Leyland Trade

Health and safety at work act 1974

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a responsibility upon manufacturers and suppliers of substances for use at work to ensure so far as is reasonably practical that they will be without risk to health when properly used. Suppliers are also required to provide users with information on the nature of any hazards of the materials supplied together with recommended precautions for their safe use. Leyland paint products are intended for the decoration and protection of interior and exterior surfaces of buildings. Application is as recommended in the product information section of the manual. Suitability for other uses should be referred to Technical Advisory. Leyland paint products are formulated to be safe provided that they are used in accordance with their instructions for use and that common sense standards of personal hygiene and working methods are observed. Some special products require additional precautions in their use. All containers of Leyland paint products are labelled in accordance with the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations to indicate any health, safety and environmental hazards and the precautions to be taken. BEFORE USING ANY PRODUCT READ THE LABEL. NOTE PARTICULARLY ANY SPECIAL WARNINGS.

Health hazards

Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) have been established by the Health and Safety Commission for certain ingredients and OELs for some hydrocarbon solvents are advised by the Hydrocarbon Solvents Manufacturers Association. Over-exposures are irritating to the eyes and respiratory system. Excessive concentrations may produce effects on the central nervous system including drowsiness. In extreme cases loss of consciousness may result. Long-term exposure to vapour concentrations in excess of OELs may result in adverse health effects. Splashes entering eyes will cause discomfort and possible damage. Prolonged contact with the skin may have a defatting effect which may lead to skin irritation and in some cases dermatitis.

Precautions in handling and use

Before commencing work, an assessment should be carried out as required by the COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Regulations. Avoid the inhalation of vapours and spray mist by the provision of good natural ventilation, sufficient to keep airborne concentrations below the OEL during application and drying of paint films. In operations where natural ventilation is insufficient to achieve this eg spray painting or work in enclosed areas, exposure should be controlled, where reasonably practical, by the use of local exhaust ventilation. If this is not sufficient to maintain concentrations below the OEL, suitable respiratory protective equipment must be worn. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Wear appropriate protective clothing and eye protection. Keep containers closed except when in use.

Respiratory equipment

If exposure to hazardous substances identified within the Health and Safety data sheet cannot be controlled by the provision of local exhaust ventilation and good general extraction, suitable respiratory protective equipment should be worn. If exposure of the applicator or the people nearby cannot be controlled, and engineering controls and methods cannot reasonably be improved suitable respiratory protective equipment should be used. Dry sanding, flame cutting and/or welding of dry films will give rise to dust and/or hazardous flames. Wet sanding should be used wherever possible.

First aid procedure

IN ALL CASES OF DOUBT, OR WHERE SYMPTOMS PERSIST, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.

Inhalation

Remove to fresh air, keep patient warm and at rest.

If breathing is irregular or has stopped, administer artificial respiration. Give nothing by mouth. If unconcious, place in the recovery position and seek medical advice.

Eye contact

Irrigate copiously with clean fresh water for at least 10 minutes, holding the eyelids apart and seek medical advice. Any contact lenses must be removed.

Skin contact

Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water or a recognised skin cleaner.

Do not use solvents or thinners.

Ingestion

If accidentally swallowed, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING, keep at rest and obtain prompt medical attention.

Storage

Emulsion and water containing products must be stored in a cool, dry, well ventilated place. Protect from frost.

Flammable products (flash point above 32˚C) should be stored in a cool, dry, well ventilated place. Keep away from sources of ignition – No Smoking.

Flammable products (flash point below 32˚C) must be stored in accordance with the Highly Flammable Liquids and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Regulations 1972. Up to 50 Litres may be kept in a work room provided it is in a fireproof cupboard or bin. Larger quantities must be kept in a separate storeroom conforming to the structural requirements of the regulations. Observe the label precautions. Store between 5˚C and 25˚C in a dry ventilated place away from sources of ignition, heat and direct sunlight. No smoking. Prevent unauthorised access. Containers which are opened should be properly re-sealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Keep all paint products out of reach of children.

Lead in previously painted surfaces

When surfaces are to be prepared for painting, account must be taken of the age of the property and the possibility that lead pigmented paint might be present. There is a possibility that ingestion or inhalation of scrapings or dust arising from the preparation work could cause adverse health effects. As a working rule you should assume that this will be the case if the age of the property is pre-1960. Where possible wet flatting or chemical stripping methods should be used with surfaces of this type to avoid the creation of dust. When dry flatting cannot be avoided, and effective local exhaust ventilation is not available, it is recommended that a dust respirator approved for use with lead dusts is worn, its type selected on the basis on an occupational hygiene (COSHH) assessment, taking into account the occupational hygiene exposure standard for lead in air. Furthermore, steps should be taken to ensure containment of the dusts created, and that all practicable measures are taken to clean up thoroughly all deposits of dust in and around the affected area. Extra precautions will need to be taken when removing old lead based paints with a heat gun as fumes containing lead will be produced. It is recommended that a respirator, approved for use with particulate fumes of lead is selected on the basis of the occupational hygiene (COSHH) assessment.

The Code of Practice for the Control of Lead at Work (ref ISBN 07176 1506 5 1998) should be consulted for advice on protective clothing and personal hygiene precautions. Care should be taken to exclude visitors, members of the household and especially children from the affected area during both the actual work and the subsequent clean up operations. All scrapings, dust, etc, should be disposed of by the professional painting contractor as Hazardous Waste, with the relevant documentation under the Hazardous Waste Regulations, the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations, the Controlled Waste (Registration of Carriers and Seizure of Vehicles) Regulations and the Waste Management Licensing Regulations.

Spillage

Contain and collect any spillages with a non-combustible absorbent material eg sand or earth. Do not allow to enter drains or watercourses. Exclude sources of ignition. Ventilate the area. The resulting waste should be clearly labelled and disposed of responsibly under the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act and the Control of Pollution Act.

Fire hazards

FLAMMABLE products (flash point above 32˚C): Exclude sources of ignition during application and drying. No smoking. To prevent the creation of flammable concentrations of vapour in air, good natural ventilation and, if necessary, local exhaust ventilation should be provided.

FLAMMABLE AND HIGHLY FLAMMABLE products (flash point below 32˚C) should only be used in areas from which all naked lights and other sources of ignition, including unprotected electrical equipment, have been excluded. Care should be taken to avoid the risk of electrostatic ignition. The accumulation of contaminated rags etc may result in spontaneous combustion (ie self-ignition) without warning. Good housekeeping standards and the regular and safe removal of waste material will minimise risk.

Fire fighting

Fire will produce dense black smoke containing harmful products of combustion. Use foam, CO2, dry powder or waterspray/mist extinguishing agents. Cool containers exposed to fire with water spray.

Hazard classifications

Individual product hazard classifications for each Leyland product are identified on packaging in compliance with the ‘Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations’. For further information please refer to the current Health and Safety data sheet.

BEFORE USING ANY LEYLAND PAINT PRODUCT, REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE HEALTH AND SAFETY DATA SHEET.