Health and safety can be affected by exposure to substances through inhalation of vapours, injection of paint and by skin contact. The health effects are significant as both short and long term illnesses and diseases may result. In addition, serious injuries may occur from fire and explosion arising from the spraying process.

What is this booklet all about?
This booklet aims to assist you to take action to prevent spray painting related injury or illness in your workplace. If you follow the advice set out here, you will be well on the way to complying with your legal obligations to control workplace risks arising from spray painting. This guidance should be read in conjunction with OHS Regulation 2001.

Who is this booklet for?
This booklet is for employers, managers, OHS representatives, OHS committee members, employees, unions and employer organisations who need to know about spray painting work.

When to use the information?
If your workplace activities already include spray painting, this guide should be used to assess the adequacy of your current spray painting health and safety practices. If you have not looked at your spray painting health and safety practices in the last six months, then check them now. If you are setting up a new business, this booklet should be your step by step guide to determining your requirements for managing work involving spray painting.

The information in this booklet should be used when consulting with employees about the hazards of spray painting. The OHS Act 2000 requires employers to consult with employees and take into account their views when making decisions that affect their health, safety and welfare. Involving your employees in identifying hazards and solving health and safety problems is an essential step in making your workplace safe and healthy.

If you would like more detailed information on spray painting it is recommended you read the National Guidance Material For Spray Painting publication produced by the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission. The publication is available from the Commission’s web site http://www.nohsc.gov.au