INT/Painting/TBT-INT-008

Spray Painting Safety

Interior & Finishing Trades › Painting › Spray Painting Safety

All Categories/Interior & Finishing Trades/Painting/Spray Painting Safety

Spray Painting Safety

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-INT-008  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
PresenterProject
LocationDate

What?

  • Spray painting generates a fine mist of paint particles and solvent vapour that is easily inhaled.
  • Isocyanate-containing paints used in spray application can cause fatal occupational asthma.
  • Solvent vapours are heavier than air and accumulate at low level, creating toxic and explosive atmospheres.
  • COSHH 2002 requires a specific assessment for spray painting covering inhalation and skin exposure.
  • Adequate ventilation or extraction is essential; spray booths with filtered extraction are the preferred control.
  • RPE for spray painting must be air-fed or powered where isocyanates or solvents are involved.
  • Disposable paper masks are not adequate protection for spray painting operations.
  • Overspray can drift significant distances, affecting other workers and contaminating surrounding surfaces.
  • Ignition sources must be eliminated in spray painting areas due to flammable solvent vapour risk.
  • Health surveillance including lung function testing is required for workers regularly spray painting.

Why?

Prevent lung diseaseInhaling paint mist and solvent vapour causes occupational asthma, chemical pneumonitis, and permanent lung damage.
Fire and explosionSolvent vapours from spray paint are highly flammable and can ignite from sparks, hot surfaces, or electrical equipment.
Legal requirementCOSHH 2002 and the DSEAR Regulations 2002 require controls for hazardous substances and flammable atmospheres.
Do Don't
  • Use a spray booth with filtered extraction wherever reasonably practicable.
  • Wear air-fed RPE when spraying isocyanate or solvent-based paints.
  • Read the safety data sheet for every paint product before spraying.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation in the spray area before starting work.
  • Eliminate all ignition sources from the spray painting zone.
  • Wear chemical-resistant gloves and coveralls to prevent skin absorption.
  • Attend health surveillance including lung function tests when required.
  • Store paint and solvents in designated flammable materials cabinets.
  • Erect warning signs and barriers to keep other workers clear of overspray.
  • Clean spray equipment in ventilated areas using approved cleaning solvents.
  • DON'T spray paint without adequate ventilation or extraction in place.
  • DON'T use disposable paper masks for spray painting; they are inadequate.
  • DON'T spray near ignition sources including welding, grinding, or naked flames.
  • DON'T allow overspray to drift onto other workers or occupied areas.
  • DON'T eat, drink, or smoke in or near the spray painting area.
  • DON'T spray isocyanate paints without air-fed respiratory protection.
  • DON'T store large quantities of paint or solvent in the spray area.
  • DON'T ignore skin contact with paint mist; wash exposed skin promptly.
  • DON'T skip reading the safety data sheet before using a new product.
  • DON'T use electrical equipment in the spray zone unless it is ATEX rated.

See also: Painting and Decorating Safety | Isocyanates in Spray Foam and Paints
ebrora.com

RAMS Builder

Generate professional Risk Assessment and Method Statements in minutes. 10 document formats, site-specific content, instant Word download.

Learn More