PART B: ACCIDENT, FIRE, AND HEALTH HAZARDS
1-4. Accident Hazards. Paint operation accidents are caused by unsafe working equipment, unsafe
working conditions, and careless personnel. Accidents can be caused by personnel who-
Lack knowledge, experience, and training in the use of painting materials and equipment.
Maintain and store equipment improperly.
Fail to precheck equipment for mechanical and structural flaws.
Use equipment improperly.
Fail to consider environmental conditions and existing hazards in work areas before, during,
and after painting operations.
Accidents most frequently involve commonly used equipment. The most common and most serious
accidents, by far, are falls either from a height or on the ground because of a loss of footing. Falling or
moving objects are the next most serious hazard.
1-5. Precautions and Prevention. You should take nothing for granted. The proper use of
equipment must be taught by qualified operators to all of your personnel. Regularly schedule refresher
courses on the use of all equipment.
1-6. Equipment Check and Use. Enforcement of the following basic procedures in setting up and
using equipment is imperative to assuring safety standards and maximum protection of all personnel.
a. Ladders. The following safety rules apply to ladders:
(1) Storage. When storing wood ladders you should-
Protect them from the weather and the ground by storing them in warm, dry
Protect them with clear coatings only so that cracks, splinters, or other defects will be
(2) Use. When placing or using ladders you should-
Inspect all ladders frequently for loose or bent parts, cracks, breaks, or splinters.
Use safety shoes on all straight and extension ladders. When metal ladders are used,
shoes should be made of insulating material (Figure 1-6).