Other hazards

Confined spaces
Noise
Workplace environment
Manual tasks

Confined spaces

Spray painters sometimes have to work fully or partly in confined spaces with poor ventilation or restricted entry and exit points. The main hazards presented by this type of work environment are lack of oxygen, toxic or flammable fumes, engulfment and mechanical equipment.

Associated health risks include burns, electrocution, suffocation and asphyxiation, poisoning, crush injuries, brain damage and death.

Ways to control hazards

If possible, remove the object to be painted from the confined space
Use mechanical ventilation systems and non-sparking tools (if there is a flammable atmosphere). If an air-supplied respiratory device is needed, protect the breathing line at all times
Allow only people wearing correct personal protective equipment (PPE) to enter the space

Noise

Sources of noise in spray painting workplaces include plant and equipment, ventilation systems, workshop operation and vehicles. Sanders, air compressors, angle grinders, spray booth operations and processes involving compressed air all generate noise.

Employers must prevent workers being exposed to excessive noise.

Ways to control hazards

Use nozzles that reduce compressed air noise and other equipment with noise reduction features

More information on ways to control noise is provided in the Noise Advisory Standard 2004 (now known as a Code of Practice).

Workplace environment

Good housekeeping in a workplace is essential for the health and safety of workers. You are less likely to slip or fall on clean dry floors, or suffer eye strain and headaches in a working environment with adequate lighting.

Assess the risk of workplace environment factors such as cleanliness, temperature, lighting, storage and the availability and location of amenities.

Ways to control hazards

Keep the workshop clean and tidy, and regularly clean residue from walls, floors and work surfaces
Clean up sanding or grinding dusts with damp rags, wet vacuum cleaners or other wet-cleaning equipment
Clean spilt water, oil or chemicals straight away
Locate washing, changing and meal areas away from hazards. Keep these areas clean
Remove rubbish, boxes and potential hazards from walkways
Provide a comfortable workplace temperature

Find out more information on workplace amenities.

Manual tasks

Manual tasks involve carrying, lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, gripping or restraining something. These tasks require repeated and sometimes strenuous use of the same parts of the body, often resulting in wear and tear of muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons and discs.

Here are some examples:

Shoulder and neck problems may be caused by holding a spray gun above shoulder height for a long period
Polishing a car may strain hands or wrists
Back problems may result from pushing or pulling a heavy compressor

Ways to control hazards

Place all frequently used items within easy reach, and store heavy items between thigh and shoulder level
Use stable, adjustable work platforms that raise workers
Use devices that reduce the amount of manual activity involved in a task (for example, mobile winches or cranes, trolleys, pallet jacks, manual or electric forklifts, and height adjustable stools)
Rotate workers or alternate tasks between repetitive and non-repetitive work. Take regular ¿micro¿ rest breaks of a few seconds when doing repetitive work
Consider workload and fatigue factors when preparing rosters and organise the flow of materials at the worksite to avoid double handling
Train people in heavy lifting and other manual tasks and provide personal protective equipment (PPE) such as kneepads (for kneeling work), gloves (especially when using vibrating tools) and safety boots
Keep all walkways and work areas clear, especially when moving heavy loads. Use team lifting for heavy loads

For more information on manual tasks, read the Manual Tasks Code of Practice 2010.