- Risks Associated with Protective Coatings and Spray Painting
- Meeting Canadian Safety Standards with Your Spray Operation
- Maximizing Workplace Safety Spray Equipment with Training and Maintenance</li>
- Achieve Protecting Coating Safety with an Optimized System from Bolair
Spray paints and protective coatings are commonly used in various industries across Canada to enhance the visual appeal, durability, and functionality of surfaces. As prevalent as they are, there are a variety of health risks associated with using these materials. It’s extremely important that spray paint safety is followed to ensure the physical well-being of spray technicians and to remain in compliance with national regulations. By understanding these requirements and taking action to meet them, spray operations can ensure that their application process is as safe and up-to-code as possible.
Risks Associated with Protective Coatings and Spray Painting
Spray paint and other coatings play a critical role in many industries, but they’re not without their health risks. These materials are often composed of varying inorganic and organic chemicals that can be dangerous to be exposed to. In general, the hazardous elements of coatings can affect human health in two ways - respiratory inhalation and skin contact. Taking measures to mitigate this exposure is highly necessary.
Additionally, spray machines can create environmental hazards. Many of the materials that are used are flammable and can pose a fire risk. Environmental pollution is also a concern, but most mitigation efforts for this are found within the spray equipment itself.
Meeting Canadian Safety Standards with Your Spray Operation
The Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) regulates workplace environments that are exposed to protective coating materials. Following these Canadian safety standards is a legal requirement and strict adherence must be adopted to remain in compliance with protective coating safety laws. The CCOHS publishes guidelines that spray operations can follow to ensure that their workplace is environmentally safe and nonhazardous to their employees.
Ventilation Standards
Most toxicity relating to spray paints and coatings is caused by the inhalation of fumes and air particles. Certain compounds can damage the respiratory system after continuous exposure, resulting in several health conditions. To combat this issue, the CCOHS issues guidelines regarding ventilation systems for spray operations that all companies must meet.
In general, ventilation standards regulate the dilution ventilation rate. This unit measures the rate at which the entire volume of air is replaced in the work area. Rate thresholds can vary depending on the industry and the local province. Obtaining a legal dilution ventilation rate can be achieved by installing various ventilation equipment such as:
- Ducts
- Fands
- Hoods
- Air Cleaning Devices
- Paint Booths
By enhancing ventilation and following spray booth safety, toxic air particulates can be diluted and removed from the surrounding work environment.
Personal Protective Equipment Standards
One of the most important spray painting regulations is using the correct personal protective equipment (PPE). These devices are worn by the spray technician and surrounding employees and are crucial for preventing hazardous exposure. Personal protective equipment for spraying should properly fit the people using it, and it should be chosen based on what materials it will be exposed to. Some of the most common types of spray paint PPE that are used can be seen in the table below:
Type of PPE | Function |
Paint Suits | Paint suits eliminate all risks of skin exposure from hazardous chemicals like epoxies. They are fully sealed while still providing a spray technician with a complete range of motion. |
Respirators | Respirators are another crucial component of coating and painting PPE. The CCOHS offers comprehensive guidance on selection one. |
Gloves | The hands are extremely active during the spraying process and wearing gloves ensures that accidental no skin contact occurs. |
Goggles | If not included with the respirator, goggles should be used to protect the technician's eyes from overspray. |
Fresh Air Breathing Systems | In cases where supplied fresh air is required and necessary there are fresh air systems available for use with full face masks and breathing hoods. |
Hazardous Chemicals Handling and Storage
Most accidental exposure and fires are caused by improper material handling and storage. One of the best ways of preventing these issues from occurring is installing a storage safety cabinet that is in compliance with local provincial fire codes.
Maximizing Workplace Safety Spray Equipment with Training and Maintenance
Codes, guidelines, and regulations can only do so much. At the end of the day, it’s up to the spray technician and other employees to make sure that they are using their equipment correctly and that they’re following all the protocols put in place by regulatory bodies. The most effective way of ensuring that individuals follow the painting standards for industry is training. Training programs expose individuals to new situations and give them a roadmap that they can fall back on when dealing with a new, potentially hazardous situation. According to CCOHS, an active hazard control program should also be put in place at the facility.
Spray equipment maintenance best practices are often overlooked, but they play a key role in the proper functioning of a system. It’s important to regularly inspect your equipment, clean it, and replace parts as needed to ensure that devices like spray guns and spray machines work in compliance with regulations.
Achieve Protecting Coating Safety with an Optimized System from Bolair
If you’re wondering how to safely use industrial protective coating equipment, always refer to the published, legal guidelines set forth by the CCOHS. Following their spray equipment safety regulations ensures that your operation is hazard-free and compliant, giving you the green light to continue with your coating applications. Following the tips outlined above, using PPE for spray painting, and investing in training will ensure that your spray coating workplace is always safe for everyone on the floor.
Here at Bolair Fluid Handling Systems, we provide high-end coating equipment technologies that are designed to function as safely and as optimally as possible. We only offer products from the top brands in the industry for your peace of mind, and we have in-house experts who can help you out with your purchase. Browse our complete inventory and don’t hesitate to reach out today with any questions.
