COSHH : Water based emulsion paint

Carrying out COSHH Assessments on site should be a major priority, in many circumstances substances such as paint are not seen as very dangerous, a comment we have all heard is “I used this at home and didn’t need to assess it” The example below outlines the risks and reduction of risks for a commonly used substance “Water Based Emulsion Paint.

CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH ASSESSMENT

SUBSTANCE NAME:

  • Water based emulsion paint.

SUBSTANCE USED IN / AS:

  • Painting and Decorating

RISK PHRASES:

  • R22- Harmful if swallowed
  • R36/38-Irritating to eyes and skin

HAZARDOUS CONSTITUENTS:
This product is classified as non-hazardous according to The CHIP Regulations.
Avoid inhalation of atomized paint during spray application.

SAFETY PHRASES:

  • None Given

FREQUENCY OF EXPOSURE:

  • Daily

WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMIT:

  • 3 mg

DURATION OF EXPOSURE:

  • 8 hours Maximum Exposure Limit.

EXPOSURE CONTROLS ( Refer to MSDS) TRAINING/INFORMATION/INSTRUCTION

  • General
  • Wear mask and avoid inhalation use in ventilated area only.

FIRST AID MEASURES:

  • In all cases of doubt or where symptoms persist seek medical attention. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, keep the patient warm and at rest. If breathing has stopped administer artificial respiration. Give nothing by mouth. If unconscious place in a prone position with head to the side (recovery position) and seek medical advice.

Eye contact: Contact lenses should be removed. Irrigate copiously with water for 10 minutes whilst holding the eye lids apart and seek medical advice.

Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin with soap and water. DO NOT use solvents or thinners.

Ingestion: If swallowed seek immediate medical attention. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the patient is conscious give milk or water to drink.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:-

Respiratory protection: Should not be necessary under normal use. Suitable respiratory equipment should be worn during spray application to prevent inhalation of spray mist.

Hand protection: When skin exposure may occur wear gloves. Advice should be sought from glove suppliers to identify appropriate type. Barrier creams may help to protect exposed areas of skin but are not a substitute for full physical protection. This should not be applied once exposure has occurred.

Eye protection: Eye protection designed to protect against liquid splashes should be worn.

Skin protection: Cotton or synthetic overalls are normally suitable. Grossly contaminated clothing should be removed and the skin washed with soap and water or a proprietary skin cleaner. Always wash your hands before eating, smoking or using the toilet.

FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES:-

Extinguishing media: Recommended: alcohol resistant foam, CO2 powder, water spray/mist.

Recommendations: As the product contains combustible organic materials, fire can produce dense black smoke containing hazardous products of combustion (see sections 2, 7 & 10) of the material safety data sheet. Decomposition products may be hazardous to health. Appropriate self-contained breathing apparatus may be required. Cool closed containers that are exposed to the fire with water spray. Do not allow run-off from any fire fighting to enter water courses rivers or drains.
EXTINGUISHER TYPES:- Water,Foam, CO2.
SPILLAGE CONTROL:- Exclude non-essential personnel. Floors may become slippery. Avoid breathing vapor. Refer to protective measures shown above. Contain and collect spillages with non-combustible absorbent materials e.g. sand, earth, vermiculite diatomaceous earth and place in a clearly labeled container for disposal in accordance with the waste regulations . Clean remainder of spillage preferably with a detergent. Avoid using solvents. Do not allow spillage to enter water courses, rivers or drains. If the product enters water courses, lakes or rivers the Environment Agency should be notified immediately and in the case of drains or sewers local water company should be notified immediately.

DISPOSAL MEASURES:-
Do not allow into drains, rivers, water courses or where ground or surface water may be affected. Wastes, including empty containers are controlled waste and should be disposed of in accordance with regulations made under the Environmental Protection Act.
Only use a registered waste carrier and obtain transfer certificate.

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