for fire, health, and reactivity.

Spray painting and the use of solvents may cause you to inhale dusts, vapors, and mists of coating chemicals. Do your preparation and finish work in spray booths, ventilation hoods, or other well-ventilated areas. Use low emission spray equipment and inspect it frequently to ensure that it is working properly.

Protect yourself with proper personal protective equipment while you paint. A respirator may be needed for certain job tasks or chemicals that you use. Dust masks can control nuisance dusts generated during sanding or scraping paint. Wear coveralls and gloves to protect your skin from absorbing chemicals. Consider using a hood to protect your face and neck, if necessary. Wear safety glasses and/or a face shield to protect your eyes. Sturdy work boots protect your feet from dropped or fallen objects. Spray equipment, grinders, and mixers can be very loud, so wear hearing protection if needed.

Painting is a strenuous job involving fine detail work and heavy manual handling. Maintain your overall fitness and health so you can work comfortably. Use assistive lifting devices; if you must manually lift items, use your legs, not your back. Choose spray equipment that is well balanced and fits your hand. Use stands, clips, and other devices to secure items instead of holding them while spraying. Take frequent, short breaks throughout your work shift to avoid fatigue and overuse injuries.