When hazard exposure is less than occupational Exposure limit, disposable respirators might be suitable. Disposable respirators can provide up to an APF of 10.
Solvent-based paints often contain a higher level of organic solvents, requiring a respirator with a higher protection factor. Reusable respirators can provide up to an APF of 100 for certain combinations.
These coatings typically have minimal or no VOCs, flammability is a possible hazard requiring a respirator meeting intrinsically safe standards.
Clean-up solvents require respirators that support varying protection factors. PAPRs can provide up to an APF of 10 for gas/vapour filters.
NOTE: When spraying Isocyanate containing paints and materials, SafeWork Australia and WorkSafe New Zealand require the use of Supplied Air Respiratory protection such as a airline. Safe Work Australia state that “Organic vapour respirators with particulate pre-filters and powered air purifying respirators are not suitable when spraying isocyanates, as they do not provide adequate protection” Safe Work Australia Guide to handling isocyanates July 2020. Be sure to check the paint being used to confirm the constituents so the appropriate respiratory protection can be selected.
Not only do we develop and manufacture PPE you need for your industrial painting projects, but we also offer trainings, resources, and access to our health and safety specialist. All here to help you achieve your safety needs.
Standardising PPE across your workforce can help with satisfying certification considerations, selection and use regulations, as well as worksite program requirements. You may find cost savings by ordering from one source.
Our global team is knowledgeable about local PPE standards to help you make important decisions when it comes to complying with regulations and ordinances with an eye towards helping you fulfill your personal worksite requirements, timelines, and program goals.
Our trained specialists also stay up to date on industry best practices and trends to offer additional beneficial recommendations.
Our dedicated safety specialists can help you understand all the options available and what will help protect your workers from the hazards they may face.
Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) are a suitable selection for many painting applications and when using a variety of paint types. Benefits of a PAPR include:
Maintain visibility and help prevent exposure to paint particles with safety goggles. 3M goggles have optional features, including:
When you need full body coverage and protection from some liquid splashes or sprays and hazardous particles, see if protective coveralls work for you. 3M offers variety of coveralls with breathable fabrics and comfortable features.
When your industrial painting project has you working at height, look for a full-body harness with webbing material that can repel paint particles. Select 3M full-body harness come with repel-webbing technology to help maintain the cleanliness and integrity of your equipment.
Find some of our most popular resources to help you train your team.
From head to toe, we have the PPE to keep you protected all over. This infographic will outline the variety of PPE available to support you and your painting application needs.
This technical bulletin outlines commonly used types of paints, their hazards, and the PPE you may want to consider to help protect your workforce.
Find out more abut our solutions and resources for other heavy industry applications.