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



Painting Hazards

Regardless that painting is a fun task, it can result in serious issues if correct precautions are not put into practice due to its chemical composition. The chemicals in paint are dangerous. Extreme irritation can occur when it lands on the skin or in the eyes.

Paint vapours can also cause respiratory problems and headaches. Highly combustible paint thinner and oil primer are also potentially dangerous. Without mindful handling, painters run the risk of burns. Finally, exterior painting usually requires working at heights, which places painters susceptible to falling and injuring themselves.

Painting Risks Vs. Different Painting Methods

The kind of painting project you embark on will come with its individual set of risks. Here is a concise overview of the differing types of painting and relevant risks:

Brush painting:

Just about the most common techniques to paint is with a paintbrush. This approach is used for painting wood, door frames, window sills and household furniture. Brush painting frequently occurs on walls and for use on innovative projects. Paint splashes upon totally exposed skin and in the eyes are the most frequent complications of this type of painting. 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. Risks include paint splashes on the skin and in the eyes. Having your arms raised overhead for prolonged periods can result in muscle pulls or injuries from being in an uneasy position. This may not seem like a big deal, but if you are doing this as a profession the damage to your body can compound over time. Paint rolling also can come with respiratory risks without the right ventilation or respiratory safety.

This method is typically useful for covering major surfaces including building exteriors, ceilings and indoor lobbies or hallways. Paint particles can potentially land in your eyeballs if care isn't taken. Paint particles and fumes could also irritate their respiratory system. For this reason, health and safety precautions and tools are incredibly essential for spray painting. Clothing safeguards, protective eye wear and respiratory masks are essential.



Painting at heights:

It is always dangerous to work above ground level. Just falling off of a step ladder may result in disastrous results. Security measures need to be undertaken by those who work at heights to prevent a life-threatening fall. This may entail scaffolding or safety harnesses. Painting clean-up and preparations also come with their individual risks.

You must sand most wood items before painting. This can generate dust that extends into the respiratory system and also the eyes and scratches to the hands. The harm factor of the dust depends on the items that are being sanded such as wood with old varnish or paint upon it.Oil-based options require paint thinner which is extremely toxic. This compound is rather flammable and can easily catch on fire or trigger significant burns.

Painting PPE

Invest in the proper safety gear for your next commercial or residential painting job.

Gloves:

Always wear gloves to protect your hands. Leather or cloth gloves are sufficient for sanding. Solvent-resistant gloves are required if you are dealing with solvents including paint thinner. Pick a pair of impermeable gloves to provide protection for water and oil-based paints.

Eyewear:

Use safety eye wear, eye goggles, or a face shield whenever handling paint or paint thinners. This is particularly important when you will be painting items above your head.

Paint masks:

Wear a dust mask or particulate respirator whenever sanding. This PPE is superb whenever you are brushing or rolling paint since it is full of chemicals. Even if you're doing exterior painting in the fresh air, a mask may be needed to offer protection from harmful bird or bat droppings and subsequent pathogens.Work with a paint respirator for spray painting tasks to keep your airways safe. Count on a paint respirator to help keep your airways protected while painting.

Coveralls and shoe covers:

Disposable cotton coveralls and shoe covers can save your shoes, your skin and your clothing from becoming irritated or blanketed in paint.

Hard hat:

Sporting a hard hat is a perfect safety precaution when you are working at heights or painting on an active construction site. Additionally, if you are engaged on a busy construction site, it will protect your brain if an object falls on you.

Fall arrest:

Utilize a fall arrest system if you're painting at heights to maintain safety. It has either a single or double carabiner that could be attached to an anchor point to capture you if you fall. It comes with a harness that straps around the torso and the legs for further safety. Scaffolding is often used to prevent fall injuries in many different situations.

Fire extinguisher:

Keep a fire extinguisher readily available if a fire breaks out as a result of paint thinner or other combustible materials.