BCF launches PaintSafe at the 2017 Painting and Decorating Show
PAINTSAFE
Following the success of their DIY Safe Antifouling Initiative , BCF have launched another campaign , this time aiming to encourage the safe use of decorative paints amongst the professional decorator community . The PaintSafe concept was discussed and agreed by the BCF Board as a new initiative for 2018 and beyond . The first roll out of the campaign , for decorative paints , was done in association with the Painting
LEAD EXPOSURE
Pre-1960s paintwork over wood or metal surfaces may contain harmful lead .
If the surface is sound , avoid removing this . If you need to sand this down , use wet sanding techniques and wipe down afterwards . Dispose of rags and sandpaper immediately to avoid them drying out
Avoid creating dust . If the surface must be removed , use wet removal techniques – paint stripper or , if necessary , wet-sanding techniques
Hot-air guns may be used as long as the paint does not become overheated ( i . e . if the flakes fall on the element ) as lead vapour can be inhaled
Do not use a blow torch or dry blast clean Use sheeting to prevent spreading removed paint
Clean up well afterwards . Use a certified hazardous dust industrial vacuum fitted with a HEPA filter
Change out of work overalls to go home
If uncertain seek specialist advice before commencing work
PLAN YOUR WORK TO AVOID RISKS Assess all risks – check if lead paint is present
Avoid excess exposure to solvent fumes – ensure adequate ventilation by opening doors and windows
Where ventilation is poor , or in the case of small spillages , you should wear CE-marked Respiratory Protective Equipment ( RPE ) with a vapour filter with an assigned protection factor ( APF ) of at least 10
If applying paint by spray , RPE with a vapour and particulate filter may be required – see the safety data sheet for details
Avoid exposure to sanding dusts – wear a respirator with a particulate filter with an APF of at least 10 ( eg FFP2 disposable mask or half mask with P2 filter )
When dry sanding with hand tools , use on – tool extraction and RPE with an APF 20 ( FFP3 / P3 )
All RPE should fit well – stop work if uncomfortable – disposable masks should be replaced regularly
Some paints contain substances which have potential to cause allergic reactions - read the label
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT :
The British Coatings Federation E : info @ bcf . co . uk
The Painting and Decorating Association E : info @ paintingdecoratingassociation . co . uk
T : 0247 635 3776
T : 01372 365 989
The Scottish Decorators Federation E : info @ scottishdecorators . co . uk
T : 0178 644 8838
PaintSafe trifold
and Decorating Association and the Scottish Decorators ’ Federation . The initiative aims to promote the safe use of paint and related products and provide best practice for decorators and other applicators during preparation , application and drying .
As part of the campaign , the dos and dont ’ s to follow whilst painting are outlined in a trifold leaflet , along with specific guidelines with regards to lead exposure and preparation . Plans are underway to produce further materials to promote the same messages as well as a separate campaign for industrial users .
A best practice guide to ensure the safe application of decorative paints
PaintSafe is brought to you by :
www . paintsafe . org . uk
PaintSafe was launched at the Painting and Decorating Show in November 2017 and will be available via trade outlets across the UK in the coming months . To request copies of the trifold , contact tina . abbas @ bcf . co . uk
PDA ’ s Neil Ogilvie ( left ) with BCF ’ s Ali Brown ( right ) at the Painting and Decorating Show
www . paintsafe . org . uk
Covered Spring 2018 19