Maybe you are a professional painter or a DIY weekend warrior, there are specific health risks it is vital to be aware of before you begin painting. Obtaining the right safety equipment and knowledge can go a long way to keep you safe and enjoying the results.



Painting Hazards

Although painting might seem like a relatively risk-free endeavor, the fact remains, it can cause serious bodily harm when the right precautions are not taken. The paint compounds are unhealthy for the skin, respiratory system and eyes. When it hits unprotected skin or eyes, you can get severe irritation.

Paint fumes may cause respiratory problems and headaches. Another reason is that specific products used in painting, such as oil primer and paint thinner, are remarkably flammable. Without careful handling, painters run the risk of burns. Performing at elevations is common for painting interior and exterior locations. The risk of falls and injuries is high.

Painting Risks Vs. Different Painting Methods

The kind of painting project you embark on will come with its unique set of risks. Discover how different painting strategies have their own risks.

Brush painting:

One of the more common strategies to paint is with a paintbrush. This method is used for painting wood, door frames, window sills and home furnishings. Using a brush is popular for painting walls and achieving decorative paint designs. Typical risks with brush painting include having paint splash in your eyes and dealing with spills on the skin. 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 inside walls. The primary risks include having paint splash on your skin or in the eyes. Having your arms elevated overhead for long periods can cause muscle pulls or injuries from being in an uneasy position. This is more widespread for people who paint for a profession and can lead to long-term problems over time. Paint rolling also can come with respiratory risks without proper ventilation or respiratory safeguards.

This procedure is typically used for covering major surfaces like building exteriors, ceilings and interior lobbies or hallways. Painters run the risk of getting paint particles in their eyes. Paint contaminants and fumes may also irritate their respiratory system. There are certain safety and health precautions and equipment needed in order to keep this endeavor safe. Goggles, respiratory face masks and protective clothing are essential.



Painting at heights:

The painting of anything that is not at ground level can be dangerous. Painters can injure themselves drastically by simply falling off a stepladder! Those who work at heights have to take considerable safety precautions, as a fall might be fatal. This may require scaffolding or safety harnesses. In addition, activities which happen to be involved in painting preparations and cleanup can also bring risks.

Wood materials typically require sanding prior to painting. This can trigger scrapes on the hands along with dust in the eyes and respiratory system. The dust is especially harmful if you're sanding wood, old paint and products with varnish or lacquer.Paint thinner is essential for oil-based product cleanup. It is a highly toxic item. If this is subjected to an open flame or high heat source, it may catch fire and induce serious burns.

PPE FOR PAINTING

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

Gloves:

Utilize gloves to keep your skin and your hands safe. Leather or fabric gloves are satisfactory for sanding. For anyone who is working with paint thinner or solvent, invest in some solvent-resistant gloves. Impermeable gloves are best for water- and oil-based paint.

Eyewear:

Protective goggles or even a face shield is very helpful for keeping your eyes safe while using paint thinners and paint. This is particularly important when you are painting items above your head.

Paint masks:

Wear a particulate respirator or maybe a dust mask when sanding to prevent breathing in miniature particles. This PPE is fantastic whenever you are brushing or rolling paint as it is full of chemicals. Even if you're doing exterior painting in the fresh air, a mask may be needed to offer defense against harmful bird or bat droppings and subsequent pathogens.When you are spray painting, you're recommended to use a paint respirator, since this offers more protection for your airways.

Coveralls and shoe covers:

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

Hard hat:

Wearing a security hard hat is vital on any construction site, specifically when working at heights. It could save your life in the event you accidentally fall. Construction sites possess lots of equipment and materials that can fall and smack your head unexpectedly.

Fall arrest:

A fall arrest system can consist of a single carabiner or double carabiner which can be attached to a railing to help prevent you from falling. It features a harness that straps around the torso and the legs additional safety. Scaffolding doubles in some situations to counteract accidents from falls.

Fire extinguisher:

Keep a fire extinguisher on hand if a fire breaks out due to paint thinner or other flammable materials.