Avoid sharp bends (especially when curved around an object) when the hose is used.
Secure high-pressure hoses no more than 10 feet from the operator.
Avoid pointing a gun or nozzle at anyone or any part of your body. Hold the gun or
nozzle by the grip and remove your fingers from the trigger when handling or carrying
the equipment.
Release all pressure before disconnecting any part of the equipment.
1-7. Regulations Affecting Protective Coatings and Their Use. Before we continue with fire and
health hazards, you need to have an understanding of some of the regulations that have been passed and
how they are affecting the products you may use. Most of the revisions made in Painting I are due to the
changes brought on by regulations passed recently. Perhaps you have already encountered some of
them. The following is a brief summary of the key regulations and how they have and will affect you
and your work area.
a. Lead. Based on health hazards revealed in studies and past history, the US government
enacted the Lead-Based Paint Prevention Act (LBPPA) in 1971. At that time, a protective-coating
standard was set at 0.05 percent (500 parts per million by dry weight). Since 1977, the Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has limited the lead in most coatings to 0.06 percent (600 parts per
million by dry weight). However, paint for bridges, marine, and industrial use may contain greater
amounts of lead. Lead abatement and/or removal work on projects that have been identified as being
lead-contaminated must be performed only by individuals who have received training and are certified.
Currently, this work is civilian-contracted by the Department of Public Works (DPW). If you suspect
the presence of lead in your work area, report it through the chain of command to DPW.
b. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). In the 1970s, Congress passed the Clean Air Act and
established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The quality of the ozone layer topped the
EPA's list. The Clean Air Act and the Clean Air Act amendments of 1990 are affecting the coatings
industry by requiring the EPA to restrict emissions of VOCs into the atmosphere. Compliant coatings
are being formulated by industries to contain higher amounts of solids and thus less solvent and to
increase the use of water as the source of solvents.
c. Oil-Based Coatings. Oil-based coatings are highly flammable and are listed as class C (for
exterior use only). Due to the flammability of oil-based coatings, the NFPA has established a standard
for its use. The standard restricts the use of oil-based coatings to no more than 10 percent of the interior
surface area. Although oil-based coatings have not been restricted from exterior use, the NFPA highly
recommends the use of water-based latex enamel. You can expect further restrictions on the use of oil-
based coatings. Your local regulations may have already started reducing their use. Be prepared for
more changes as protective-coating products are reviewed. Your best approach is to check with your
DPW, state, and local regulations. You are required to meet the strictest regulations, regardless of the
level they originate from.
d. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). The MSDS is prepared and provided with each
shipment of chemicals received at the site. The Occupational Safety and Health
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