1. SCOPE

This document specifies the minimum requirements to be undertaken in the areas of -

• Painting,
• Spray-painting, and the
• Application of two pack paints and coatings.

It is expected that these procedures will be followed while working in all of The Australian National University's spray paint booths, paint workshops, and University buildings. The implementation of painting tenders\contracts, and painting by contract labour is also required to follow these guidelines. This document not only details procedures which are designed to protect the safety and health of painters but also to minimise the impact on other ANU staff and the environment.

This document and relevant Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for the products used, are an integral aspect of painting procedures at the University. As such, a copy of the MSDSs and this document shall be kept in close proximity to the spray booth and easily and readily available to all interested persons. In addition, a copy of this document shall be given to and read by all persons involved in painting around the University.

This document is not expected to replace appropriate training in the techniques of painting, but to act as a guideline for how those procedures and techniques shall be implemented around the University.

It is expected that any new spray paint booth, or modification to an existing booth, will comply with the requirements of Australian Standard AS 4114. A list of spray paint booth locations can be found in appendix A.

2. FOREWORD

The process of painting is to achieve an aesthetic protecting coating. The paint is usually applied by brush, roller or spray gun.

It is expected that all spray painting be conducted within a spray booth. The role of the spray booth is to -

• carry away the over-spray,
• reduce the concentration of flammable vapour, and health hazards in the air to concentrations below the explosive limits and safe exposure levels.

Fixed items which cannot be positioned in a spray booth, should be painted by other means (eg, brushing or rollers). Authorisation of spray painting outside a booth, may occur on location, only after health, safety and environmental considerations are taken into account, and where there are means to reduce its impact to acceptable levels. Spray painting may only be conducted by those persons who are familiar with the procedures of spray painting and those outlined in this document.

The application of two pack paints (eg. polyurethane, epoxy), may only be conducted by painters who are fully aware of the health hazards and properties of the paint, and have the appropriate equipment and training. (Also see the Health Surveillance section below)

Unauthorised persons are not allowed within a spray booth while spraying is in progress or while the items are drying.

3. HEALTH AND SAFETY BACKGROUND

During the process of painting, persons may be exposed to a variety of substances, which may have implications to their safety and health. For example, solvents and paints are formulated with a variety of ingredients. However, exposure and absorption occurs via -

• Inhalation
• Skin absorption
• Ingestion

Once within the body, the resulting dose in the body can exert an effect on various tissues and organs. This effect may be in the short term (acute effect), such as dizziness, or from repeated exposure (chronic effects), such as liver damage. The effect on health of various products can be found in their material safety data sheets, and these should be consulted by every painter before they use the product for the first time. If unsure about the products effects or for a clarification of the information please contact your supervisor or the Occupational Health and Safety Unit.

In general the risk to health from various paint products varies from least to greatest, as follows -

• Water colours, although they may contain toxic pigments.
• Acrylic paints, contain only small amounts of organic solvents.
• Oil based paints and lacquers, contain significant amounts of organic solvents. The solvents can be responsible for dizziness, headaches, nausea, tiredness, irritating cough, red and stinging eyes. Solvents will also de-fat the skin possibly leading to dermatitis.
• Two pack acrylic and some epoxy paints. Consult MSDS.
• Two pack polyurethane paints, which contain isocyanates (in the hardener) and organic solvents. The isocyanates are potential sensitising agents which may cause asthma.

4. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Note: PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE PERSONAL ISSUE,to reduce the risk of spread of diseases, and encourage care and maintenance.

It is the responsibility of the owner of this equipment to maintain it in a good working condition.

It is managements responsibility to provide the appropriate personal protective equipment.

The following is the minimum level of personal protective equipment required for personal safety while handling paints and spray painting.

A) Personal Protective Equipment for Brush and Roller Application
The minimum Personal Protective Equipment whilst applying paint with a brush or roller are -

• Coveralls or overalls
• Gloves. In some circumstances barrier cream may be used.
• Appropriate footwear
• A hat. When painting outside or to keep paint droplets out of ones hair.

When paint is mixed, transferred or there is a risk of splashing safety glasses or goggles must be worn. When paint must be mixed for application by brush or roller, this must be done in a well ventilated area.

The cleaning of equipment must be carried out in a well ventilated area. Gloves must be worn when solvent is used.

