Painting Safety Precautions

Painters risk injury due to heavy physical activity, body positioning, and weather extremes. Painters are also exposed to dust from sanding and hazardous chemicals, such as cleaning products, paints, lacquers, and sealants. And, because painted surfaces can be several stories high, working at heights is common—putting painters at risk of falls. Therefore, it’s important to also include the necessary steps to help them stay safe while working at elevations. These include:

Inspecting ladders daily
Setting ladders up properly and using them safely.
Understanding scaffolding requirements and making sure they are properly installed
Not using makeshift ladders or scaffolds that could fail and cause a fall.
Knowing when to use fall protection and how to use it properly.

Physical factors

Painting requires standing for long periods, repetitive movement, and awkward positions. Here are some steps to take to avoid injuries:

Rotate job tasks during the day.
Take rest and stretch breaks to prevent fatigue.
Use our proper lifting techniques checklist to help workers protect themselves from back and other injuries.
See Shoe Policies for information on using comfortable work boots with non-slip soles. This helps support the feet while the working is standing all day.

Also, be sure to choose the correct tools for the job task. Use tool handles long enough to prevent overreaching. Handles should be soft, non-slip, and fit the hand. Try different models until achieving a comfortable fit.

Environmental factors

Indoors and out, all year long, painting exposes workers to hot and cold weather. Make sure your employees use the proper clothing and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from exposure to heat illness and cold stress.

Preparing surfaces by sanding and cleaning can expose workers to dust or solvents; protective gloves and respirators may be needed. Some surfaces can contain asbestos, mold, or lead, which require assessment and clean-up by certified abatement professionals before they are prepped for painting. Always practice good hygiene by washing up during and after work. Keep work clothes and shoes separate from non-work clothes to prevent cross-contamination at home.

IMPORTANT

According to the California Department of Public Health, paint on structures built prior to 1978 is presumed to contain lead. Asbestos may be present in textured paint and patching compounds applied prior to 1977. Also beware that some older popcorn ceilings may also contain asbestos.

Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to learn about the chemicals in paints and surface preparation materials. Even though a material may be water-based and labeled as environmentally friendly it can still contain hazardous ingredients. Good ventilation can provide protection from paint vapors. Spray booths, fans, open doors, and windows can move fresh air into the workspace, diluting out harmful vapors.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

The SDS will specify PPE for products used. Goggles or safety glasses protect the eyes from splashes during cleaning, mixing, and application. Gloves and coveralls protect the skin from contact with chemicals that could be irritating or absorbed. Wear a respirator to protect your lungs from dusts, spray paint droplets, and vapors from solvents and paints.

Additionally, practice good housekeeping on the jobsite to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Make sure cords, ropes, and hoses are out of the way, and any clutter is removed from working areas and walking paths.

Talk to your employees today about the risks they face on the job. Remind them to use the proper equipment, protective gear, and to be aware of any hazardous materials and dangerous conditions. Taking these steps can help them tackle any painting job, large or small, safely and efficiently.