15.

Safety, health and environment, SHE

Table of content
Section Title Page
15.1 Introduction 15.2
15.1.1 SHE is becoming more important 15.2
15.1.2 Life cycle assessment, LCA 15.2
15.1.3 Summary of the SHE hazards 15.2
15.1.4 General check list 15.3
15.2 Safety aspects 15.4
15.2.1 Explosion and fire 15.4
15.2.2 Safety for operators when using equipment for surface 15.8
preparation
15.2.3 The work site: Safety aspects 15.10
15.3 Health hazards 15.11
15.3.1 General 15.11
15.3.2 Solvents 15.12
15.3.3. Binders 15.13
15.3.4 Heavy metals 15.14
15.3.5 Dust from pre-treatment, blast cleaning and paint application 15.15
15.3.6 Noise from equipment 15.17
15.3.7 Physical stresses 15.17
15.3.8 First aid 15.17
15.3.9 Exposure limits and symbols for classification of health hazards 15.18
15.3.10 Labelling and transportation 15.21
15.3.11 Safety Data Sheets, SDS 15.22
15.4 Environmental concerns 15.24
15.4.1 Air 15.24
15.4.2 Water 15.24
15.4.3 Waste 15.25
15.5 Life cycle assessment, LCA 15.25
15.5.1 Basic principles of LCA studies 15.25
15.5.2 Goal definition and scooping 15.27
15.5.3 Inventory analysis 15.27
15.5.4 Impact assessment 15.27
15.5.5 Improvement analysis 15.28

Appendix 1 R- and S- phrases Page 15.29

Jotun Paint School, 01 Section 15 ”Safety, Health and Environment” Page 15. 1
15. Safety, health and environment, SHE
15.1. Introduction.
15.1.1. SHE is becoming more important
Safety, health and the environment (SHE) are the order of the day in most countries
around. Although Europe and the USA have taken a leading role in setting new
environmental standards, we are also seeing a number of the other industrialising
countries becoming very ambitious where safety, health and the environment are
concerned. This is the case in both the Middle East and Far East where many factories
produce a lot of paint and a number of operations involving surface treatment takes
place.
Previously, health and environmental questions were mainly linked to national
regulations and to reducing operational risks. Today, people are more aware of the
risks involved. Thus, health and environment have become an important part of every
responsible company's daily life, used as a strategy for improving competitiveness and
for finding the most cost-effective solutions for a company's operations.
There is no binding international standard for management systems covering safety,
health and the environment but several voluntary systems have been set up which
have become increasingly accepted in business. A voluntary arrangement has already
been introduced through the European Regulation on Environmental Management and
Audit Scheme (EMAS) and the international environmental standards (the ISO14000
series) were ready in 1996. Special “ Care programmes” have also been set up with
local variants in each country.

15.1.2. Life cycle assessment, LCA

For several decades the paint industry's safety, health and environmental focus was
linked to the manufacturing process. There was also some attention given to the
noticeable substances contained in its products. The 1990s have also concentrated on
reducing the amount of waste produced, recycling of waste, destroying it in a secure
manner or depositing waste where it cannot be recycled or reused. In the last decade
the SHE concept has expanded to cover assessing the total life cycle of products. Life
Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a technique for calculating the environmental impact
from “cradle to grave” (from production to final destruction) for a paint system. The
technique will be further described in section 15.5.

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15.1.3. Summary of the SHE hazards.

Working with surface treatment and paints involves several hazards both for
personnel involved as well as for the environment. The most important ones are
shown in the table below. The hazards are grouped into safety (S), health (H) and
environment (E) for the three activities representing the major hazards within surface
treatment: Blast cleaning, high-pressure water jetting and paint application. As seen
from the table some of the sources have impact on more than one of the activities. An
example is solvents: Solvents can start a fire (safety hazard), cause brain damage
(health hazard) and influence the ozone layer in the atmosphere (environmental
hazard).

Table 15.1.
Summary of the hazards during pre-treatment and paint application.