B) Personal Protective Equipment for Spray Application

Respirators

A full-face positive pressure airline respirator. This design is suitable for use in the application of all paint commonly applied at the University. This type of respirator must be used when handling two pack paints containing isocyanates. This form of respirator also includes in-built eye protection.

However, for the application of less hazardous paints (eg. acrylic based paint) a half-face respirator with spray paint canisters (type: A1 P2 with pre-filter) may be used. Eye protection (eg safety glasses or goggles) is then required.

Note: In spray booths where an airline respirator is available, it should be used.

Gloves
Solvent resistant gloves made of nitrile (eg. Ansell's Sol-vex) or PVC must be worn when handling paint, solvents and during spraying. Rubber gloves are not suitable. Disposable nitrile gloves (eg. Best N-DEX Nitrile gloves) are acceptable while spraying. Re-useable gloves should be checked before use for leakage and contamination (inside) the glove.

To check for cuts and holes, simply grab and pull the cuff of the glove with both hands, flip the glove end over end two or three times to produce a good seal, then grab the cuff with one hand sealing the air within. Squeeze the glove with the other hand (the fingers should inflate), look for holes.

Overalls\coveralls
Protective clothing should be worn to avoid contamination of street clothes. Tradesmen's overalls with sleeves or disposable coveralls are suitable. Cotton or anti-static fabrics are preferred.

Hearing protection
Where noise levels are in excess of the 85 dB(A) occupational exposure limit, hearing protection (ear muffs or ear plugs) should be worn. They may also be worn simply to reduce the noise to a comfortable level.

When the noise level exceeds 85 dB(A), the noise level of the booth should be documented and placed near the booth with a hearing conservation warning sign.

Footwear
Good footwear should have a non-slip chemical resistant sole and protective upper.

Maintenance
For personal protective equipment to function correctly and last a reasonable length of time, it must be correctly maintained. This involves -

• Pre-use checks, to ensure the equipment is not damaged, leaking, and working correctly,
• Worn and correctly used, contact the OHS Unit or manufacturer\supplier if unsure. Appropriate training shall be given before equipment is used for the first time.
• Cleaned, after use to prevent the build-up of dirt and bacteria.
• Stored correctly. For example, half face respirators should be stored in a sealed container to prevent absorption of contaminates.
• Respirator filters must be changed when appropriate.

5. BRUSH \ ROLLER PAINTING

Some points to note regarding brush and roller application.

• It is recommended that brushes soaking in solvent (eg. mineral turps) be placed into containers with lids, such that the evaporation and inhalation of solvent is minimised.
• Solvent soaked rags should be stored in a well ventilated area or a flash proof garbage bin. They should not be allowed to accumulate, as this is known to start fires.
• When painting small items with a highly volatile paint# , consider using the spray booth.

# The use of volatile paints should not be undertaken within 15 m of 'hot work' (welding, grinding, naked flames, ignitionsources). A fire extinguisher should be within close proximity.

6. OPERATION OF SPRAY PAINT BOOTHS and SPRAY PAINTING PROCEDURES

The following are step by step procedures for spray painting -
Pre-spray procedures
Sanding - Sanding in a spray booth should only be conducted with the exhaust fan running. A respirator should also be worn. An appropriate air gun may be used to remove dust from the work piece.
Cleaning - For a good paint finish, a spray booth should be relatively free of dust. Cleaning the booth before spraying can be done by -

• Washing with water (if the area is so designed).
• Vacuuming.
• Dry sweeping.

Depending on the frequency of use and amount of dust, possible cleaning frequencies include -

• Before spraying.
• After spraying (and drying).
• Once a week.

1 Equipment checks and operation
The following checks are to be conducted before each use of the spray booth -

• Ensure that the air inlet filters are clean and free from obstructions.
• Ensure all source of ignition and miscellaneous items are removed from the booth.
• Turn on the exhaust fan. Where more than one fan is present all fans must be operating.
• Turn on the inlet air fan (if present)

Note: The exhaust fan must run for a minimum of 2 minutes, before spraying can commence. This is known as the pre-spray purge cycle. During this time check -

• The air flow sensor (if present) to ensure that the minimum air flow (0.5 ms-1) is obtained.
• Where an air flow sensor is not available, use your ungloved hand or a tissue to determine that the air is flowing efficiently.
• Ensure that the filter wall is complete and operational.

Note: If the air flow is insufficient or significantly decreases or stops, all work\spraying in booth is to stop until the problem is rectified.

