SECTION V. SAFETY SUMMARY

TB 43-0209

SECTION V. SAFETY SUMMARY

e. Safe Practices.

Preparations containing benzene should not be used

17. GENERAL

for spraying. Only vapor proof lamps should be used

a. Fumes.

where spraying is being done. Paints should be stored in

Thinners used with paints and enamels may have

a steel cabinet in a small building away from work

harmful effects. Continued breathing of fumes during and

buildings. Once opened, cans containing paint removers,

after painting operations should be avoided. Toxic fumes

thinners, paints, and paint materials should be covered

will persist, in some cases, for many days indoors after

tightly before being stored or put away overnight. Do not

painting operations. Avoid inhaling solvent vapors.

apply heat or flame to drums, cans, or other containers

that have contained solvents, thinners, or other paint

b. Contact with Paint Materials.

materials. Observe safe operating procedures at all

Avoid skin contact with paint materials, particularly if

times, particularly when handling cleaning materials. For

there are cuts or open wounds on the hands. Unwashed

disposal of unserviceable paints, refer to paragraph 21.

hands may convey poisonous matter to food. Many

painting materials contain lead sulfide, lead carbonate,

18. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS)

chromium compounds, and other poisonous materials.

MSDS are prepared by the manufacturer and should

Lead chromate is particularly dangerous, and like other

accompany each single shipment or batch of paint,

lead paints, may enter the system during eating, or

primer or thinner. It is mandatory that personnel working

handling. Many of the thinners are also poisonous and

with these substances read this information. Because of

can enter the human system through the skin, through

the variations involved, MSDS must be reviewed for each

inhalation, or through carelessness in handling food.

shipment procured on a single purchase order. MSDS

Wear personal protection equipment (PPE) as

must be filed in a location readily accessible to workers

recommended in paragraph 19a.

exposed to the substances. MSDS also assist

management by directing attention to need for specific

c. Fire.

control engineering, work practices and protective

The mist that comes from a spray gun is highly

measures to ensure safe handling and use of the

flammable. A spark will cause it to flash. Smoking is

material. Along with the products ingredients and specific

prohibited in paint shops. Open cans containing paint

protection information, the MSDS contain the following

removers, thinners, paints, and paint materials are a fire

data:

hazard. Empty drums or other containers in which

solvents, thinners, and similar materials have been

a. Reactivity Data.

shipped are potential hazards since they often contain

This informs the paint user about the stability,

enough vaporized material of a flammable nature to

hazardous decomposition, or polymerization properties

cause explosions. Accumulated spray in booths and in

of the coating.

cracks and comers of the paint shop is particularly

b. Spill al d Disposal Procedures.

dangerous for it easily flares up in spontaneous

This informs the paint user the steps to be taken for

combustion. Oil or solvent-soaked cloths, if not promptly

proper spill or disposal methods.

disposed of, may cause fire by spontaneous combustion.

Fires which occur in spray booths result from six

c. Fire and Explosion Hazard Data.

principle causes: broken electric lamps and other

This informs the paint user about the flash point of

electrical defects; cleaning interior of booths, fans, and

the product, special fire fighting procedures, and the

motors with highly flammable solvents; accumulations of

extinguishing media.

deposits in the booths, tubes, and vent pipes; defective

d. Health Hazards.

fans and motors used for ventilating the booths; poorly

Personnel should be familiar with emergency and

designed vent tubes; or static electricity. Electrical

first aid procedures -s outlined in the product's MSDS.

mercury switches and vapor proof lighting fixtures with

This includes medical procedures to be followed if the

protective screens should be installed to reduce

product is inhaled, or if the procedure has come in

electrical spark hazard.

contact with the skin or eyes of an individual.

d. Safe Air.

If it is at all practical, painting of material should be

accomplished in the open air. Adequate forced draft

ventilation for indoor work should be provided to carry off

fumes. Respirators should be worn during all spray-

painting operations. Refer to paragraph 19b for specific

respiratory protection required.