Source Activity
Blast cleaning Water jetting Paint application
Dust H/E H
High pressure S S
Noise H H H
Solvents S/H/E
Paint (Other chemicals than H/E
solvents)
Waste E E E
Aerosols H

The most important source of information regarding safety, health and environmental
hazards for a product is the Safety Data Sheet (see section 15.3.11.). The risks
involved when working with a product are termed “R-phrases”. Corresponding
protective measures are given as “S-phrases”. All R and S phrases are listed in
appendix 1 to this chapter.

15.1.4. General check list

To reduce the risk of having accidents and negative impacts on health the following
general checklist can be of assistance when a complete list for a real case is to be
worked out:

 Follow requirements from local/national authorities

 Make sure that all personnel are qualified and properly trained for the job
 Inspect areas where the work is going to take place and look for possible SHE-
traps.
 Plan the work and co-ordinate with other nearby trades (Welding, grinding
etc).
 Place all products to be used, including thinners and hardeners, in the mixing
station.
 Collect all safety data sheets for the relevant products.

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  Read the Safety data sheets and other relevant instructions for the product(s)
involved to know the hazard classification and health hazards involved as well
as adequate protective measures.
 Read the label on the tin for SHE-related information.
 Check all equipment to be used, including safety protection equipment.
 If required, close off areas to achieve necessary safety
 Gas-safe work-lamps must be used
 Appropriate ventilation equipment must be installed
 Gas checks must be carried out before work commences in adjoining spaces
 Use sufficient, approved personal protection during the work
 Personal hygiene, particularly in connection with food and drink on the work
place, is important.
 Disposable overalls are recommended, particularly for use with epoxy paints.
 Check waste handling.
 Painting in tanks or narrow spaces: Extra safety aids should be used. These
include the use of an assistant with a lifeline and intervals in the fresh air.
 At the end of the job, all equipment is cleaned at the mixing station
 All waste is placed in a suitable container which is emptied regularly
 Remains of unused paint, thinner, etc. are returned to the paint store.

As legislation and requirements may vary from place to place the following sections
will only cover general points of concern. Regulations from local authorities, the
company you work for and the paint supplier must be followed to minimise the risk
of accidents and negative impacts on man and environment.

15.2. Safety aspects

Many regulations are very specific about how to do a job safely. These regulations are
based on many years of experience and are therefore developed to reduce the risk of
accidents and thereby prevent us from making the same mistakes as some of our
colleagues have done in the past. The safety hazards can basically be split into three
main groups:
 The risk of initiating explosion or fire.
 Unfavourable handling of equipment.
 Safety for operators and other personnel at the work site.

15.2.1. Explosion and fire

Virtually all solvent containing coatings are highly flammable in liquid form. To be
able to prevent fire and explosions some understanding of the following
characteristics is required:

 Flash point

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  Lower explosive limit
 Upper explosive limit
 Explosive range
 Self-ignition temperature

How dangerous a paint is depends on its flash point and the rate of evaporation of the
solvent. Most paints contain different types of solvents. The flash point is the lowest
temperature at which the fumes from the solvents catch fire or explode if ignited. The
lower the flash point the greater the risk that a mixture of solvent vapour and oxygen
in the air will result in an explosion. At temperatures below the flash point a mixture
of the vapour and air can not be ignited by any means. The flash point of paints is
stated on the relevant Safety Data Sheets. Self-ignition is the minimum temperature
where a substance will ignite without any source of ignition.

Table 15.2.
Symbols used on tins and Safety Data Sheets
for classification of paints related to explosion and fire hazards.

E: Explosive Definition Example

The product can explode in Not valid for
contact with fire or if exposed many paints.
to physical impacts or Jotun has no paint
friction. in this category

Fx: Extremely flammable

Liquid chemical with flash Not valid for
point below 0 °C and a many paints.
boiling point below 35 °C. Jotun has no paint
in this category.

