Be safe and healthy on the job at BCFA - British Contract Furnishing Association (Contract Furnishing and Design Association Ltd t/as) with these helpful tips provided by rhg Insurance Brokers.
The area dedicated to paint mixing is a more dangerous place than you might expect because of all the toxic chemicals in the paints you are using. To avoid injuries and illnesses when you are working with paint, practise the following safety precautions.
Put a Lid On It!
Not only is an open container of paint or solvent a waste of money, it also contaminates the air. By putting a lid on it, you will keep harmful vapours out of the clean air that you breathe in. You will also save materials by not allowing expensive paints and coatings to evaporate or to become contaminated by air exposure.
Wear a Respirator
Vapour-generating materials and equipment permeate most paint mixing rooms. Despite this, wearing a respirator will decrease the amount of harmful vapours you breathe in from paints and solvents. When mixing paint, always wear an air-purifying respirator with an organic vapour cartridge. Some other things to consider:
Make sure the respirator forms a tight seal on your face. Males should be clean-shaven where the mask touches the face for optimal protection.
Change the cartridge on a regular basis, as outlined by the manufacturer.
Cover Up!
Your skin and eyes also need protection from hazardous paint materials. Many chemicals in coatings and solvents are not only strong irritants, they can also pass through your skin and can damage your internal organs. To avoid unnecessary problems, be aware of the variety of chemicals that you use in the mixing room, and wear chemical-resistant gloves and a paint suit that offers adequate protection.
Some other things to consider:
Wear nitrile or butyl rubber gloves (not latex) to protect your skin from chemicals.
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding when to change your gloves to ensure that you are receiving optimal protection against chemicals. Also, if you notice a tear or puncture in your gloves, discard them straight away.
Wear a full face-piece respirator to protect your eyes. If you are wearing a half mask respirator, goggles or a face shield will provide adequate eye protection as well.
Reduce Waste
When you reduce waste, you reduce costs while helping the environment. Therefore, mix only the amount of paints and coatings that you need. Also, store and reuse left-over primers and basecoats to avoid unnecessary waste.