Two safety tips for manufacturers who use powder coatings on their products
Posted on: 7 March 2018
Many manufacturers, including those who make construction materials, electrical devices and agricultural equipment, use powder coatings on their products because such coatings offer a higher-quality finish than conventional liquid paints.
However, because powder coatings are made up of potentially harmful dust which can cause skin and respiratory conditions (such as dermatitis and occupational asthma), safety precautions must be taken when they are used. Here are two safety tips that manufacturers should keep in mind if they use powder coatings in their facilities.
Set up a safe work area
The area in which the powder coating is applied should be set up in such a way that it minimises the risk of employees inhaling or being exposed to large amounts of the coating material. For example, manufacturers should make sure that the area is sealed off to prevent airborne dust from floating into other parts of the facility.
To protect the employees working inside this sealed area, manufacturers should install a high-quality air filtration and ventilation system, which will pull dust particles out of the air. Additionally, the work area should be very easy to clean; manufacturers should avoid installing any worktops or shelves that have 'nooks and crannies' into which dust could get trapped. Follow set procedures for cleaning after powder coating sessions.
The door through which employees exit the work area should lead to a washing facility where workers can wash off any residual dust that they may have accidentally gotten on their skin. This will reduce the risk of them accidentally contaminating employees or work surfaces in the other sections of the facility when they leave the area where the powder coatings are applied.
Provide protective disposable outwear
As mentioned above, the dust that is released when powder coatings are added to a product can cause skin issues, such as dermatitis. One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of employees developing this skin condition is to provide them with disposable protective outwear.
These garments should cover the majority of the wearer's body. Additionally, the sleeves and ankles of this outwear should be very close-fitting to prevent any airborne dust from getting underneath the protective clothing and onto the wearer's skin. This outerwear should then be removed before the employee exits the work area. It is important for manufacturers to ensure that these worn, contaminated garments are disposed of in a responsible manner so that they do not contribute to environmental pollution.
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