F: Very flammable
Paints and solvents with a Shopprimer PVB
flash point below 21 °C. Iron oxide 23
They ignite easily at room Two pack
temperature. Component A

Flammable
No sign to be used Products with a flash point Jotamastic 87
Refer to R10: ”Flammable” between 21 and 55 °C Component A
O: Oxidising

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 Will develop heat in contact Not valid for
with other material. May lead many paints.
to fire if in contact with other
flammable materials. Example:
Peroxides

Applying paint outdoors is not considered to be of great danger as no ventilation

problem exists. The dangerous vapours will disappear into the air very quickly (See
“Environment” below). However, smoking should not be allowed and welding
equipment should not be used within 15 metres of the painting operation. It should be
noted that the wind direction should be considered in each individual case..

For indoor applications there are particularly three additional factors to consider:

First: Solvents released during application and curing are explosive in nature if the
volume concentration is within certain critical limits: The lower- and upper explosion
limit. One should also have in mind that solvents can accumulate with time to give
densities within the dangerous zone.

Figure 15. 1.
Range of concentration where an explosion might occur.

Typical range for solvents:

1 vol.% (10.000 ppm) - 8 vol.% (80.000 ppm)

Too concentrated Upper explosion limit

Risk of having explosion

Too diluted Lower explosion limit

Second: Solvents are heavier than air and may find its way downwards along
corridors, stairs ventilation shafts or similar. If brought in contact with a heat source,
solvents can initiate an explosion or start a fire even far away from the working place
where the solvent originated.

Figure 15.2

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 Solvents are heavier than air.

•A firem aystartinlower
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Third: Gas may be present in confined spaces or in areas adjacent to the working
place. The gas content of tanks and cargo spaces must be checked by an authorised
person before and during the work and every two hours thereafter. The gas content
must not exceed the “lower explosive limit” (LEL) as measured using an explosimeter
adjusted for the range 1 – 10 % LEL. The maximum gas content permitted for some
gases are shown on the table below (Contact local authorities for exact valid levels).

Table 15.3.
Examples of maximum gas levels allowed.

Type of gas Maximum level, ppm

Benzene (C6C6) 10 ppm
Oxygen (02) 21 volume % (Content of air)
Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) 10 ppm
Carbon Monoxide (CO) 50 ppm
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) 3 ppm
Nitrogen Oxide (NO) 25 ppm
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) 2 ppm

There are three factors necessary to start a fire.

 Oxygen
 Flammable material
 Ignition temperature.

During painting, oxygen and flammable material are present. Therefore, heat is the
only missing factor. A cigarette lighter, sparks from a welding machine or nearby
electrical switches, electrostatic sparks etc. are heat sources sufficient to start a fire.

To reduce the risk of having a fire or an explosion the following general points can be
used as a guideline:

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  There must be no open flames or welding in progress when coatings are being
applied. This is particularly important in tanks and holds.
 The equipment must be properly grounded.
 Use explosion and spark-certified equipment. Electric cables, motors and
lighting systems must be type approved. Extension cables with connection
inside the tank must never be used.
 Approved 24 V light fittings must be used. Cables must not be dragged around
because of the danger of sparks. Personnel working in tanks should use rubber
soles.
 Ventilation must continue after coating application, in order to allow the paint
to dry/cure. The gas concentration should not exceed 10 volume % of the
lower explosive threshold. Be particularly aware of the danger involved in
using paints and thinners with low flash-points.
 Keep the equipment well maintained. Check all hose connections and fittings
and the fluid hose for weak or worn spots where leakages may occur.
 REMEMBER: The pressure remains in the system until discharged through
the gun.

Information about explosion and fire for a paint product is found in point 5 in the
safety Data Sheet.

15.2.2. Safety for operators when using equipment for surface

preparation.
Before commencing any work all personnel involved must know the safety
procedures specified and that adequate training must be implemented. Most
equipment, if used in a wrong way, can cause injuries. However, it is of particular
importance to follow all safety regulations when using equipment for:

 Blast cleaning
 High pressure water jetting
 Spray application of coatings

The following requirements apply to these operations:

Blast cleaning.
The major concern from a safety point of view during a blast cleaning operation
relates to the high-velocity beam of abrasives and air from the gun. The operators
using blast-cleaning equipment should take care not to be struck by the abrasive
loaded air stream. A typical pressure at the nozzle is 7 kg/cm² and the velocity is in
the range of 180 m/s. This will normally cause serious injuries on the body. A safe
operation is first of all ensured through:

