Painting and Decorating Safety

Painting and decorating involves surface preparation, paint application, and finishing work that exposes workers to chemical and physical hazards.
Solvents in oil-based paints, varnishes, and thinners cause headaches, dizziness, and respiratory sensitisation with repeated exposure.
Isocyanates in two-pack paints and spray coatings are one of the most common causes of occupational asthma in the UK.
Working at height on ladders, hop-ups, podiums, and mobile towers is a daily activity for painters and decorators.
Paint stripping using chemical strippers, heat guns, or sanding can release lead dust from older painted surfaces.
Spray painting creates a fine mist of paint particles and solvent vapour requiring RPE, extraction, and enclosed spray areas.
COSHH assessments must be prepared for every paint, solvent, and coating product used on the project.
Skin contact with solvents strips natural oils from the skin, causing dermatitis with prolonged or repeated exposure.
Flammable solvents and thinners create fire and explosion risk in poorly ventilated rooms during application and drying.
Adequate ventilation must be provided during painting in enclosed spaces to control solvent vapour concentrations.

Occupational asthma	Isocyanates in spray paints cause irreversible asthma — once sensitised, even tiny exposure triggers severe breathing difficulty.
Solvent exposure	Breathing solvent fumes in enclosed spaces causes dizziness and unconsciousness — ventilation and RPE prevent acute and chronic harm.
Lead paint	Sanding or stripping pre-1960 paint can release lead dust that causes lead poisoning — testing before stripping is essential.

Do

Don't

Read the COSHH assessment and SDS for every paint and coating product before use.
Ensure adequate ventilation when using solvent-based paints in enclosed rooms.
Wear RPE specified in the COSHH assessment, especially for spray painting operations.
Use correct access equipment for working at height — not chairs or stacked materials.
Test older painted surfaces for lead content before sanding, scraping, or stripping.
Wear gloves and barrier cream to protect your skin from solvent contact.
Store flammable paints and solvents in ventilated, fire-resistant storage when not in use.
Use water-based alternatives to solvent-based products wherever they are suitable.
Ensure spray painting is carried out in enclosed, ventilated areas with RPE worn.
Attend health surveillance if regularly exposed to isocyanates or solvent-based products.

DON'T use paints or coatings without checking the COSHH assessment and data sheet.
DON'T paint in enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation to remove solvent vapours.
DON'T spray paint without RPE — paint mist contains harmful chemicals and particles.
DON'T stand on buckets, window sills, or radiators to reach high areas.
DON'T sand or strip old paint without testing for lead content first.
DON'T handle solvents and thinners with bare hands — they damage your skin.
DON'T store open containers of flammable paint near ignition sources or in occupied rooms.
DON'T use solvent-based products when a water-based alternative would be suitable.
DON'T carry out spray application in unventilated areas without containment and extraction.
DON'T skip health surveillance if you regularly work with isocyanate-containing coatings.

See also: COSHH Awareness | Spray Painting Safety

Presenter		Project
Location		Date

Toolbox Talk Record