All workers involved with spray painting, both paint manufacturers and users, come into contact with hazardous chemical substances at their place of work either through product handling or inhalation. These harmful substances include, not only paint ingredients, but also thinners and solvents in liquid and/or gaseous form.
Chemical risk when spray painting: from rhinitis to tumours
The workers who appear to be the most exposed to hazardous substances are spray painters due to the considerable amount of dispersed particles produced when carrying out this task. As far as the ensuing step or drying phase is concerned, the hazards present are mainly those caused by solvents and thinners. Employees, however, are not only exposed to risks while working but also while carrying out service and maintenance activities.
Speaking about the effects spray painting activities have on workers’ health, these, naturally, differ depending on the gravity and the organs involved. The most common injuries are to the skin and the respiratory system and, fortunately, these do not go beyond irritation and/or a mild allergic reaction. However, the more serious symptoms are not to be underestimated, considering that alterations to the nervous system caused by inhaling organic solvent molecules can lead to loss of consciousness. Not to mention the need to be wary of potentially carcinogenic compounds, including the many hexavalent chromium compounds, such as red molybdate chromium plated lead, sulphochromated lead yellow, strontium chromate and barium chromate, well known lung carcinogenics.
Nevertheless, employers often have alternatives that allow them to replace the harmful raw materials with others having less health risks, for example, substituting organic solvent based paints with water based paints or chromium pigments with natural ones.
Sometimes, however, these replacements are not possible, as the final optical effect may result in something quite different. However, this does not mean that employers may be exempted from safeguarding their employees, whose exposure level to harmful substances must always be reduced to the lowest possible.
The importance of risk assessment and PPE
In order to ensure that the risks workers’ face remain below the minimum exposure levels, employers have to carry out workplace assessments with include the collection of information and environmental monitoring in order to identify the most appropriate measures to be taken. Amongst these measures are Respiratory Protective Devices which have to comply with European standards and be equipped with suitable filters depending on the concentration and type of pollutant present in the atmosphere.
Spray painting respiratory protective devices come in various versions, i.e. equipped with half masks, full face masks and/or helmets. Respirators with half masks and full face masks come either in negative pressure or positive pressure (powered) versions, while those equipped with helmets are all powered. Furthermore, the respirators equipped with half masks cover the nose and mouth – those with full face masks protect the whole face and, lastly, those equipped with helmets, protect the entire head (eyes, ears, respiratory system). They can also be used by workers wearing eyewear and beards without compromising the level of protection.
Among the latter is the K80 T8 powered respirator manufactured by Kasco. Filtered clean air is drawn through filters by a blower unit worn on a belt at the waist and conveyed through a breathing hose to the inside of the helmet. The positive pressure which forms inside the helmet allows for ease of breathing even under strain and prevents the visor fogging. Moreover, this respirator is lightweight and certified according to international standards.
Jun 1 2017
Spray painting hazards: how to protect oneself effectively
Chemical risk when spray painting: from rhinitis to tumours
The workers who appear to be the most exposed to hazardous substances are spray painters due to the considerable amount of dispersed particles produced when carrying out this task. As far as the ensuing step or drying phase is concerned, the hazards present are mainly those caused by solvents and thinners. Employees, however, are not only exposed to risks while working but also while carrying out service and maintenance activities.
Speaking about the effects spray painting activities have on workers’ health, these, naturally, differ depending on the gravity and the organs involved. The most common injuries are to the skin and the respiratory system and, fortunately, these do not go beyond irritation and/or a mild allergic reaction. However, the more serious symptoms are not to be underestimated, considering that alterations to the nervous system caused by inhaling organic solvent molecules can lead to loss of consciousness. Not to mention the need to be wary of potentially carcinogenic compounds, including the many hexavalent chromium compounds, such as red molybdate chromium plated lead, sulphochromated lead yellow, strontium chromate and barium chromate, well known lung carcinogenics.
Nevertheless, employers often have alternatives that allow them to replace the harmful raw materials with others having less health risks, for example, substituting organic solvent based paints with water based paints or chromium pigments with natural ones.
Sometimes, however, these replacements are not possible, as the final optical effect may result in something quite different. However, this does not mean that employers may be exempted from safeguarding their employees, whose exposure level to harmful substances must always be reduced to the lowest possible.
The importance of risk assessment and PPE
In order to ensure that the risks workers’ face remain below the minimum exposure levels, employers have to carry out workplace assessments with include the collection of information and environmental monitoring in order to identify the most appropriate measures to be taken. Amongst these measures are Respiratory Protective Devices which have to comply with European standards and be equipped with suitable filters depending on the concentration and type of pollutant present in the atmosphere.
Spray painting respiratory protective devices come in various versions, i.e. equipped with half masks, full face masks and/or helmets. Respirators with half masks and full face masks come either in negative pressure or positive pressure (powered) versions, while those equipped with helmets are all powered. Furthermore, the respirators equipped with half masks cover the nose and mouth – those with full face masks protect the whole face and, lastly, those equipped with helmets, protect the entire head (eyes, ears, respiratory system). They can also be used by workers wearing eyewear and beards without compromising the level of protection.
Among the latter is the K80 T8 powered respirator manufactured by Kasco. Filtered clean air is drawn through filters by a blower unit worn on a belt at the waist and conveyed through a breathing hose to the inside of the helmet. The positive pressure which forms inside the helmet allows for ease of breathing even under strain and prevents the visor fogging. Moreover, this respirator is lightweight and certified according to international standards.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •