Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420:reg:15:p15
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 15 (pt 15/22)
Character Range: 228913–238323

eating, drinking or smoking is permitted                     No                                                                                                  Procedures are followed                                                                                                                                                                                                                       N/A
SPRAY PAINTING          Skin                                                            No specific controls are used                                                                       Yes                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           The risk of skin contact is high because isocyanate-based paint is sprayed without protective clothing being worn.                                                                                                                                                                                                           Protective gloves and overalls should be worn as per SDS to prevent skin contact.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The respirator only covers half the face of operator so skin on face and head at risk of exposure                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Air-fed, full face respirator should be worn.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This task is performed in a down-flow booth which has not been maintained properly for some years.                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Downflow booth should be immediately serviced and tested to ensure it is working effectively. A regular maintenance program needs to be  put into place.
SPRAY PAINTING (cont.)  Inhalation                                                      A combination particulate/vapour respirator is used. This respirator only covers half of the face.  Yes                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Furthermore, the respiratory equipment is inadequate; particulate/vapour respirators are not particularly suitable for spray painting. Health effects from inhalation of isocyanates are serious and can be irreversible. The task is long in duration and the exposure standard is very low. This is a high risk activity.  Spray painting should be undertaken using a full-face, air-fed respirator.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Health monitoring should be considered to ensure controls are adequate.
Ingestion               No eating, drinking or smoking is permitted                     No                                                                                                  Procedures are followed                                                                                                                                                                                                                       N/A

CLEANING                Skin                                                            No specific controls are used                                                                       Yes                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Gloves and overalls are generally not worn. Although the task is relatively short, the solvent is highly flammable and a skin irritant. The risk of skin exposure is high due to no gloves being used. SDS states that prolonged skin contact with the solvent may lead to dermatitis.                                       Consider automated spray-gun washing up unit
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Use gloves and overalls are per SDS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Install wash-up units fitted with LEV
Inhalation              No specific controls are used                                   Yes                                                                                                 The solvent is volatile and represents an inhalation risk.                                                                                                                                                                                    Use respirator fitted with organic vapour cartridge
                                                                                                                                                                                            Cleaning is performed in an open vessel and soiled rags stored in an open bin with low ventilation in the room, which can allow solvent vapour to build up.                                                                                   Use a closed vessel to minimise evaporation and perform cleaning in area with better ventilation.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Store solvent-soiled rags in a suitable, sealed container  prior to disposal.
Ingestion               No eating, drinking or smoking is permitted                     No                                                                                                  Procedures are followed                                                                                                                                                                                                                       N/A

ARE THERE ANY REPORTED HEALTH EFFECTS?:
A spray painter has reported skin irritation and light-headedness after spray painting. These symptoms are consistent with exposure to isocyanates. Immediate action is necessary.
The affected employee should be moved on to different duties and immediately assessed by a medical practitioner and should not return to spray painting until cleared to do so.
PHYSICOCHEMICAL EFFECTS:
Flammable solvents are used in the workshop