 Never point a blast cleaning gun at any part of your body or at another person.
 Test all safety devices regularly.
 Blast hood with skirt and proper protective clothing. Open-circuit mask (top
hood) with a visor must be used. As a result of wear, the visor glass must be

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 replaced at regular intervals.
 Gloves are necessary to protect the hands against ricocheting blast material.
Solid rubber gloves are best, and these also last longest.
 Approved, firm, protective footing must be used by the blast cleaner.
 Keep the equipment well maintained. Release pressure prior to starting
maintenance or making adjustments of the equipment.
 Check all hose connections, fittings and the fluid hoses for weak or worn
spots.
 Use remote control dead-man valves.
 The operator must use dead-man’s handle.
 REMEMBER: The pressure remains in the system until discharged through
the gun.
 A lamp must be mounted on the nozzle when blasting in dark spaces.

Figure 15.4.
High pressure abrasive / air stream can injure operator and nearby persons.

High pressure water jetting.

For the operators, in particular, but also for persons standing nearby, water jetting
represents a risk due to the high pressure of the water leaving the nozzle of the gun.
(The pressure drops rapidly with increasing distance from the nozzle). Typical
pressures at the nozzle are up to 2.500 Bars, which in extreme cases can be used for
cutting steel and concrete. Safe operation is first of all ensured by:

 Never point a high pressure water jetting gun at any part of your body or at
any other person.
 Test all safety devices regularly.
 Keep the equipment well maintained. Release pressure prior to starting
maintenance or making adjustments of the equipment.
 Check all hose connections, fittings and the fluid hoses for weak or worn
spots.
 Face shield with a visor must be used.
 Proper protective clothing.
 The humidity in tanks and confined spaces can be so high that the risk of
drowning is present. Ventilation, air-supply or fresh air masks must be used.
 Gloves are necessary to protect the hands. Solid rubber gloves are best, and
these also last longest.
 Approved, firm, protective footing must be used.

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  A pressure control valve, or similar, must be installed and checked regularly.
 The operator must use dead-man’s handle.

Spray application of coatings.

As for blast cleaning and water jetting the high pressures involved with spray
application of paint represent a major safety risk for operators and nearby persons.
This has two consequences:

1. The high pressurised paint can hit a person and cause physical damage.
2. In tanks and other areas with limited ventilation we must also be aware that
the oxygen content in the air can become too low. Confined spaces should be
ventilated properly. The paint operator and the inspector should wear air-
supplied masks. Death due to shortage of oxygen can take place within
seconds in confined spaces at oxygen contents below 16 %.

Figure 15.5.
Spray application of paint is a dangerous operation.

Neverpointanyhighpressureunit
atanotherpersonoratyourself!!

Safe operation is improved by following the check list below:

 Test all safety devices regularly.

 Keep the equipment well maintained. Release pressure prior to starting
maintenance or making adjustments of the equipment.
 Check all hose connections, fittings and the fluid hose for weak or worn spots.
 The operator must use dead-man’s handle.
 Never point an airless spray gun at any part of your body or at another person.
 It is of utmost importance to study the Safety Data Sheet for the product(s)
involved before starting the paint application.
 Good ventilation will keep solvent concentrations as low as possible in all
parts of the tank. Adequate ventilation must not be seen as a substitute for
personal safety equipment, which should be used, as a matter of course during
any painting operations.
 Use appropriate protection mask with filter or an air fed mask.
 Solvents are heavier than air and must be removed by suction. The suction
outlet should be as low as possible.
 Safety must be ensured by means of a rescue line, which leads out of the area
to a helper.

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15.2.3. The work site: Safety aspects.

A work place is full of different types of operations, and will therefore contain several
possible safety traps. The most important factors to take into account are:

 Plan the job with respect to activities, time schedule, personnel involved.
 Get information of other work in close proximity and establish how this can
affect your job and visa versa.
 Is it necessary to close / seal off certain areas?
 Identify explosion- and fire sources.
 Get an overview of fire extinguishers.
 Alarm systems: What do they mean and how to act in case of an alarm.
 Plan for evacuation and assembly points.
 Location of safety data sheets.
 Clarify if toxic materials are, or will be, present.
 Access equipment: Proper rigging, load limits, safety belt, safety lines.

