Whether you are a professional painter or a DIY weekend warrior, a number of health risks it is vital to comprehend before you begin painting. Luckily, with a modest bit of awareness and the right safety gear you can get the project done safely.



Working With Paint Can Be Hazardous

Even though painting is a fun task, it can result in serious issues if suitable precautions are not followed due to its chemical composition. One reason for this is the fact paint is made from chemicals which can be harmful to people. Extreme irritation can occur when it lands on the skin or in your eyes.

Paint fumes can cause respiratory problems and headaches. Highly combustible paint thinner and oil primer may also be very damaging. Without careful handling, painters risk burns. Working at elevations is common for painting interior and exterior areas. The possibility of falls and injuries is high.

Stay Safe No Matter Which Painting Method You Choose

The kind of painting project you start on will come with its unique set of risks. Here is a brief overview of the different types of painting and relevant risks:

Brush painting:

One of the more common strategies to paint is with a paintbrush. This approach is used for painting wood, door frames, window sills and home furnishings. It is also used for ornamental paint styles and is used for walls. The risks associated with brush painting include spills on the skin as well as paint splashes in the eyes. Many use a brush to apply solvent-based or oil-based products. This can cause breathing troubles and headaches if proper PPE and ventilation are not a priority.

Roller application:

Paint rollers are generally used for ceilings and interior walls. This may lead to paint splashing in the eyes as well as on the skin. Being contorted in a variety of positions while painting can be extremely uncomfortable and result in pulling a muscle or being injured. This is more prevalent for people who paint for a profession and may lead to long-term damage over time. Paint rolling can also come with respiratory risks without the proper ventilation or respiratory protection.

Spray painting is common for interior and exterior applications. It is used to accomplish large areas such as ceilings, exteriors of buildings and lobbies. Paint debris could possibly land in your eyeballs if care is not taken. Fumes and paint debris can irritate the respiratory system. For this reason, health and safety precautions and tools are incredibly vital for spray painting. Clothing safeguards, protective eye wear and respiratory masks will be required.



Painting at heights:

Virtually any work that occurs above the ground calls for extra caution. Simply falling off of a step ladder can lead to disastrous results. Safety precautions need to be undertaken by those who work at heights to prevent a potentially fatal fall. This may involve scaffolding or safety harnesses. In addition, activities which happen to be involved in painting preparations and cleanup could also bring risks.

It is important to sand most wood items before painting. Sanding requires eye and respiratory protection and could cause scrapes to occur. The harm aspect of the dust is determined by the items that are being sanded such as wood with old varnish or paint on it.Oil-based options require paint thinner and this is extremely toxic. Paint thinner is likewise very flammable and can result in serious burns or easily catch on fire.

Safety Gear For Painting

Maintain personal safety for your next painting endeavor by wearing the proper PPE.

Gloves:

Wear gloves to keep your skin as well as your hands safe. While you are sanding items, leather gloves are a safe choice. For anyone who is working with paint thinner or solvent, purchase some solvent-resistant gloves. Choose a pair of impermeable gloves to offer protection for water and oil-based paints.

Eyewear:

Use safety eyeglasses, eye goggles, or a face shield whenever handling paint or paint thinners. It is especially important when painting above your head or spray painting, along with when sanding.

Paint masks:

Wear a dust mask or particulate respirator whenever sanding. Protect yourself with a respiratory mask when using a paintbrush or roller to stop chemical inhalation. If you're painting outdoors, there exists adequate fresh air relating to the paint fumes. However, some people are working in a location with bat or bird droppings which can be harmful.When you're spray painting, you are recommended to use a paint respirator, since this offers more protection for your airways.

Coveralls and shoe covers:

Disposable shoe covers and cotton overalls can safeguard your skin and your shoes and clothes from dangerous and unhealthy paint products.

Hard hat:

Wearing a hard hat is a perfect safety precaution if you are working at heights or painting on an hectic construction site. Protect your head from any plunging objects on a building site with a well-fitting hard hat.

Fall arrest:

A fall arrest system can include a single carabiner or double carabiner that can be attached to a railing to stop you from falling. It features a harness that straps around the torso and the legs for further safety. Scaffolding can often be used to avoid fall injuries in a variety of situations.

Fire extinguisher:

Have a fire extinguisher on-site to ensure that you can act fast in case there is any fire attributed to flammable substances including paint thinner.