Whether you are a passionate DIY-er giving your family area a facelift or a expert painter about to commence a new job, it is important to recognize that painting can come with specific health risks. Luckily, with a little bit of knowledge and the right safety gear you can get the job done safely.



Working With Paint Can Be Hazardous

Even if painting is a pleasurable task, it can lead to serious issues if suitable precautions are not followed due to its chemical composition. The chemicals in paint tend to be harmful. Extreme irritation may occur when it lands on the skin or in the eyes.

Headaches and respiratory concerns may occur thanks to paint fumes. Another reason is that particular products used in painting, including oil primer and paint thinner, are highly flammable. Without mindful handling, painters risk burns. Last but not least, ladders really are a common tool for both indoor and outdoor paint jobs while working at heights. This presents a risk for folks falling and being hurt.

Stay Safe No Matter Which Painting Method You Choose

Knowing the potential risks related to your next paint job will help keep you safe. Here is a succinct overview of the different types of painting and related risks:

Brush painting:

Painting with a brush is a typical method for upgrading window sills, wood furniture, doors frames and other wood items. It is likewise used for ornamental paint styles and is used for walls. Paint splashes on totally exposed skin and in the eyes would be the most common complaints about this type of painting. Because a lot of brush painting includes oil- or solvent-based paint, it may also cause headaches and breathing issues.

Roller application:

Roller application is often employed for interior ceilings and walls. Risks involve paint splashes on the skin and in the eyes. Being contorted in various positions while painting can be hugely uncomfortable and trigger pulling a muscle or becoming injured. This is more widespread for people who paint for a profession and may lead to long-term damage over time. Adequate paint protection in the form of respiratory masks is critical to ensure lung security.

This technique is typically employed for covering considerable surfaces such as building exteriors, ceilings and interior lobbies or hallways. Painters risk getting paint debris in their eyes. Toxins and paint debris can irritate the respiratory system. There are certain safety and health precautions and equipment needed in order to keep this endeavor safe. Clothing protection, protective eye protection and respiratory masks are necessary.



Painting at heights:

Virtually any work that occurs above the ground requires extra caution. Falling off of a step ladder may cause significant injuries. Safety precautions need to be utilized by those who work at heights to prevent a potentially fatal fall. Painting at heights often takes advantage of scaffolding or wearing a safety harness. In addition, activities which happen to be involved in painting preparations and cleanup can also bring risks.

Oftentimes, wooden surfaces have to be sanded before they can be painted. This can lead to scrapes on the hands along with dust in the eyes and respiratory system. The harm factor of the dust is dependent upon the items that are being sanded such as wood with old varnish or paint upon it.Oil-based options require paint thinner and that is extremely toxic. This element is incredibly flammable and can easily catch on fire or cause significant burns.

Painting PPE

To keep yourself safe throughout any residential or commercial painting project, you need the right personal protective equipment (PPE):

Gloves:

Always utilize gloves to safeguard your hands. When you're sanding items, leather gloves can be a safe choice. Solvent-resistant gloves are required if you are working with solvents including paint thinner. Impermeable gloves are ideal for water- and oil-based paint.

Eyewear:

Use protective eyeglasses, eye goggles, or a face shield whenever handling paint or paint thinners. This is particularly important when you are painting items above your head.

Paint masks:

Depend on a respirator or dust mask every time you are sanding and prepping items for paint. Protect yourself with a respiratory mask as you are using a paintbrush or roller to stop chemical inhalation. Even if you are doing exterior painting in the fresh air, a mask may be needed to offer protection from harmful bird or bat droppings and subsequent pathogens.When you will be spray painting, you are recommended to use a paint respirator, as this offers more protection for your airways.

Coveralls and shoe covers:

Keep a fire extinguisher accessible if a fire breaks out on account of paint thinner or other flammable materials. Disposable or cotton coveralls and throwaway shoe covers function to protect both your clothing as well as any exposed skin that could become irritated by exposure to the paint.

Hard hat:

Wearing a security hard hat is essential on any construction site, particularly when working at heights. It could save your life in the event you accidentally fall. Protect your brain from any falling objects on a building site with a well-fitting hard hat.

Fall arrest:

Employ a fall arrest system when you are painting at heights to maintain safety. It features either a single or double carabiner that could be attached to an anchor point to capture you if you fall. It includes a harness that straps around the torso and the legs for further safety. To avoid injuries from falling, scaffolding may be employed.

Fire extinguisher:

Have a fire extinguisher readily available if a fire breaks out as a result of paint thinner or any other flammable materials.