Health Risk can arise from the following:

• Solvents and Thinners: These would include the solvent evaporation at the time of application and during the curing period.
• Liquid in the paints: These would be solvents, binders or additives that may be toxic in nature.
• Powders or dusts: These can be formed while heating painted objects, e.g. flame cutting or welding painted sheet or can be present in powder form during sanding operation or in spray mist.

Most of the solvents, liquid paints and paint-dust are toxic in nature and depending upon the exposure period, they may enter or effect the body through skin contact, inhalation or by ingestion.

Precautions:

• All paint drums must be labelled, sealed and stored properly when not in use
• Painting areas must be adequately ventilated
• Forced ventilation or fresh air masks should be used in confined spaces
• Wear goggles and proper respiration masks when mixing paints, spray painting or performing any operation where an abnormal amount of vapor or dust is formed
• Wear appropriate gloves and clothing when handling dermatitis materials
• Prolonged and repeated contact of paint/thinner with the skin should be avoided
• Do not wash hands with solvent
• If paint or thinner are accidentally swallowed, seek medical attention immediately
• If eyes become contaminated, clean the eyes with fresh water and seek immediate medical attention
• Refer to MSDS, for each product, to determine the toxicity of the material in use and the protective equipment needed when using the material

Fire & explosion risk can arise from the following:

• Fire risk during storage or transport.
• Explosion hazard during application.

Most paints and solvents are highly inflammable and extremely dangerous when exposed to open flames, sparks or high temperature.

Precautions:

• Store paints/solvents in an appropriate container.
• Prohibit smoking in the areas where paints are stored, mixed or used.
• Provide adequate ventilation in the working area.
• In confined areas or closed spaces, maintain and monitor the vapor concentration below the explosive limits.
• Use non-sparking tools and electrical fittings.
• Be sure that all equipments, meters and lights in the area are grounded and consider using only explosion-proof lighting.
• Install appropriate types of fire extinguishers in storage and working areas.
• Keep pails of sand or any other suitable absorbent material, handy.

Always clean up paint or solvent spills immediately and dispose suitably.