Flammable hazards

Fire and explosion

Many paints contain flammable substances, and spray painting is hazardous if painting mist comes into contact with a source of ignition.

Possible sources of ignition include lit cigarettes, abrasive grinding wheels and other equipment that produces sparks, combustion motors, welding torches, hot surfaces, electrical short circuits and portable electrical equipment like mobile phones.

A catalytic reaction can also create a fire or explosion (for example, when two-pack epoxy paints are mixed and this creates heat). Fires may also be started by incorrectly stored flammable materials, paint and solvent soaked rags, or a build up of paint residue in work areas or on equipment.

Ovens used for baking automotive coatings must have no ignition sources within the oven air circulation zone. Recirculation of hot air should include a percentage of fresh air to avoid the build up of potentially explosive gases.

Ways to control hazards

Establish a spray zone with warning signs that restrict access. Provide fire extinguishers and train staff in their use.
Provide as much ventilation as possible to the work area.
Mix and pour in a clearly designated room that is naturally ventilated with no ignition sources.
Before pouring flammable liquids from one container to another, set both containers down on an earthed surface, then bring the containers into contact while pouring. Keep them in contact while pouring (it is best to connect them with alligator clips).
When using containers with air lines, replace the plugs as soon as the air lines are disconnected.
Leave empty drums or cans in a safe place with the lids off.
Store and handle flammable combustible liquids correctly. For instance, store paints in containers with lids and store solvents in covered containers with taps.
Remove LP gas cylinders or fuel tanks from vehicles before placing them in a spray booth/bake oven. Where this is not practical, operate the spray booth/bake oven at the lowest possible temperature and below the levels where it is possible for fuel vapour to be released to the atmosphere.

For more information on fires and explosions, read the Spray Painting Guide for Employers and Operators (PDF, 2.3 mB).

Heat

Heat stress occurs when a person's body cannot lose heat fast enough. The person may suffer irritability, discomfort, dehydration, heat rash, cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Heat stress while spray painting may be caused by many factors other than the air temperature in the work area. People most at risk are those who are dressed inappropriately, unfit, overweight, dehydrated, suffering from heart, circulatory or skin disorders, unused to the workplace heat levels or taking medication that can change a body's temperature regulation.

Ways to control hazards

Limit the time that spray painters have to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets and protective suits. Wear cotton garments underneath PPE.
Rotate jobs so a spray painter does not have to work for long periods in hot conditions.
Take frequent short breaks and drink cool water regularly.
Shade an outdoor work area from the sun or reschedule work to occur in a cooler time of the day.

For more information on heat stress, read the Spray Painting Guide for Employers and Operators (PDF, 2.3 mB).

Electrical

Electrocution and burns are the main health risks associated with using electricity in spray painting.

Great care should be taken to prevent static discharge (for example, caused by touching two metal cans together during decanting) and during electrostatic spray painting.

Don't operate electrical equipment that is damaged or not designed to give explosion protection.

Ways to control hazards

Ensure that the electrostatic spraying system is operated only by trained spray painters.
Carry out electrostatic spraying in a spray zone free of electrical equipment. The floor of the zone should be made of an electrically-conducting material which is earthed. The exhaust system must provide air movement of at least 0.4 metres/second at the spray position.
Remove drums of paint or cleaning solvent from the spray zone.
Earth equipment and metal surfaces within 3 metres of the charged head of the spray gun used in electrostatic spraying.
Remove metal items (for example, watches), material with silk or synthetic fibres, and insulating gloves (except those with the palms cut out) before entering the spray zone.
Wear antistatic or conductive footwear to stop the build up of electrostatic charge. Avoid old footwear or footwear with paint, oil or wax stained soles.
When cleaning the spray gun, check that the high voltage supply is switched off.

For more information on electrical safety while spray painting, read the Spray Painting Guide for Employers and Operators (PDF, 2.3 mB).

There is more information available on electrical safety website.

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