TB 43-0209
SECTION V. SAFETY SUMMARY
e. Safe Practices.
Preparations containing benzene should not be used
17. GENERAL
for spraying. Only vapor proof lamps should be used
a. Fumes.
where spraying is being done. Paints should be stored in
Thinners used with paints and enamels may have
a steel cabinet in a small building away from work
harmful effects. Continued breathing of fumes during and
buildings. Once opened, cans containing paint removers,
after painting operations should be avoided. Toxic fumes
thinners, paints, and paint materials should be covered
will persist, in some cases, for many days indoors after
tightly before being stored or put away overnight. Do not
painting operations. Avoid inhaling solvent vapors.
apply heat or flame to drums, cans, or other containers
that have contained solvents, thinners, or other paint
b. Contact with Paint Materials.
materials. Observe safe operating procedures at all
Avoid skin contact with paint materials, particularly if
times, particularly when handling cleaning materials. For
there are cuts or open wounds on the hands. Unwashed
disposal of unserviceable paints, refer to paragraph 21.
hands may convey poisonous matter to food. Many
painting materials contain lead sulfide, lead carbonate,
18. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS)
chromium compounds, and other poisonous materials.
MSDS are prepared by the manufacturer and should
Lead chromate is particularly dangerous, and like other
accompany each single shipment or batch of paint,
lead paints, may enter the system during eating, or
primer or thinner. It is mandatory that personnel working
handling. Many of the thinners are also poisonous and
with these substances read this information. Because of
can enter the human system through the skin, through
the variations involved, MSDS must be reviewed for each
inhalation, or through carelessness in handling food.
shipment procured on a single purchase order. MSDS
Wear personal protection equipment (PPE) as
must be filed in a location readily accessible to workers
recommended in paragraph 19a.
exposed to the substances. MSDS also assist
management by directing attention to need for specific
c. Fire.
control engineering, work practices and protective
The mist that comes from a spray gun is highly
measures to ensure safe handling and use of the
flammable. A spark will cause it to flash. Smoking is
material. Along with the products ingredients and specific
prohibited in paint shops. Open cans containing paint
protection information, the MSDS contain the following
removers, thinners, paints, and paint materials are a fire
data:
hazard. Empty drums or other containers in which
solvents, thinners, and similar materials have been
a. Reactivity Data.
shipped are potential hazards since they often contain
This informs the paint user about the stability,
enough vaporized material of a flammable nature to
hazardous decomposition, or polymerization properties
cause explosions. Accumulated spray in booths and in
of the coating.
cracks and comers of the paint shop is particularly
b. Spill al d Disposal Procedures.
dangerous for it easily flares up in spontaneous
This informs the paint user the steps to be taken for
combustion. Oil or solvent-soaked cloths, if not promptly
proper spill or disposal methods.
disposed of, may cause fire by spontaneous combustion.
Fires which occur in spray booths result from six
c. Fire and Explosion Hazard Data.
principle causes: broken electric lamps and other
This informs the paint user about the flash point of
electrical defects; cleaning interior of booths, fans, and
the product, special fire fighting procedures, and the
motors with highly flammable solvents; accumulations of
extinguishing media.
deposits in the booths, tubes, and vent pipes; defective
d. Health Hazards.
fans and motors used for ventilating the booths; poorly
Personnel should be familiar with emergency and
designed vent tubes; or static electricity. Electrical
first aid procedures -s outlined in the product's MSDS.
mercury switches and vapor proof lighting fixtures with
This includes medical procedures to be followed if the
protective screens should be installed to reduce
product is inhaled, or if the procedure has come in
electrical spark hazard.
contact with the skin or eyes of an individual.
d. Safe Air.
If it is at all practical, painting of material should be
accomplished in the open air. Adequate forced draft
ventilation for indoor work should be provided to carry off
fumes. Respirators should be worn during all spray-
painting operations. Refer to paragraph 19b for specific
respiratory protection required.
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