Spray painting jobs expose workers to health risks making it necessary to use respiratory protective devices.
Why protect the respiratory system when spray painting?
During spray painting operations, workers come into contact with substances that release potentially hazardous chemical agents. Additionally, during paint manufacturing operations, substances which can cause chemical reactions harmful to human health, are added.
Among the products which expose workers to risks are polyurethane paints, diluents and solvents. In particular, polyurethane paints, which are widely used because they are particularly resistant and versatile as they can be used on wood, furniture, for sealing floors and for car bodywork, contain harmful isocyanates which can cause serious health problems. These substances, released during spray painting, are classified as sensitizing substances that, mainly, cause allergies to the respiratory tract, and this is why these allergies are also called “isocyanate asthma”.
Cough and respiratory failure are among the predominant symptoms of this disorder. However, risks do not end here because the microparticles released during spray painting operations are potentially explosive and, either appropriate ventilation needs to be provided or electrical systems that could generate sparks need to be disconnected, when working in closed places. Further hazards to the respiratory system may result from metal-based components such as chromium, which is a well-known carcinogen.
Respiratory protective devices for use when spray painting
In order to protect the respiratory tract from damage that may be caused during spray painting operations, respiratory protective devices need to be worn.
These are specific protective facepieces that allow workers to breathe clean, filtered air.
The devices on the market are lightweight and are usually powered by rechargeable lithium batteries. Depending on the type of job to be carried out, you can choose between full face masks, half-masks or respirators equipped with helmets.
These types of respirators may be equipped with blower units powered by batteries and fitted with cartridges which filter polluted air and allow only clean air, freed from allergenic / sensitizing substances, to be inhaled by workers. The system also provides for the elimination of any excess and exhaled air to prevent visor misting up when on the job.
Furthermore, respiratory protective devices equipped with helmets for use when spray painting, fit most head sizes and accommodate beards and eyewear.
All respiratory protective devices need to be checked and maintained frequently in order to ensure their efficiency and proper functioning at all times. Moreover, filters and cartridges need to be replaced as soon as breathing resistance is encountered or the smell of the pollutant seeps through to the inside of the facepiece.
Warning: filters and cartridges must not be cleaned out. To ensure adequate protection, they have to be replaced when exhausted.
Even if the environment where spray painting is taking place is well ventilated, a certain amount of very small particles of chemical residue will remain suspended in the atmosphere and workers should, therefore, remove the RPD worn only after some time or after having left the polluted area.
May 4 2018
Why use RPD for protection when spray painting
Why protect the respiratory system when spray painting?
During spray painting operations, workers come into contact with substances that release potentially hazardous chemical agents. Additionally, during paint manufacturing operations, substances which can cause chemical reactions harmful to human health, are added.
Among the products which expose workers to risks are polyurethane paints, diluents and solvents. In particular, polyurethane paints, which are widely used because they are particularly resistant and versatile as they can be used on wood, furniture, for sealing floors and for car bodywork, contain harmful isocyanates which can cause serious health problems. These substances, released during spray painting, are classified as sensitizing substances that, mainly, cause allergies to the respiratory tract, and this is why these allergies are also called “isocyanate asthma”.
Cough and respiratory failure are among the predominant symptoms of this disorder. However, risks do not end here because the microparticles released during spray painting operations are potentially explosive and, either appropriate ventilation needs to be provided or electrical systems that could generate sparks need to be disconnected, when working in closed places. Further hazards to the respiratory system may result from metal-based components such as chromium, which is a well-known carcinogen.
Respiratory protective devices for use when spray painting
By Kasco Srl • Blog •