Health & Safety Information
Introduction
Powder coating is dry pigmented resin which does not contain solvent and is milled to a suitable particle size for application by electrostatic spraying.
Hazards
The principle hazards which may be involved in the application of powder are explosion and toxicity.
Explosion
A powder explosion can occur under the following conditions:
• When the concentration of powder in the air is above the lowest level capable of being exploded. All relevant information currently available coating powder gives 10 grams per cubic metre.
• A source ignition of sufficient energy is present. This could be a hot surface, a flame, an electrical spark, o electrostatic discharge.
Because it is difficult to totally eliminate all sources of ignition, most reliance should be placed on keeping the concentration of powder in the application booth below 10 grams per cubic metre.
Toxicity
Powder coating normally supplied i.e. Epoxy, epoxy-polyester, polyester and polyurethane, all show a low order of systemic toxicity. Caprolactum as vapour may be released form polyurethane powders during stoving and may give rise to irritation of eyes and mucous membranes. Systemically its toxicity is relatively low. Some colours, mainly bight red and yellow shades may contain low solubility chrome pigments and containers are labelled accordingly. Such colours may also contain cadmium pigments.
Coating powders are generally less likely to cause dermatitis than liquid coatings but can still affect the skin. Persons who develop a continued reaction should not work with powder.
Industrial Hygiene and Good Working Practice
The standard of housekeeping and spray booth air extraction performance should be such that powder dos not escape into the workroom or accumulate in the booth.
• Floors and fittings should be kept clean with a suitable vacuum cleaner.
• Ensure operators are properly earthed.
• Do not use insulating gloves or footwear.
• Antistatic footwear to BS5451 1977 or BS1870 1979 is available.
• In case of fire, carbon dioxide extinguishers should NOT be used.
• To prevent inhalation of airborne powder, face masks capable of removing respirable dust should be worn.
• Persons with chronic respiratory complaints should not work with powder.
• Use only soap and water, never organic solvents, to cleanse the skin of powder.
• Compressed air should never be used o remove powder from the hands of clothing.
Disposal
The disposal of quantities of coating powder should be undertaken by reference to the local authority under the terms of the "Disposal of Poisonous Waste Act 1972".
References
Code of Safe Practice published by the Paintmakers Association of Great Britain "Application of Powder Coatings by Electrostatic Spraying". Copies are available on request.
Health and Safety at Work Booklet 22, Dust Explosions in Factories.
Our data sheets and sales literature are issued for the purpose of supplying general product information. In view of the variation of conditions under which products may be used or this information may be applied, we cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or accident of any nature [or infringement of patent rights] which may result from the use of application of the information or the products. For specific confirmation of any details in the product information or use and application please apply to the company in writing.
Links in this section:
• why do coatings fail? • why coatings don't stick? • powder types & suitability
• health & safety documentation •chemical resistance
Introduction
Powder coating is dry pigmented resin which does not contain solvent and is milled to a suitable particle size for application by electrostatic spraying.
Hazards
The principle hazards which may be involved in the application of powder are explosion and toxicity.
Explosion
A powder explosion can occur under the following conditions:
• When the concentration of powder in the air is above the lowest level capable of being exploded. All relevant information currently available coating powder gives 10 grams per cubic metre.
• A source ignition of sufficient energy is present. This could be a hot surface, a flame, an electrical spark, o electrostatic discharge.
Because it is difficult to totally eliminate all sources of ignition, most reliance should be placed on keeping the concentration of powder in the application booth below 10 grams per cubic metre.
Toxicity
Powder coating normally supplied i.e. Epoxy, epoxy-polyester, polyester and polyurethane, all show a low order of systemic toxicity. Caprolactum as vapour may be released form polyurethane powders during stoving and may give rise to irritation of eyes and mucous membranes. Systemically its toxicity is relatively low. Some colours, mainly bight red and yellow shades may contain low solubility chrome pigments and containers are labelled accordingly. Such colours may also contain cadmium pigments.
Coating powders are generally less likely to cause dermatitis than liquid coatings but can still affect the skin. Persons who develop a continued reaction should not work with powder.
Industrial Hygiene and Good Working Practice
The standard of housekeeping and spray booth air extraction performance should be such that powder dos not escape into the workroom or accumulate in the booth.
• Floors and fittings should be kept clean with a suitable vacuum cleaner.
• Ensure operators are properly earthed.
• Do not use insulating gloves or footwear.
• Antistatic footwear to BS5451 1977 or BS1870 1979 is available.
• In case of fire, carbon dioxide extinguishers should NOT be used.
• To prevent inhalation of airborne powder, face masks capable of removing respirable dust should be worn.
• Persons with chronic respiratory complaints should not work with powder.
• Use only soap and water, never organic solvents, to cleanse the skin of powder.
• Compressed air should never be used o remove powder from the hands of clothing.
Disposal
The disposal of quantities of coating powder should be undertaken by reference to the local authority under the terms of the "Disposal of Poisonous Waste Act 1972".
References
Code of Safe Practice published by the Paintmakers Association of Great Britain "Application of Powder Coatings by Electrostatic Spraying". Copies are available on request.
Health and Safety at Work Booklet 22, Dust Explosions in Factories.
Our data sheets and sales literature are issued for the purpose of supplying general product information. In view of the variation of conditions under which products may be used or this information may be applied, we cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or accident of any nature [or infringement of patent rights] which may result from the use of application of the information or the products. For specific confirmation of any details in the product information or use and application please apply to the company in writing.
Links in this section:
• why do coatings fail? • why coatings don't stick? • powder types & suitability
• health & safety documentation •chemical resistance
Coating Types:
• Epoxy Polyester Powder
• Epoxy Powder
• Polyester Powder
• Speciality Powder
Technical Sheets• Click here to download
