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OSHA Paint Regulations

OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, offers guidelines that regulate what can and cannot be done when working with paint. These guidelines are not optional--painters must follow them precisely. If they don't, the company and the workers risk fines or the loss of employment.

  1. Respirators--Spraying Paint

    • Employees who are exposed to paints mixed with toxic solvents must have air-line respirators when spraying paint in confined spaces, unless mechanical ventilation serves the area. This is to protect the workers' nasal passages, mouth, throat and lungs. If mechanical ventilation is provided or if the area is large and well ventilated, workers must wear standard respirators.

    Respirators--Brushing Paint

    • Workers must wear filter respirators when applying paint using a brush, particularly in confined areas. An air-line respirator isn't required when workers use brushes because paint particles are not floating in the air.

    Air-moving Devices

    • Air-moving devices, such as fans, blowers and jet-type air movers, must be electrically grounded to avoid injury to the workers. Non-grounded electrical devices are not allowed due to the risk of electrical shock.

    Highly Volatile Paints

    • Special precautions are necessary when working with highly volatile paints, including those with a flash point below 80 degrees. Ventilation procedures must be in place to keep the concentration of solvent vapors below 10 percent of the lower explosive limit listed on the paint. If the concentration of solvent vapors reaches the 10 percent limit, workers must leave the area until the concentration is brought back down.

    Painting Equipment

    • Those working with paint must use OSHA-approved equipment. That includes fans with nonferrous blades, air ducts of nonferrous materials, non-sparking paint buckets, spray guns and other tools, insulated metal tools (paint brush handles and rollers) and explosion-proof lights. Electrical cords and lighting cables must be free of damage to prevent accidental sparks or electrical injury.

    Required Clothing

    • Workers must wear appropriate clothing--cotton is recommended--when working with paint. OHSA requires them to wear rubber boots or rubber-soled shoes, to prevent sparking and igniting the vapors of the paint, as well as rubber gloves, rather than plastic gloves, to prevent static electricity. They must protect all exposed parts of their bodies, including face, eyes, head and hands.

    Flammable Devices

    • OSHA forbids matches or cigarette lighters near paint or painting areas. Additionally, the rules say no lighted cigarettes or other smoking material are allowed near the area to prevent accidental ignition of paint vapors.

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