Safety, health and environment in the lacquer trade

Auto Painting is a chemical trade. The products that create the beautiful surface contain substances that can be dangerous to breathe in, get on skin or handle incorrectly. Therefore, safety is not something that comes on top of the work — it is an integrated part of it. A skilled painter protects himself, his colleagues and the environment just as carefully as he protects the surface.

Paint fumes and sanding dust are the greatest health risk. Many hardeners contain substances that can cause allergies and damage airways upon repeated exposure. That's why proper respiratory protection is used when spraying, and the booth's ventilation must be in order to keep fumes away from breathing. It's not enough to get used to the smell — damage can occur long before you feel it.

• 01Suitable respiratory protection during spraying and mixing.
• 02Protective gloves suitable for the chemicals you use
• 03Safety glasses against splashes when mixing and cleaning
• 04Full suit or work clothes that keeps paint and dust away from skin
• 05Wash hands thoroughly and never eat in the varnish area

Many solvents are flammable and lacquer fumes can in the worst case ignite. Therefore smoking or working with open flames or spark-generating tools is not allowed in the paint area. Flammable material is stored correctly and firefighting equipment must be accessible and known to everyone. Good ventilation also reduces risk because it removes flammable fumes.

Residues of lacquer, hardener, solvents, used filters and contaminated cloths are hazardous waste and must not simply be thrown away or poured down the drain. They must be collected, stored safely and disposed of according to hazardous waste regulations. Correct labelling and separation of waste types are part of the daily routine.

Safety and quality go hand in hand. A clean, well-ventilated and properly arranged workshop provides both a healthier painter and a better lacquer result. When products are mixed correctly, drying times are observed and equipment is maintained, both defects in the lacquer and unnecessary exposure to chemicals are avoided. Good order is the foundation of the trade.

“The best painter is not just the one with the most beautiful result — but the one who still has healthy breathing and healthy skin after many years in the trade.”