Airless Painting Injection Hazards

Airless painting is a method of spray painting that uses high pressure to atomize and propel paint onto a surface. While it offers many advantages, such as faster application and uniform coverage, it also poses certain injection hazards. Here are some injection hazards specific to airless painting:

1. High-pressure spray: Airless paint sprayers operate at high pressures, typically ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 pounds per square inch (psi). If the paint stream comes into contact with the skin, it can penetrate the skin and cause a serious injury. The high-pressure spray can inject paint or paint additives into the body, leading to localized tissue damage, infection, or even systemic toxicity.

2. Paint tip or nozzle: The paint tip or nozzle at the end of the spray gun is a critical component in airless painting. It can become clogged or damaged, leading to an uneven spray pattern. If the nozzle is partially blocked and then suddenly clears, it can cause a sudden increase in pressure, leading to a higher risk of injection. Additionally, if the nozzle is removed while the sprayer is pressurized, it can release a stream of paint with a potentially dangerous force.

3. Paint hoses: The hoses used in airless painting are under high pressure and can pose an injection hazard if they develop a leak or rupture. If a hose is damaged or worn out, it may burst, causing the paint to forcefully spray out, potentially injecting paint into the operator or nearby individuals.

4. Inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE): Failure to use proper personal protective equipment increases the risk of injection injuries. PPE for airless painting should include protective clothing, gloves, safety glasses or goggles, and a respirator suitable for the type of paint being used. Lack of appropriate PPE can expose the operator to the risk of injection and other paint-related hazards.

To mitigate these hazards and ensure safe airless painting:

  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operating and maintaining the airless paint sprayer.
  • Wear appropriate PPE, including protective clothing, gloves, safety glasses or goggles, and a respirator.
  • Regularly inspect the paint sprayer, hoses, and nozzles for any signs of damage or wear. Replace damaged components promptly.
  • Maintain a safe distance from the spray tip and avoid placing hands or any body part in front of the spray stream.
  • Never remove or adjust the nozzle while the sprayer is pressurized.
  • Relieve the pressure in the system and release any built-up pressure before performing maintenance or cleaning.
  • Provide adequate training to operators on the safe use of airless paint sprayers and the associated hazards.

It’s crucial to prioritize safety when working with airless painting equipment to minimize the risk of injection injuries. Not only does Spray Pump Services offer a full range of PPE, hoses, nozzles, and tips, we also offer training for your operators on how to safely use our rental units.  Give us a call today to find out the many ways we can assist you in completing your job on time and under budget while also keeping your crew members safe on the job site.