What Are Health and Safety Issues for Painters?

A professional painter does more than slap a paintbrush or roller on walls and ceilings. It takes a steady hand, a good eye for detail, and a great deal of patience. However, residential or commercial painters also have to deal with the hazards of their trade, so if you think being a painter is easy, read on to find out more.

Painters can work at various workplaces, such as construction sites, homes, etc., and will face a constantly changing set of hazards which include:

  • Ladders, platforms, and scaffolds.
  • Working in confined spaces.
  • Working at heights.
  • Risk of eye injury.
  • Risk of injury from falling objects.
  • Exposure to molds, fungi, and bacteria.
  • Slips, trips, and falls.
  • Exposure to bird and rodent droppings.
  • Proximity to flammable or combustible materials.
  • Working in awkward positions or performing repetitive physical tasks.
  • Exposure to paint products, solvents, lead, and other toxic substances.
  • Standing for long periods.
  • Lifting heavy or awkward objects.
  • Noise.
  • Stress.
  • Electrical hazards from working close to live electrical power lines or equipment.
  • Shift work or extended working days.
  • Exposure to heat and ultraviolet radiation.
  • Working alone.

What are some preventive measures for painters?

  • Evaluate the work area for existing and potential hazards. Know the control measures of the risk and associated effects.
  • Maintain good ventilation during painting.
  • Select the correct ladder for the job. Use an extended handle paintbrush whenever possible, and eliminate the use of ladders.
  • Learn the correct procedures for working at heights.
  • Avoid awkward body positions and take breaks when needed.
  • Learn safe lifting techniques.
  • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment and footwear.
  • Keep work areas clear of clutter and equipment.
  • Know how to prevent injury from electrical hazards. Maintain safe distances from energized electrical equipment or utility lines.
  • Keep tools and equipment and their safety features in good working order.
  • Learn safety procedures for working in confined spaces.

If you would like to make an appointment with a professional painter, please do not hesitate to call Brother's Painting NY Corp. at (914) 292-9975 now if you live or work in or around the New Rochelle, NY area.

 
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