Using the appropriate PPE for painting is a top priority matter. True, any industrial project will require PPE, but in the case of painting, since there are many variables involved, it is quite important that the operators are protected.
In this article we are going to consider some common hazards and the ideal PPE for painting jobs. So, let’s get started with this.
The hazards in painting jobs
Whether you are in an industrial finishing production line or in an auto body refinishing shop, there are several hazards associated with painting jobs, including:
Exposure to chemicals
Paint and solvents contain a variety of chemicals that can be harmful to your health if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin.
Improper storage and disposal of paint, rags, filters, sludge, and empty containers poses environmental risks. Flammable vapors from solvent-based coatings can ignite, especially in confined spaces like spray booths.
These chemicals can cause a range of health problems, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, respiratory problems, and skin irritation. Some chemicals, such as lead, can also cause long-term health problems, such as cancer and neurological damage.
Slips, trips, and falls
Many painting jobs require painters to work on ladders or scaffolding. This can be a dangerous activity, as falls are a leading cause of injuries among painters.
Painting jobs can create a slippery environment, due to spills of paint and solvent. Airborne paint particles can create slippery walking surfaces and coat other objects. Painters are also at risk of tripping over drop cloths, cords, and other equipment.
Electrical hazards
Painters may need to work near electrical outlets and wiring. Solvents increase conductivity. This creates a risk of electrical shock and burns.
This is especially important when using electrostatic painting, because if operators are not properly grounded, they might experience electrical shocks.
Noise and ergonomic hazards
Some painting equipment, such as spray guns and sanders, can produce loud noise. This can lead to hearing loss if painters are exposed to it for long periods of time.
Painters often have to work in awkward positions and perform repetitive tasks. This can lead to muscle strains and other ergonomic injuries. Also, they are exposed to moving parts from sprayers, ventilation fans, conveyors, and other gear. Tanks, booths, and other enclosures may lack oxygen or contain undetected vapors.
In addition to the above hazards, painters may also be exposed to others, depending on the specific job they are doing. For example, painters who work in old buildings may be exposed to lead paint, and others who work in industrial settings may be exposed to hazardous fumes and dust.
It is important for painters to be aware of the hazards associated with their job and to take steps to protect themselves. This includes wearing proper PPE for painting jobs, using safe work practices, and being aware of their surroundings.
What Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is needed for painting jobs?
The specific type and amount of PPE you need will vary depending on the specific painting job you are doing. For example, if you are spray painting in a small, enclosed space, you will need to wear more PPE than if you are working on a well-ventilated area.
The basic PPE for painting jobs might include 1) a respirator, 2) eye protection, 3) paint suit (to cover the whole body), 4) foot protection, 5) hearing protection, and 6) gloves. Let’s see these one by one.
Respirator
The right respirator for painting jobs depends on the type of paint you are using, the application method, and the level of ventilation in the area where you are painting.
For most painting jobs, a half-face air-purifying respirator (APR) with N95 (or P2) or P100 (or P3) filters works fine.
N95 (or P2) respirators filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, including paint particles and fumes. They are a good choice for most painting jobs, including brushing, rolling, and spraying water-based paints.
P100 (or P3) respirators filter out at least 99.97% of airborne particles. They are a good choice for spraying oil-based paints, as well as for painting in areas with poor ventilation.
If you are using a spray gun, you may also want to wear a full-face respirator. Full-face respirators provide more protection for your eyes and face from paint and fumes.
Recommendations when selecting a respirator
When selecting a respirator for protection during painting jobs, here are some recommendations:
Style: A half or full facepiece elastomeric respirator is preferred over disposable masks to achieve a tight face seal and accommodate cartridges.
Particulate filter: The respirator must include a P100 or N100 filter to capture airborne paint mist and dust from sanding.
Vapor cartridges: Organic vapor cartridges designed for solvents and paint fumes are critical for spraying paints like enamels, varnishes, polyurethanes, epoxies, etc.
Fit testing: Make sure that the respirator fits snugly over your nose and mouth and forms an adequate seal on your face.
Assigned protection factor (APF): The respirator must have an APF of at least 10 to provide the expected protection level for paint vapors.
Clear vision: Coatings or spray shields should not obstruct vision or light when wearing the respirator.
