Prevention is the key to paint safety

If you want to follow good paint safety procedures, your best bet is to take steps to avoid health hazards before they cause a problem. Follow the steps below, and you’ll be well on your way to an incident-free painting experience:

• Read the safety tips on the paint can
• Clean up all paint spills immediately and thoroughly*
• Wipe excess paint from the container’s lid before storing*
• Securely fasten lids onto paint cans that contain leftover wet paint
• Place an old rag over paint can lids when you’re securing them to avoid paint splattering*
• Clearly identify paint cans that have paint inside
• Let empty paint cans dry completely before placing them in waste bins
• Flatten drop sheets to avoid tripping over wrinkles
• * Never leave paint-soiled rags lying around, especially in unventilated areas

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Use the right tools for the task at hand

Skimping on proper painting tools might save you a dollar or two now, but is it really worth the risk of seriously hurting yourself or others? While you might be able to downgrade your paint brush, here are a few essential purchases that will help you follow paint safety procedures:

• The right size of ladder for the project – make sure you can reach all areas involved in your room-painting project without overextending your reach
  
  
• Proper extensions for your paint brushes and rollers – using duct tape to secure brushes to extension poles can be faulty, and you risk the paint brush falling and splattering paint

 

Wear the proper protective equipment

To practice paint safety, you should be mindful of the clothing and protective equipment you’re wearing during your painting project. For the ultimate in paint safety, include these items in your painting wardrobe:

• Properly-fitted face masks should be worn when working with toxic paints
• Goggles should be placed over the eyes any time spraying equipment is used
• Rubber gloves should be worn when using potentially harmful cleaning solvents

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Review the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)