REMEMBER: Solvents are heavier than air and will easily flow downwards to areas
or compartments below the actual work site !!!

Figure 15.6.
Ensure a safe working place for the operator and nearby persons.

Near byactivities Cordonoff areas

Housekeeping

Ventilation
Waste treatment

15.3. Health hazards

15.3.1. General.
Personnel working with surface treatment and paint application can be exposed to
several health hazards unless adequate protection is used. The paint manufacturers
always try to minimise the content of dangerous solvents and other components in the
paint. However, it must be admitted that there is still a way to go before that job is
completed. Until then certain precautions must be taken. Generally, health hazards
can be eliminated through good working conditions in combination with sufficient
personal protection. The most common health hazards are briefly described below.

Jotun Paint School, 01 Section 15 ”Safety, Health and Environment” Page 15. 11
 Figure 15.7
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15.3.2. Solvents.
Most anti-corrosive paints contain large amounts of solvents, and sometimes we forget how
dangerous they can be. The concentration of solvents will still be high even for a long period
of time after completion of the paint job.

Most of the solvents are acting on the central nervous system. In addition, exposure to
solvents can cause skin irritation. Some solvents, e.g. Xylene, may also influence
internal organs, such as liver and kidneys. The negative effects of solvents on a person
can be:

Acute symptoms: Dizzyness, headache, irritation of skin and eyes, irritate eyes,
nose and mouth and cause insensibility.

When the exposure ceases the negative impact will in many cases gradually be
reduced. However, long term exposure can accumulate and cause irreversible
damages (brain damage).

Chronic diseases: Cancer, brain damage, loss of memory, nervous system,

kidneys, damage to the respiratory system, liver and blood,
behaviour changes, shaking and loss of feeling and control

Solvents can enter the body in three ways:

A: Breathing
The most serious route of entry for solvents into the body is by inhalation. Many
solvents give potentially hazardous vapours. When the solvent vapours have entered
the body they will find their way to the lungs and subsequently be transported directly
into the blood. Once in the blood the solvent is transported to the brain causing acute
drunkenness and dizziness and the chronic diseases as listed above.

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B: Skin contact.
The most frequent way is by skin contact. Many workers, in spite of information of
the hazards, continuously use solvents to remove paint. This causes both reddening,
swelling and will dry out the skin. Many of the solvents will also enter the body this
way and cause damage to internal organs. This hazard is known as skin absorption,
and is the first route of exposure for solvents to enter the body.

C: Swallowing.
The third route of entry of solvents into the body is by swallowing or ingestion.
Accidental drinking of solvent is rare, with the exception of ethanol in its different
forms. In some cases other types of solvents have be swallowed because the solvent
has been kept in soda pop bottles. Ingestion of solvents through contaminated food or
tobacco products, due to poor hygiene practices, is less rare but no less very harmful

Solvents: Protective measures.

The negative effects can be reduced by the following measures:

 Always use respirators with organic filter cartridges and particle pre-filters.
For better protection against the solvent vapours, use an air supported
respirator. In confined spaces it is a necessity. The respirator must fit well.
 Chemical splash goggles and disposable clothing must be used. Paint spray in
the face can be avoided by using an air-fed hood with a 'window' at the front.
Air pressure inside the hood will blow away paint dust.
 Paint or solvent which are accidentally splashed onto skin should immediately
be washed away with soap and water.
 Ensure that both filters and gloves protect against the type of solvent that you
are using. By spray application a combined type of filter should be used: A
mechanical filter for the airborne particulars and an active coal filter against
the solvent vapours.
 Paint and sleeve cuffs should be secured with tape or other suitable fasteners.
 Overalls, leather or rubber capes and gloves.
 Wear safety footwear.
 The work safety authority should approve safety equipment.
 Wash the hands with soap and water and never in the solvent itself.
 Good ventilation will keep solvent concentrations as low as possible in
confined spaces.
 Ventilation must continue after coating application, in order to allow it to
dry/cure. The gas concentration should not exceed 10 volume % of the lower
explosive threshold. Be particularly aware of the danger involved in using
paints and thinners with low flash-points.
 Solvents are heavier than air and must be removed by suction, and the suction
outlet should be as low as possible.
 Open-circuit mask (top hood) must be used when applying coatings in
enclosed spaces.

