This document discusses hazards and safety precautions related to different types of paints used for decorative work. It addresses hazards from oil-based, spirit-based, and water-based paints which can include fumes, skin problems, and fire. The document recommends using personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, and barrier creams to prevent these hazards. It also stresses the importance of proper ventilation, hygiene, and storage practices when working with paints.

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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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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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Leather gloves
Advantages: Hard-wearing, protection from the cold
Disadvantages: Loss of feeling, unsuitable for delicate work

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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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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.