• Check the compressed air supply - drain any water condensate from the system, ensure the pressure is satisfactory for the operation of the spray gun and respirator.
• Place "Spray Painting in Progress - Do Not Enter" sign on the entrance.

2 Personal protective equipment
Put on your protective clothing - Overalls\coveralls,

• Air-line respirator, and plug into the air supply . Check the quality of the compressed air (by smell). An oil or burnt smell indicates problems with the compressor. Do not breathe poor quality air.
• Chemical resistant gloves
• Other items as specified above.

3 Mix paint

Aim to make only the minimum quantity of paint necessary to reduce wastage. This should be enough for half a days' spraying or a maximum of 4 litres.

Dilute the paint with a suitable solvent into a metal can. If transferring large quantities of solvent from a drum, ensure that the drum is earthed to avoid the risk of a static spark.

4 Object position

• Be aware of manual handling issues and follow the appropriate guidelines. Larger and awkward items may require two or more people to manoeuvre.
• Position the object to be painted within the spray booth with roughly the same amount of space on each side.
• Where possible use tables, or trolleys, to raise the working height of small items.
• When racks or shelves are used for drying, these should not impede the circulation of fresh air, exhaust of contaminated air, or the exit by persons.

5 Spray gun

• Strain paint into the spray gun pot.
• Set spray gun parameters for spraying.
• Connect gun to air supply.

6 Spray

• The ideal operator position while spraying is side-on or facing the work. Never position yourself between the work and filters, as you will be covered in paint.
• Spray the underside of objects first, by turning the object upside down. Once done, then turn object the right way up. Avoid spraying in an upward direction, as this directs spray into your breathing zone and face.
• Once finished disconnect the spray gun.

7 Drying

• A better finish in obtained if the objects are allowed to dry within the spray booth. Where space is restricted, objects may be moved within the spray booth room. Objects may only leave the spray room once the paint is touch dry, set, or cured.
• The booth must remain on for a post-spray cycle of at least 5 minutes. However, where possible the booth exhaust should run as long as practical, or until the items are touch dry.
• Replace the "spray painting in progress" sign with the "Paint Drying - Do Not Enter" sign.

Note: The only forms of heating allowed in a spray booth are indirect-fired heating systems, reverse cycle air-conditioning, and heat lamps. All equipment needs to be intrinsically safe to reduce the risk of fire\explosion.

8 Cleaning
Clean all equipment and the mess you've made. This includes the -

• Spray gun, with a suitable solvent according to the manufacturer's instruction.
• Waste paint\solvent should be disposed of via the appropriate means - waste contractor for solvent (oil) based paints, mixed two pack paints may be allowed to harden then disposed of as solid rubbish.
• Once work with the solvents and paint is finished. Remove respirator and clean. Once dry place in a suitable location free of dust.
• Wipe gloves to remove excess wet paint. Hang out to dry. Your gloves should periodically be washed inside with soap and water and dried. If leaking get a new pair.
• Overalls or coveralls should be allowed to dry. Cotton types should be regularly laundered. Disposable types should be thrown out once damaged or excessively contaminated.

9 Restore equipment
Return equipment, personal protective equipment, paint cans and solvent to their appropriate locations.

Important: Notify management of any problems or malfunctions so that they may be repaired \ replaced

Note: Spray painting using pressure pack (aerosol) cans of paint may be undertaken in the spray booths indicated in Appendix A.

7. TWO PACK PAINT SYSTEMS

Two pack paint includes various types of polyurethane, epoxy and acrylic systems, involving a base (part A) and a hardener or catalyst (part B).

TWO PACK PAINT SYSTEMS MAY ONLY BE APPLIED BY THOSE PERSONS AUTHORISED BY MANAGEMENT,with the appropriate knowledge and training.

Two pack paint spraying may only occur within a spray booth. Outside a spray booth it should only be applied by brush or roller* . It's use within laboratories and other harsh environments may only occur after consideration has been given to -

• Whether substitution with a safer product is\is not possible.
• Restricting air movement into occupied areas of a building. Ventilation ducts and air-conditioning vents should be blocked off. A mechanical means (ie fan) should be available to exhaust contaminated air outside the building with safety. Adequate make-up air should also be considered.

