Warning about spraying paints and lacquers in woodworking

WorkSafe Victoria has issued a Health and Safety Solution for workers spraying furniture with two-pack polyurethane paints and lacquers containing isocyanates.

Spraying furniture with two-pack polyurethane paints and lacquers containing isocyanates (eg, poly-isocyanates) presents a risk to health.

Spraying generates a mist that may be inhaled and cause respiratory sensitisation and occupational asthma. Exposure to trace amounts of isocyanates can then trigger these symptoms once a person is sensitised, which means the person can no longer work with isocyanates.

Organic solvents and thinners used to clean spray guns can also affect the central nervous system and various organs, and can cause dermatitis.

WorkSafe's Health and Safety Solution presents a number of suggestions on how to work safely with these substances. The document can be downloaded from www.worksafe.vic.gov.au, under ‘Forms and Publications’.