Using paints and solvents safely and correctly

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Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
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PowerPoint
presentation
Unit 218: Producing specialist finishes for
decorative work
Using paints and solvents safely and correctly

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Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
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Types of paint
There are three types of paint materials that are commonly used when carrying
out decorative effects.
• Oil based
• Water based
• Spirit based

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Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
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Discuss what you think the main hazards are:
• Fumes can affect the eyes, lungs, stomach and balance.
• Prolonged skin contact over many years can lead to dry skin,
dermatitis and skin cancer.
• Fire due to incorrect storage; can lead to burns or even death.
Hazards associated with oil/spirit-based paints

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Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
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Prevention
Discuss how you think the hazards can be avoided.
• Fumes: Always work in a well-ventilated area; open windows and doors if
it is safe and practical to do so; wear respirator masks if needed; do not
eat or drink in the work area; take frequent breaks.
• Skin contact: Wear appropriate PPE; use barrier cream; wash
frequently.
• Fire: Read manufacturers’ instructions, data sheets and product
information on safe handling and storage; keep away from heat and
ignition sources.

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Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
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Hazards associated with water-based paints
What do you think the main hazards are?
Fumes
It is considered good working practice to make sure you have adequate
ventilation when you are working with water-based paints. Or substitute the
material for a safer alternative.
Skin problems
Wear gloves or barrier cream.

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Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
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Types of PPE (personal protective equipment)
• There are many different types of PPE available to you and many versions
of each type.
• The type of PPE you select should be correct for the task; it should be
clean, undamaged and it should fit properly.
• It is the employer’s responsibility to provide PPE; it is the employee’s
responsibility to wear it.

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Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
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Leather gloves
Advantages: Hard-wearing, protection from the cold
Disadvantages: Loss of feeling, unsuitable for delicate work

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Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
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Vinyl/latex gloves
Advantages: Thin, no loss of feeling, cheap
Disadvantages: Poor abrasion resistance, unsuitable for heavy
work, can cause hands to sweat, some people are
allergic to latex, no protection from the cold

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Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
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Nitrile gloves
Advantages: More durable and abrasion resistant than vinyl
latex, no loss of feeling
Disadvantages: Can cause hands to sweat, unsuitable for heavy
work

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Gripper gloves
Advantages: Strong and durable, keep hands warm
Disadvantages: Loss of feeling, unsuitable for delicate work

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Respirator mask
Advantages: Can stop fumes and dust
Disadvantages: Expensive, heavy, can be uncomfortable and
impractical over long periods of use

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Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
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Barrier cream
Barrier cream basically does what it says – it forms a barrier over the skin to
protect it from oils, solvents, dyes, stains and inks.
Advantages: Easy to apply, no loss of feeling
Disadvantages: Needs to be reapplied frequently, will not
protect hands from cuts and scrapes

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Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
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Moving, handling and storage
Task
Choose three paints – spirit based, oil based, and water based – from
manufacturers’ product information catalogues, the internet or textbooks, and
find out how they should be handled and stored correctly.