Hazardous substances
MSDS and labelling
Two pack paint and varnish systems
Hazardous substances used in spray painting include paints, solvents, powders, acrylic lacquers, enamels, paint removers, resins, adhesives, surface preparation products, rust converters and rust removers.
Hazardous substances may be inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin and eyes. Their potential health and safety risks range from short term effects such as irritant contact dermatitis, headaches and nausea to extremely serious conditions such as lung cancer, damage to the reproductive system, kidney or liver, and 'painter's syndrome' (which affects the brain).
People's exposure to hazardous substances must be prevented or reduced to as low a level as possible or at least below the National exposure standards for atmospheric contaminants in the occupational environment (non-Queensland Government link).
You must make an assessment of the risk to your health, and the health of your workers, from the use of a hazardous substance.
MSDS and labelling
Obtain a material safety data sheet (MSDS) for every hazardous substance used. An MSDS is provided by the manufacturer/supplier and details the substance's chemical properties, health hazards and information for safe use.
Ensure that containers of hazardous materials are correctly labelled at all times.
Ways to control hazards
- You must use a spray booth when applying a hazardous substance, except when it is not practical (for example, painting a building) or when the work is minor (for example, painting over a stone chip on a car)
- Use water based paint instead of organic solvent based paint
- Use a less hazardous process, or automate the process. For example, use high volume-low pressure (HVLP) spraying rather than conventional spraying
- Dedicate a spray zone with barriers to restrict entry
- Where a spray booth is not practical, use a local exhaust ventilation system to capture overspray and solvent vapour as close to the source as possible
The system should be fitted with a particulate filtration mechanism to filter overspray and should comply with AS 1482 Electrical equipment for explosive atmospheres - Protection by ventilation - Type of protection v (non-Queensland Government link)
- Use fans and natural fresh air (as well as local exhaust ventilation) to displace contaminated air. Systems should comply with Australian Standard 1482
- Avoid dry sanding unless dust extraction equipment is used
- Ensure safe spray painting operations, and keep booths clear of unnecessary equipment. Have cleanup and emergency procedures in place
- Ensure that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is available and correctly used
More information on hazardous substances is provided in the Hazardous Substances Advisory Standard 2003 (now known as a Code of Practice).
Two pack paint and varnish systems
Two pack paint and varnish systems are used by painters and cabinet makers to give a hard resilient finish, however chemicals used in these systems (called isocyanates) cause occupational asthma in a significant percentage of exposed people.
Isocyanates used in paint systems can cause health effects via skin contact or when breathed in during paint mixing and spraying.
Spray painting with two pack paints (even touching up or minor work) should be conducted within a spray booth fitted with effective exhaust capture and filtration systems.
Ways to control hazards
- Provide induction and training about the health hazards associated with exposure to isocyantes.
- Follow safety instructions provided in the material safety data sheet (MSDS) accompanying two pack paint and varnish systems. Implement any controls recommended in the MSDS, and ensure that workers have easy access to the relevant MSDS.
- Conduct air monitoring to measure the airborne concentration of isocyantes and help assess the effectiveness of control measures.
- Wear gloves and a full face air-supplied respirator during spraying. Also wear gloves while cleaning up.
- Ensure the mixing area is well ventilated.
- Arrange a 'designated doctor' to provide ongoing health surveillance for workers who have may have been exposed to significant risk while spraying two pack paint and varnish containing isocyantes. A list of designated doctors is available from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.
For information about hazardous substances in spray painting, read the Spray Painting Guide for Employers and Operators (PDF, 2.3 mB).
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