Mixing:

• The mixing of these paints should be in well ventilated areas with the appropriate respiratory protection worn.

Application by spraying:

• If you are a spray painter, you need to understand the health risks involved in spraying G.C.P paints and know how to protect yourself against them.
• The liquid paint, which comes out of a spray gun, is in a fine mist called an aerosol. If you inhale this aerosol, the liquid  is absorbed into your lungs, and this is when health problems can start.
• Breathing the aerosol containing paint causes irritation of the nose, throat and lungs. This can happen either immediately on exposure or, more often, later. The symptoms are a dry or sore throat, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and/or asthma.
• Eye contact causes irritation; it may also cause severe chemical conjunctivitis.
• Skin contact causes mild irritations which can lead to dermatitis.

Precautions to be adopted for spraying and drying of sprayed articles:

• All spraying and the drying of sprayed articles shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Regulations.
• The spraying of all G.C.P paint Product must be carried out in a properly designed and constructed spray booth.
• The mechanical ventilation system provided must be interlocked with the air supply to the spray gun.
• When operators, whether spraying or not, are required to work inside a spray booth whilst spraying is in progress, they shall wear an airline respirator.
• The compressed air supply for the respirators must be taken from an uncontaminated source.
• In addition to the recommended respiratory and eye protection, spray operators shall wear gloves and a head covering in the case of respirators which leave the hair exposed.
• Mechanical ventilation of the booth must be maintained after spraying ceases until the work area is free of all residual spray mist.

EXPOSURE TO G.C.P PAINT PRODUCT:
Symptoms include:

• Sore eyes
• Running nose
• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Fever, breathlessness and cough

FIRST AID TREATMENT:
Inhalation:
This may be either from the vapour or from an aerosol. Remove the affected person to fresh air. Keep at rest. Obtain immediate medical attention.

Eye contact:
If Paint has entered the eyes, flush them immediately with direct mains water or sterile water from an eye wash bottle for at least 15 minutes, holding the eyelids apart. Obtain immediate medical attention.

Skin contact:
Wash the skin immediately with copious amounts of water and soap (if available). Remove heavily contaminated clothing immediately. Obtain medical attention if skin dermatitis appears.

Ingestion:
DO NOT induce vomiting. If the person is conscious, give between 250ml and 500ml of milk or water to drink. Take to hospital without delay. DO NOT give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Personal hygiene:
This is important in any industry where harmful chemicals are used. The basic rules are common sense:

• Wash all splashes of paint or lacquer off your skin at once with soap and water. Try to avoid using solvents as much as possible.
• Do not keep food or eat or drink in the work area.
• Do not smoke in the work area, or if you have paint on your hands.
• If possible, shower before you change into your street clothes.

The employer's responsibilities:
The employer must instruct workers on the hazards of working with the G.C.P Paint Product and how to use it safely.

The employer is also legally required to provide all the necessary safety equipment.

The employee's responsibilities:
Employees have a duty to use all the safety gear the employer provides. Employees owe it to themselves to protect their health - and the job they have spent years learning.

SPILLAGE PROCEDURE:
In case of spillage:

1. Put on protective equipment.
2. Cover spillage with absorbent material such as sawdust.
3. Pour on decontaminant mixture, a quantity estimated to be twice the volume of the spill. Refer to 'Approved Code of Practice of the Safe Use of Isocyanates'.
4. Allow at least 10 minutes for the decontaminant to react.
5. Collect all residues from the spillage and place them in an open container.
6. Add further decontaminant mixture to this material, place a loose cover over the container and remove it to a safe place. Discard residues after one day.
7. Wash down the area with liquid decontaminant.
8. Rope off the area and post 'No Smoking' signs.
9. Clean and decontaminate safety equipment.

Related booklets available from OSH:

• Approved Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Haz Goods
• A Guide to Respirators and Breathing Apparatus
• Guide to the Spray Coating Regulations
• Welding Safety
• How to use Isocyanates Safely (A bulletin for spray painters).