In addition to the requirements of the section on Personal Protective Equipment and Spray Paint Booth Operation, take note of the following -

• Full protective clothing should be worn, such as disposable coveralls. Any remaining exposed skin should be coated with barrier cream, as these paints stick very well.
• An airline respirator is required for applying (spraying) two pack polyurethane. If an airline respirator is not available when applying two pack epoxy or acrylics, a full-face air supply respirator (ie. battery operated filter unit) fitted with organic vapour cartridges (type A class 2, or type AX or A + K, class 2) with a pre-filter, may be used for short periods # . However, the filter-type of respirator is not suitable for paints containing isocyanates. A full piece (which also provides eye protection) is required to prevent absorption of mists, and vapours through the eye and irritating of the eyes.
• Nitrile gloves must be worn.

* Isocyanate containing paints can not be applied outside a spray booth.
# For longer periods, filters may need to be changed regularly or upon breakthrough - ie. when you can smell the solvent.

8. INSPECTION and MAINTENANCE OF SPRAY BOOTHS

In accordance with the Australian Standard recommendations on spray paint booths the following inspection and maintenance program is required for those booths suitable for the use of compressed air spray guns (see Appendix A).

Inspections
In addition to the brief visual inspection conducted before each days spray painting -

AT LEAST EVERY 3 MONTHS

In addition to the before spraying checks, a visual inspection should be conducted every three months (irrespective of booth use) -

• To ensure that the air flow through the booth is adequate and evenly distributed.
• The air quality of the compressed breathing air is not contaminated.

AT LEAST EVERY 12 MONTHS

Visual and close inspection should be conducted. These periodic inspections include -

• Look for loose bolts, hoses etc
• Damage to filter mounts, lights, air hoses

AT LEAST ONCE EVERY 3 YEARS

A Detailed inspection involving -

• De-energising electrical equipment.
• a close look (with tools) and opening access panels, equipment boxes etc, encompassing all equipment, systems, installation, manufacturer's guidelines.
• include earth bondage straps, and fan blades, cleaning of motors to prevent over heating.

The Australian Standard Inspection Schedule is included in Appendix B. Electrical equipment should be tested as per the ANU's Electrical safety hazard management procedures and relevant codes of practice.

Maintenance to be conducted only by those conversant with spray booths and associated equipment and who understand approval and certification constraints. A detailed inspection is required after maintenance.

Modifications and repairs must meet all Australian Standard requirements.

Records
Inspection and maintenance records must be kept. It is recommended that a book (or the form attached) be used to detail information about -

• visual, close and detailed inspections
• change of filters
• any maintenance

An inspection and maintenance record form can be found in the Attachments.

9. STORAGE OF PAINTS \ SOLVENTS

Paints may be stored in the following manner -

• Unopened new paint cans may be stored on shelves. Keep stock to a minimum.
• The number of active, half used paints should be kept to a minimum. They shall be stored with the lid firmly secure.
• All two pack paints are to be kept in a secure location, with limited access. ie. a locked cupboard.
• Highly flammable paints (of packaging group I) should be stored in a flammable liquids cupboard.

Solvents storage shall be kept below 100 L, unless a Dangerous Goods Licence is obtained. Solvent drums should be kept in a flammable liquids cupboard. Material Safety Data Sheets for all hazardous substances should be accessible.

A Hazardous Substance Register (list of chemicals and their controls) needs to be kept in the workshop, along with the MSDSs.

10. DISPOSAL OF PAINTS \ SOLVENTS

Disposal of paints and solvents should be via a Waste Contractor, with the exception that -

• Acrylic paints may be allowed to dry\harden. The solid waste can then be disposed of in normal rubbish.
• Mixed two pack paints can be allowed to harden and then disposed of in normal rubbish.

(Acrylic) Paint and brusholler washings are not allowed to enter the sewage system, without a special trade waste disposal permit.

11. HEALTH SURVEILLANCE

Health surveillance is required for workers who use isocyanate containing paints. This is undertaken by a medical practitioner. The OHS Unit can arrange these examinations, which involves the collection of -

• Workers demographic data (eg. name, age, sex etc)
• Occupational history
• Medical history
• Physical examination, with emphasis on the respiratory system and skin. A lung function test is usually conducted.
• Health advice

Note: Persons with a history of isocyanate induced asthma are excluded from work involving isocyanate paints.

