Spray painting contains carcinogenic elements as research suggests and this can affect your lungs, nervous and circulatory systems. Excessive exposure to paint and thinner may prove fatal for humans because of these strong chemical compounds involved in them. Before indulging into spray painting, as a basic precautionary measure, you need items including gloves, safety goggles, a dust mask and shoes that provide you with a good grip. Below are a few Spray Painting safety tips you should consider.
How to protect your skin and eyes
Protection of your skin is very important while applying spray paints. Different types of gloves you will need to keep ready for yourself. Choose leather or cloth gloves to do the scraping and sanding work. While chemical resistant gloves are needed to apply water-based paint, for solvent-based products you will require wearing some other gloves. In order to protect your eyes, wear face mask, goggles or glasses to cover your face while spray painting work is going on.
While handling solvent based products
Solvent based products that typically include white spirit, thinners and primers, various wood treatment products, and paint strippers, all pose a serious threat to humans. Before administering any product of this category, read carefully all the safety tips given in them.
While dealing with water-based paints
Water-based paints are less harmful compared to solvent-based paints. Modern water-based paints give you superior performance in terms of durability and colour retention and washing. They are eco-friendly, release low odour and get dried very quickly. You can clean the brushes with warm, soapy water and they do not need any turpentine work to be done in this type of Spray painting work.
Beware of fire
Many of you might be ignorant of this fact that spray paint tends to ignite when the temperature gets hotter. So, it is important to keep them away from any source of heat including sunlight. Other safety tips and recommendations include the devoid of using radiators, any electric stuff, or stove to prevent any possible damage. Do not allow children and pets to come closer to these products.
Ventilation is necessary
Inhaling chemical vapours contained in aerosols can cause serious damage to your lungs. An anti-dust mask or a solvent respirator is ideal to protect your lungs during Spray painting on a surface. One thing you should remember that the room you use for performing such activities must be well ventilated. Get installed air vents and fan systems or if you don’t want to spend much, then keep the windows open while working. One simple trick you can opt is working on the outside of your home to get rid of all these hazards.
Empty cans can also be a cause of worry
They contain risks of leakage or compression. They should be carefully delivered by service providers. Never try to burn or puncture them.
Spray painting sometimes leaves a mark on the surrounding surfaces. This is particularly true when you paint outside. Hence, to protect the area where you don’t want any spot, cover the surface area underneath. Make sure your floor is non-slippery and do not cause accidental slips.
You should opt for short bursts while spraying your painting. Do not go for extended ones. Only 2 or 3 bursts are advised if you work in a narrow space.
A massive surge of fire can spread out if aerosols are ignited. Spray cans should be kept separate from one another to keep it free from any corrosion. A fire extinguisher should be there in the workshop area to prevent any blaze.
Step ladders safety tips
A basic part of the Spray painting is using the step ladders. They cause accident sometimes, so a few checks out should be-
- Checking the condition of the ladder before using and when you finished work
- Make sure the ladder is powerful enough to support your weight
- Keep the steps free from any oil, wet paint, mud or any such substances which might cause you to fall
- While positioning the ladder, you must clear the area from any clutter, just check that no electrical wire or leads are lying there nearby
- While climbing the ladder wear shoes which will prevent slippage. Don’t stretch yourself beyond the last steps, never let your children climb it. Also, do not look down, you may feel dizzy.
Extra precautionary measures
A deodorizer can be kept in hand to decrease the chemical odour. This will make your working area to smell good. It is important to take care of your clothes especially after you finished Spray painting. Because sometimes even after cleaning, the chemical remains on your uniform, or the tools or anywhere in the workplace. They can easily attract ignition. Never stand near a flame or smoke during the process. Let the rags dried properly after use and dispose of them immediately. Unless you do this, they might automatically catch fire.
These Spray Painting safety tips are handy for you when you carry this task alone in the weekend.