Comfort and compatibility: Consider adjustable straps, silicone, or gel facepieces for comfort during prolonged wear. Ensure compatibility with any facial hair and eyewear.
Maintenance: Cartridges should be replaced as saturated. The facepiece should be inspected for damage and cleaned regularly.
Training: Wearers must be trained in proper donning, seal checks, usage, maintenance, and limitations of the respirators.
Selecting the appropriate type of respirator along with proper fit and maintenance ensures workers are adequately protected from paint hazards. Anyway, it is recommended to take breaks every 20-30 minutes to rest your face and neck.
Eye protection
The best eye protection for painting jobs depends on the type of paint you are using and the environment in which you are working. However, in general, you should wear safety glasses or goggles that meet the ANSI Z87.1+ standard. This standard ensures that the eyewear is impact-resistant and can protect your eyes from flying debris, chemicals, and other hazards.
If you are using latex paint, you may be able to get away with wearing safety glasses. However, if you are using oil-based paint, spray paint, or other types of paint that contain harmful chemicals, you should wear goggles. Goggles provide a better seal around your eyes, which helps to prevent paint and other chemicals from getting into your eyes.
Here are some specific types of eye protection that you may want to include in your PPE for painting jobs:
Safety glasses: These are a good option for general painting jobs, such as painting walls or furniture. They are also a good option for wearing over prescription glasses.
Goggles: They are a good option for painting jobs where there is a risk of paint or other chemicals getting into your eyes, such as spray painting or painting in a dusty or windy environment.
Face shield: This is a good option for painting jobs where there is a risk of paint or other chemicals getting on your face or neck, such as spray painting or painting a large area.
No matter what type of eye protection you choose, make sure that it fits snugly but comfortably. The eyewear should also be free of scratches and other damage. If you ever get paint in your eyes, flush them immediately with clean water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if necessary.
Paint suit
Disposable or reusable coveralls are ideal for industrial finishing operations. A dedicated set of clothing to prevent skin exposure and contamination of personal clothes. Look for flame-retardant materials.
Foot protection
Paint can splatter onto feet, so wearing rubber boots or shoe covers are essential. Wear closed-toe shoes to protect your feet from spills and accidents. You may also want to wear shoe covers to keep paint off of your shoes.
Rubber shoes are especially important when dealing with electrostatic painting.
Hearing protection
Industrial finishing production lines and auto body refinishing shops can be noisy places. Earplugs or earmuffs as needed when working around noisy vent fans.
Gloves
Nitrile gloves are a good choice for most oil-based paints. Dispose after one use. You may need to wear chemical-resistant gloves if you are using certain types of paint or solvents.
Other safety equipment for painting jobs
Proper maintenance, inspection, fit, and training on use and disposal of PPE for painting jobs is critical. Multiple layers of protection reduce exposure risks when spraying hazardous materials.
If you are unsure what type of PPE you need for a particular painting job, it is always best to wear more PPE than you think you need. Beside the PPE described, the following are some other items needed for safety in industrial finishing production lines or auto body refinishing shops:
- Head protection (Hard hat, cap, or hood to protect hair from overspray)
- Fall arrest harness and lanyard
- Fire extinguisher
- First aid kit – for burns, eye flushes, and cuts
- Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) extension cords
- Confined space ventilator and gas detector
- Face shield for chemical mixing and prep
- Chemical spill cleanup kit
- Lock out/tag out kit for equipment maintenance
- Eye wash and emergency shower stations
- Ventilation controls and monitoring equipment
- Lighting equipment for illuminated exit signs, work areas
- Barricade tape, cones, signage for designating work zones
You might want to get all that to increase safety in your workplace. Here are some additional tips for choosing and using PPE for painting jobs:
- Make sure that your PPE fits snugly and comfortably
- Inspect your PPE before each use for any signs of damage or wear
- Clean and maintain your PPE regularly
- Replace your PPE when it is damaged or worn out.
Where to get the PPE for painting jobs
There are plenty of companies that offer PPE for painting jobs. Nevertheless, a word of caution: Do no compromise the safety of your staff for saving a few cents in less quality PPE. DeVilbiss has many PPE for painting available, so ask your trusted supplier for original pieces from DeVilbiss.
Feel free to contact us at any time. We have decades of helping industrial finishing companies to increase their safety and production.
