Best Safety Equipment for Painting

Without the use of PPE, or personal protective equipment, and knowledge of the materials used, you may be inadvertently putting yourself in harm’s way. Here are some risks that are commonly associated with painting.

• Splashes in the eyes and spills on the skin may occur with roller application or brush painting.
• Headaches and breathing issues caused by fumes from solvents and oil-based paint.
• Caustic solvents can cause irritation and burns without proper handling.
• Falls can occur from falling off step ladders or scaffolding.
• Fatigue and back injury from not using proper painting form and not taking breaks.

With the right protective clothing and know-how, you can protect yourself from painting hazards. The best safety equipment for painting will depend on the job at hand. There are two types of painting applications: hand (brush and roller) and spray. In general, painting safety gear will protect you from exposure to liquids, vapors or mists that can be inhaled. Protective clothing keeps hazardous chemicals in paints and solvents from skin contact or absorption. Here’s what you should wear when you tackle a paint job:

• Coveralls and shoe covers: Disposable or cotton coverall and disposable shoe covers will help to protect your clothing and any exposed skin that may be irritated by paint contact.
• Gloves: Work gloves will protect your hands when you need to sand an area before painting. Wear solvent-resistant gloves for handling paint thinner, solvents and other harmful chemicals. Impermeable disposable gloves are best for water- and oil-based paint.
• Protective eyewear: Use safety glasses, eye goggles or a face shield whenever handling paint or paint thinners, especially when painting above your head or when using a spray applicator.
• Masks: Wear a dust mask when sanding or if you are sensitive to chemicals in the paint. When spray painting, it’s recommended that you wear a paint respirator. Respirator masks prevent many microscopic and scent-free particles from entering your airways during painting and renovation projects. Respirators offer protection against chemicals, harmful vapors and mold spores. Types of Respirator Masks guide.
• Knee pads: Painting baseboards can be hard on your knees. Knee pads give you cushy foam padding to keep your knees from constantly grinding against hard surfaces.

Outdoor or indoor painting projects that require you to paint at heights or use a ladder require special safety equipment.

• Fall arrest gear: A fall arrest system will prevent you from falling to the ground in case of a slip. It typically consists of a single carabiner or double carabiner and a safety harness that straps around the torso and legs for added safety. The harness is then attached to a railing to prevent falls.
• Scaffolding: For extremely tall areas or hard to access areas, scaffolding, a temporary structure made usually of wooden planks and metal poles, is a safer option.
• Hard hat: If you are working at heights or are in a busy construction area, hard hats will help protect your head if you fall or if an object falls on you.
• Tarps: Made from canvas or plastic sheeting, tarps protect the floor. For most interior projects, canvas painter tarps offer more superior protection compared with plastic tarps. Use painter’s tape to keep the tarps in place.
• Fire extinguisher: Keep a fire extinguisher on-site in case there are any incidents with flammable materials.
• First Aid Kit: Accidents can still happen even with all the best safety equipment for painting. A fully stocked first aid kit will give you peace of mind and keep you ready to tackle minor injuries.
• Partner: It’s always wise to enlist the help of a partner or spotter when you have to climb on a ladder or scaffolding.