12. FIRST AID

All painters should be aware of the first aid procedures for treating likely accidents. First aid advice can be found in the relevant MSDS. In general, the first aid advice for -

• INHALATION - is move the victim into fresh air. Seek medical attention. Care should be taken when large amounts of vapours have been inhaled - as pulmonary oedema (fluid in the lungs - indicated by a cough some time after the exposure) may occur. Pulmonary oedema may require hospitalisation.
• SKIN ABSORPTION - wash with plenty of water. Also see cleaning paint from the skin below.
• INGESTION - Do not induce vomiting. Give plenty of milk or water. Seek medical attention.

13. CLEANING PAINT FROM THE SKIN

In an ideal situation, paint would not contaminate the skin, due to protective clothing and gloves. Barrier cream may also assist in protecting the skin from paint, and making the skin easier to clean. Some commercial barrier creams include -

• Dermaguard
• Hamilton Laboratories Dermex
• Septone Protecta, Protecta Guard (suitable against paints), and others

Mineral turpentine, Shellite, White spirit, lacquer thinner and other solvents ARE NOT TO BE USED to clean skin. They are absorbed through the skin, de-fat the skin (causing dryness), and may lead to dermatitis. They may also be responsible for transferring other toxins through the skin. Commercial skin cleaners should be used to remove paint. Some available skin cleaners include -

• Hamilton Laboratories' SC-300 Skin Cleanser
• Septone Citra Scrub waterless hand cleaner

To help prevent skin dryness and dermatitis it is recommended that a skin repair cream be used regularly.

14. GLOSSARY

Spray painting:
the process in which a liquid coating substance, such as paint or lacquers is converted into a mist or aerosol which are directed onto a surface to produce an evenly distributed film of the required thickness and texture.

Spray painting booth:
a room or enclosure designed and dedicated solely for the purpose of conducting all operations associated with spray painting.

Spray painting process:
spray painting may be achieved by -

1. airless spraying - whereby the paint is ejected from a spray nozzle under hydraulic pressure,
2. compressed air - whereby a mixture of air and paint is applied under pressure,
3. electrostatic - whereby an object and paint are electrically charged at opposite polarities,
4. pressure pack - the use of small spray can paints,
5. any combination of the processes referred to in (1) to (4).

Hazardous Area:
an area in which an explosive atmosphere is present, or may be expected to be present, in quantities such as to require special precautions for the construction, installation and use of potential ignition sources. This is in fact a three dimensional space.

Paint:
A combination of ingredients which may include -

• Solvents (flammable or non-flammable)
• Pigments (ie. colouring agents)
• Resins
• Hardeners or catalysts
• Other additives such as anti-mould, anti-fowling agents (marine paints)

Solvent:
A liquid into which something is dissolved or mixed. In painting the use of the term 'solvent' usually indicates an organic solvent - consisting of hydrocarbons, ethers, or alcohols. The solvent is usually the vapour that can be smelt.

15. HISTORY

These procedures for painting and related safety procedures were developed by a working party during January and February 1998, and reviewed by representatives of management and workers. The working party consisted of - Roy Schmid, OHS Unit Frank Fusca, Works & Services Reg Giraldi, University House Andrew McMurray, RSC John Stumpers, Works & Services

First Issued February 1998

16. REFERENCES

1. Standards Australia, AS 4114.1:1995, Spray Painting Booths, Part 1: Design, construction, and testing.
2. Standards Australia, AS 4114.2:1995, Spray Painting Booths, Part 2: Selection, installation and maintenance.
3. OHS Unit, Audit of Painting and Spray Painting, R. Schmid, 1998

APPENDIX A

Spray Paint Booth Locations

Spray paint booths suitable for spray with a compressed air spray gun, are located at -
RSC, Workshop
JCSMR, Workshop\boiler house
Works & Services, Paint workshop
ITA, Wood workshop
ITA, Paint workshop
Mount Stromlo, Workshop

In addition, there are other smaller booths on campus where the use of small pressure pack spray cans can be used, for example, in touching up small items. These located at -
BaMBi, workshop
Chemistry, workshop
Physics, workshop
RSPhysSE, workshop

APPENDIX B

Inspection Schedule - Standards Australia

The inspection schedule table is an extract from AS 4114.1-1995, Spray Painting Booths, Part 1: Design, construction and testing. Please contact the OHS Unit, G Block, Old Administration Area, for a copy of the table.

ATTACHMENTS

Signage

• Spray Painting in Operation - Do Not Enter
• Paint Drying - Do Not Enter

Audit form - Painting and Spray Painting

Hazardous Substances register

Inspection and Maintenance record form

These attachments are available from the OHS Unit, G Block, Old Administration Area.