Paint: Service Precautions

Panel Fitting And Repairs

Health, Safety, Fire And Environment

General Notes
Local conditions apply. Seek guidance from the state or local authorities regarding guidelines for above, however basic principals of good practice must apply as follows:
- Assess the risk and decide what precautionary measures should be
- taken Introduce the appropriate control system
- Ensure those control systems are used and function properly
- When appropriate monitor the exposure of operatives
- Inform and train operatives

Guidance on Health & Safety
Where legislation governing working conditions and practices is applicable, you should observe it. Do not forget that you have a duty, to yourself and those around you, to act in a responsible manner in the workplace.

In the United Kingdom the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) places a duty on employers and employees to ensure, whenever possible, safe working conditions and practices. Wherever a potential hazard is notified to, or identified by the operator, he must employ the correct safety procedures and equipment.

Should a personal injury occur as a result of any workshop activity, seek medical help as soon as possible and do not attempt self treatment other than by the application of first aid.

With the constant introduction of new materials in the manufacture of vehicles, it is important that potential risks are identified and precautions made known.

Organic solvents, found in paints, may cause damage or severe irritation to liver, kidneys, digestive tract and respiratory system if inhaled over long periods of time.

Prolonged exposure to isocyanates may cause lung sensitization. Asthma like symptoms may develop with subsequent exposure to very low concentrations of isocyanates.

Solvent inhalation can cause dizziness or loss of consciousness.

Inhalation of spray dust and sanding debris may cause lung damage.

Splashes of solvents, paint activators and additives can cause damage to the eyes and may cause dermatitis. Peroxide and acid catalysts may cause burns.

Paint and consumable manufacturers give advice and guidance on their products. Consult the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

The inhalation of sprays, fumes or dust during paint application or sanding processes should always be avoided. Ensure that there is efficient ventilation/extraction at all times.

Paint spraying should be confined to spray booths.

Personnel with a history of asthma should not be engaged in any process which involves the use of isocyanates.

Any operator working inside a spray booth where isocyanate material is present must use air-fed breathing equipment.

Supplied air to the visor should be fed at the recommended pressure and filtered to remove oil, water, and fumes.

Operators involved in handling mixing or spraying should wear protective clothing - gloves and goggles, to avoid skin and eye contact.

A particle mask or canister type respirator should be worn when dry sanding.