the water or nearby surface water drains . Tarpaulins are an easy and inexpensive solution when sanding or scrubbing and to catch drips and spills when painting . It is also important to note that antifouling tins as well as topside paints , varnishes and solvents have to be disposed of as hazardous waste in the hazardous waste bins , as do used brushes , rollers and trays .
If you wash your hull off on a slipway , place a length of rope across the slope to catch larger paint particles that can be swept up and put in the hazardous waste bin . If you use scrubbing piles , only scrub off the fouling and not the residue paint – be careful not to let debris enter the water .
When sanding , use a dustless vacuum sander to reduce toxic dust from the paint and antifouling coatings or a wet system . Keels ( particularly cast iron ) will benefit from a wash with ‘ washing up liquid ’ in warm water and a rinse to remove trapped salt particles after sanding or scraping prior to repainting .
Most marinas , clubs and boatyards would prefer not to have their sites covered with blue patches and don ’ t want loose material entering
And don ’ t forget , you are working with a poison that is designed to kill living organisms ! It can cause ill health if ingested or enters the body through the eyes or cuts etc .
Always follow the paint manufacturer recommendations and wear the recommended Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) to minimise skin contact and avoid breathing dust . The minimum should be overalls , goggles ( not safety glasses as the dust can cause eye problems ), respiratory protection , gloves and a hat !
Take advice from your chandlery on the correct type of antifoul for your location and use , preferably with the lowest levels of biocides and copper suitable for your needs . Also read the application and safety notes on the can and / or download the instructions from the internet .
To comply with the latest Biocidal Products Regulations ( BPR ), the manufacturers are introducing new formulations . Regulations state that any product not supported under the BPR has to be removed from retailer shelves by 30th June 2018 . Boat owners and yards then have until 31st December 2018 to use these old products and to ensure that they are not stored past this date .
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