Protect yourself and the environment

Health and Environment Information!

PROTECTING YOURSELF

DO’s:
• Consider using water-based paints.
• Water-based paints are increasingly used across a broad range of surfaces.
• They offer excellent performance benefits, are more environmentally-friendly and contain very low levels of solvents.
• Always take note of any cautions or potential dangers indicated on the paint can, and take the appropriate preventative action.
• The warning labels are there for your protection, never remove them.
• Always remember to use protective equipment especially eye-goggles and a face mask to cover the mouth and nose.
• It is advisable to cover your arms and legs to avoid contact with skin due to the toxicity of solvents.
• Take precautions when handling and storing solvents.
Follow the instructions on the label in this regard.
• If you are uncertain on how to handle or store the products , contact your local paint/hardware store.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after use and avoid making contact with your mouth if your hands are still full of paint.
• Remember to ensure adequate ventilation in rooms you are painting – open windows and doors wherever possible.
• Make sure you get fresh air as often as possible.

DON'Ts:
• Avoid exposure to solvents as much as you can, especially inhalation.
• Never smoke when handling solvents, not just because of the flammability of the paint but the mixture of smoke and paint is a lethal combination to inhale.
• Solvents are highly flammable – never expose solvents to an open flame and always store in a cool place.
• Keep children away from areas you are painting, long time exposure to young children can affect their development.

PROTECT THE ENVORINMENT
DO’s:
• Consider high quality water-based paints as an option for your job – they are more environmentally friendly and offer an excellent all-round performance profile.
• Always take care to follow the precautions indicated on the can and check that the paint is not environmentally damaging.
• Try to buy exactly as much paint as your job requires – so disposal is not an issue.
• If you do have some paint left, try to find some use for it – maybe apply another coat, or offer it to friends or relatives.
• To store paint for the future, make sure the lid is on tightly – this prevents air and dirt getting in, and helps the paint last longer.
• Contact your local authority for guidance on safe disposal of paint – many have schemes for this purpose.
• If you have to clean tools with a solvent, try to re-use the solvent as many times as possible for cleaning.

DON'Ts
• Never put leftover liquid paint in with your other waste.
• Never pour leftover paint down the drain. It ends up in our rivers and causes serious damage to plants and animal life.

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