Coatings and solvents
Coatings and solvents can contain hazardous substances, particularly organic solvents such as:
- degreasing or cleaning agents
- paint thinners
Coatings applied by spray painting release more vapours, mists and aerosols into the workplace than coatings applied with brushes or rollers.
Employers should ask the supplier of abrasive materials, coatings and solvents used in the workplace, if the product is a hazardous substance. If it is, the employer should ask the supplier for a material safety data sheet (MSDS).
Some substances commonly encountered in the abrasive blasting industry may require health surveillance.
For information on dusts, coatings and solvents, see hazards of abrasive blasting section of the Abrasive Blasting Industry Code of Practice 2004.
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