As a painter and decorator, you know you need to be prepared for every job to ensure maximum efficiency and best results. Safety wear and equipment is essential to ensure proper health and safety, and to prevent injuries or illness.
Below, we've created a quick guide on safety gear, covering a few basics professionals of all levels need to know:
Masks
As painting and decorating professionals use paints, adhesives, and pesticides on a daily basis, wearing dust masks or respirators is essential to help protect their lungs from prolonged exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Whilst professionals should ensure every working space is properly ventilated, masks are widely used as an extra vital precaution. But how do you know which is right for the task at hand?
Dust masks are available in various styles, from basic disposable types (which sit comfortably on the face and provide protection in workspaces featuring low-level dust exposure) to more advanced designs incorporating filters. Here at PaintWell, we provide in-depth information and guidance on each of our masks to help you find the perfect model for the task at hand, whatever that may be.
Basic dust masks can provide protection when painting, sanding and facing non-toxic nuisances, whilst those fitted with valves and filters protect against greater risks (always be sure to ask for more information if you’re unsure). Our respirator masks provide further protection, given their twin-respirator build. These feature replaceable cartridges for prolonged use, and are ideal for working with sanders, drills, spray-paints, and water-based paints; they also offer protection against some solvent-based paints. Twin filters also protect the wearer when heavy-duty manual work is required, as it provides easy inhalation for maximum comfort without the risk of inhaling potentially harmful particles.
Eyewear
Choosing the right goggles and glasses to protect your eyes from splashes of paint or fumes is a huge part of gathering your safety equipment, and should never be overlooked. When choosing them, you should be sure they comply with the necessary safety accreditations associated with the task at hand—painting, sanding, fumigating etc. Trade1st offers a great choice of goggles and glasses designed to protect the eyes in various tasks and environments.
Clothing
Likewise, coveralls are essential to protect the skin and other clothing from paints, dust and particles in fumes. These are available at affordable rates to suit all budgets and companies, from large firms to one-man enterprises. As with all of our products, we can offer advice and guidance whenever you’re looking to buy, whatever your budget.
And, of course, it goes without saying that effective gloves and footwear should also be worn, especially when carrying heavy equipment: dropping a power tool or a tin of paint on your toes can cause serious injury and absences further along the line.
Want to know more? Feel free to get in touch!