OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS OF PAINTERS

 

Painting is physically a demanding job. Painters who take up this job are involved in many activities like sanding, dusting, painting and spraying. During these activities, there are exposed to various safety and health risks like

1)     EXPOSURE TO SOLVENTS: Various organic solvents are used in the preparation of paints and varnishes. These solvents are called the “volatile organic content” which are released into the atmosphere when the paint is applied on surfaces leaving behind the hard binder/resin. During this process, painters get exposed to toxic solvent vapours which lead to potential health problems which are both acute and chronic. Exposure to solvents can happen either by INHALATION, SKIN CONTACT, EYE CONTACT OR INGESTION

INHALATION

Solvent vapours are released when paints dry or cure, painters and persons who are working nearby areas inhale these vapours which cause respiratory disorders like asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems.

ASTHMA:  Painters are exposed to chemicals/solvent vapours which if inhaled would result in a life-threatening disease like asthma which is very distressing and causes breathing difficulties. In some people who are very allergic or sensitive to a certain type of solvent vapours immediately develop the symptoms of asthma which include wheezing, tightness of chest, running nose. The most common reasons are :

 

·      Toxic fumes from Epoxy resins, vapours from solvent  and thinners etc

·      Isocyanates and Dimethyl ethanolamine substances which are used in paint are found to have acute and chronic effects of airflow obstruction 

·      Certain Organic solvents used in paints.

·      Paint in the form of spray mist.

·      Exposure to paint fumes due to inadequate ventilation

 BRONCHITIS:  Painters exposed to solvent paints especially during spray painting technique are more likely to develop bronchitis due to easy inhalation of large quantities of solvent and other chemical aerosols especially polyurethane-based paints. This is also aggravated as a chronic disease in painters who have smoking as a habit.  

PHSYCO MOTOR FUNCTIONS: Solvents used in the paint industry are known to have negative effects on psychomotor functions and short-term memory. The paint contains heavy metals like cadmium, chromium pigments and fungicides have long term health effects such as fatigue and brain disturbances in painters who are continuously exposed to these vapours

 

SKIN CONTACT

DERMATITIS:  Painters who are exposed frequently with chemicals that come in contact with the skin results in skin conditions such as dermatitis, work-induced skin irritation of the hands, arms, face, and lower extremities. These chemicals can also induce allergies which can be acute or chronic. The most common paints that result in contract dermatitis include

·      Nickel and chromium-based paints

·      Epoxy-based paints 

 

EYE CONTACT

Contact with liquid solvent and solvent vapour can cause irritation and inflammation, irritation of eye causes distraction of work and can lead to slips, falls and trips. Long term effect on the eye can affect visual processing which affects the risk of workplace accidents. 

 

INGESTION

Solvents can go into the body through contaminated food, drinks and improper hygiene or accidentally drinking in rare cases. The main effects of solvents are irritation of lungs, headache, nausea, dizziness and lightheadedness. This will impair coordination and lose of concertation and results in accidents.

 

1)     MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES:  Painting involves bending, overreaching and lifting activities, these works are done repeatedly leading to chronic back injuries and Musculoskeletal injuries.  The hazards that a painter experience are varying in nature like

·      Frequent change in positions and postures resulting in muscle strain and loss of balance.

·      Slips and falls from ladder and scaffolding

·      Repetitive jobs and environmental conditions like extreme weather conditions

 

2)    ACCIDENTS: Electrocution while accidentally touching live wires, work on ladders, scaffolds and boatswains chair for painting purpose where there is a potential risk of falling or tripping. Risk of injury from falling objects. Working in confined spaces leading to asphyxiation.

 

3)    DUST INHALATION: Painters are exposed to construction dust inhalation during sanding activities and also from nearby construction activities which generate a lot of silica dust, wood dust and other general dust

 

a.     Silica dust is produced from mortar and concrete

b.    Wood dust is produced when working on Fiberboards, plywood and other woods

c.     General dust is produced from other sources like marble and gypsum.

CONTROLS

• 1)     USE OF PPE: Using of proper PPES like chemical resistant suits which include hoods, gloves and boots which act as a barrier between the mists and vapours that come from many types of paints especially where the concertation of mists or fumes are high in spray painting. Use of respiratory protective equipment where ventilation does not provide adequate control.

   

  2)    SUBSTITUTION:

  a.     Replacing solvent-based paints with water-based paints wherever possible

  b.    Use of automation for spraying techniques are required so that human interaction to exposure is reduced or eliminated.

   

  3)    VENTILATION:  Work area should be well ventilated if it is a closed room, with proper ventilation systems and open windows and doors. If natural ventilation is not possible, Effective Local exhaust ventilation should be provided and it has to be double ensured that the work area is well ventilated.

   

  4)    STORAGE AND USING SOLVENTS: Solvents and thinners should be stored carefully in cool and ventilated places, they should be properly labelled and kept in proper containers with proper lidding to minimize the evaporation which otherwise would lead to inhalation health hazards. During the transfer of solvent automatic/manual dispensing techniques to reduce the risk of exposure to solvents while pouring or dipping etc.

   

  5)    HOUSEKEEPING:  

  
  

  a.     Reducing spillages will lead to less concentration of vapours in the workplace

  b.    Ensuring proper disposal of solvent rags/cotton waste into closed containers.

  c.     Proper training to workers on spill management.

   

  6)    PERSONAL HYGIENE:  Adequate facilities should be available for painters for cleaning and washing facilities with proper cleaning materials.  Eating and drinking should always be far away from the work area.

   

  7)    ERGONOMICS:  

   

  a.     Avoid bending for long amounts of time or repeated number of times, it can be done by storing the required materials at waist height where there can be approachable by hand rather than storing at ground level which requires frequent bending. 

  b.    Minimizing overhead work by getting close the work as possible by standing on a platform or ladder

  c.     Taking  frequent breaks as required for the job

Article by PJ Mohan

Sr.Faculty, NIFS