The Auto Painting Tips NewsletterWith Chris Curwen & Expert Auto Painter - Dave Gage (Car Cosmetics) January 17th, 2008 - Issue 36 This week, we have to get a little serious (stone face is on). Personal safety is of paramount importance when using automotive painting chemicals. Every product label will clearly recommend the use of certain personal safety equipment and you MUST abide by these rules at all times. Period. These recommendations are not just some annoying government style red tape, no way. They are in place to stop you from seriously harming your health. If you have any questions about your planned use or function of any auto paint related products or piece of equipment, never hesitate to consult:
Needless to say, you have help at hand so use it. For your benefit, the manufacturers of most paint products are responsible for making their products environmentally safe as well as user-friendly. The manufacturers of such products continually work to reduce the amount of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) in the various products. There is not a lot that you personally can do to reduce the amount of VOCs in the actual paint itself, it is very important therefore that you follow the laws regarding the proper use and disposal of these products. Environmental Protection Your local paint supply store worker will be able to give you the latest information regarding paint laws in your area. Any paint related product that they sell will be compliant with these laws. It is only common sense that you keep the chemicals you are using to yourself. Don't frighten your neighbors by telling them you are working with dangerous chemicals, especially if they frown upon your auto painting project to begin with. These chemicals are regulated because of the dangerous threat they pose to human health as well as to the environment. Make personal health and safety and that of those around you your highest priority. What should you do with the leftover paint products after you finish the job? The answer to that depends on where you live. It should be obvious to you that pouring it onto the ground is definitely not acceptable. You will find safe disposal instructions for each product on those very important information sheets already mentioned. Again, if you are at all unsure of the correct disposal procedures, consult with the list of resources mentioned above. Personal Protection The government may not really care if you chose to spray paint your vehicle in your own garage, but your general health and well being will. While there may be no laws which mandate whether you wear the proper safety equipment in your area, choosing not to will eventually cost you your life! Paint manufacturers have to list the necessary safety equipment, including breathing masks and skin protection required and all necessary precautions on all product labels. They also have to include the same precautions on their safety information sheets. It is of the utmost importance that you follow this information carefully. The minimum safety equipment you should use while painting would be to use a half-mask that utilises charcoal cartridges. These types of masks are suitable for most but not all undercoat products. Any paint product that contains isocyanates; an epoxy primer or any other product that requires it to be mixed with a hardener, will require you to use complete safety protection. The reactivity of isocyanates makes them harmful to living tissue. They are toxic and are known to cause asthma in humans, both through inhalation exposure and dermal contact. Exposure to isocyanates and their vapours are to be avoided. Isocyanates can be inhaled as well as absorbed through tear ducts and through pores in the skin. You will need to use coveralls, rubber gloves, goggles and a hat to protect your body when you use these types of products. If you are thinking of making auto painting your chosen career, you would be wise to use a fresh air supply hood. This covers up your entire head and face. You connect it to its own air compressor which supplies you with fresh air while you are painting. Use it with coveralls and rubber gloves to give you the best possible protection while working with isocyanates. Be aware that the cost of a fresh air hood could make it too expensive for you to purchase when you are getting ready to paint your first vehicle. The Hazards of Paint Atomization Paint products pose the biggest threat when they are being atomized while being sprayed from a paint spray gun. Atomization occurs when the spray gun breaks up the primer, sealer, paint or clear into smaller particles, allowing them to lie evenly on the panel being sprayed. They can be almost as dangerous when being sanded after they have dried. It is important therefore that you always wear a filtered mask while sanding.
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Safety Disclaimer: Always follow the recommendations of your nearest auto paint supply store or by referring to the manufacturer's application guides and information sheets when dealing with any type of auto paint product or piece of equipment. Copyright © LearnAutoPainting.com 2007-2008. All Rights Reserved. |
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