Solvents are not to be taken lightly. They can damage your skin and internal
organs, and can even be fatal.

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15.3.3. Binders.
Not only solvents, but also binders represent a health hazard. The most frequently
occurring ones are briefly described below.

A: Epoxy paint – eczema and allergy.

Epoxy paint can cause allergic reactions to skin. The most dangerous epoxies are the
liquid, low molecular types (average molecular weight below 700). The solid epoxies,
with average molecular weights above 700 are less harmful. Normally, the high-
molecular weight epoxies are not sensitizers. Only persons which are hypersensitive
to epoxy will reactAlso the amine curing compounds can cause allergy. It can also be
caustic and damage the eyes. If amine is splashed into the eyes, immediately flush
several times with fresh water. Use eye protection when mixing the components of an
epoxy product.

If the proper precautions are not taken to avoid contact with the skin the epoxy and
the curing agents may cause eczema (red skin and blisters).

A person can react to epoxy exposure and for the future become hypersensitive to
epoxies. Once this has happened the person will never get rid of it and for the rest of
his life it only takes a negligible amount of epoxy to trigger the allergic reaction. A
hyper sensitive person must stay away from epoxy paints for the rest of his life.

Thus, when working with epoxies it is necessary to take special care.

Avoid direct contact!

Polyurethane / Isocyanates - Asthma and irritation of lungs.

The curing agent used in polyurethane, isocyanate, is also dangerous. The monomer
Hexa-ethylene-Diisocyanate is regarded as a skin and inhalation sencitiser, and so is
the Isocyanate polymer, due to reactive monomer groups. Isocyanate based products
can give rise to asthma and irritation or reduced capacity of the lungs. Therefore, it is
important to ensure that spray mist is not inhaled. Particularly during spray
application it is important to use an air fed breathing apparatus.

Persons that are hypersensitive should not work with Isocyanates at all.

Always protect yourself against skin contact and inhalation of Isocyanates.

Tar containing products – Cancer.

Short time exposure to fume and vapours may cause irritation to the nose, throat or
eyes. Headache and nausea are also possible. Splashes to the skin should be prevented
since this may cause irritation, particularly in strong sunlight. Long term exposure to

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high concentrations of vapour may result in damage to the internal organs. May cause
cancer as well as heritable genetic damage and birth defects.

15.3.4. Heavy metals

Heavy metals can be a component in paint, mostly in the form of pigments and in
some cases as additives. The most commonly used heavy metals are Lead, Zinc,
Chromium, Nickel and Cobalt. Lead and Chromium have been phased out or reduced
the last years. The most important health impacts of these substances are:

Copper
Copper is available in antifoulings as Cuprous Oxide. Inhalation of fumes by
welding/cutting on coated surfaces can give metal fever, chills. Irritating on eyes and
mucous membranes.

Zinc
Dust can give irritation, coughing, sweating. Inhalation of fumes/dust can give chills,
aching, fever, nausea, vomiting. Zinc oxide and fumes from heating/welding can give
“zinc-fever” when the fumes are inhaled.

Chromium.
Chromium (Cr) compounds are used in corrosion protection. There exist Cromium
metals as Cr (II), Cr (III) and Cr (VI). Cr (III) and Cr (VI) is sensitizing. Cr (VI)
penetrates the skin easier than Chromium (III), and is therefore the most sensitizing. It
and can lead to cancer by regular inhalation of the dust. Chromium (VI) exists in
stainless steel, and welding on this material can give exposure of Chromium (VI).
Chromium (VI) occur in cement. Several of Chromium (VI) compounds are
mutagenic. Chromium (III) is not mutagenic. The most Chromium compounds in
paints are Cr (III), but Lead Chromate is Cr (VI).

Nickel/Cobalt compounds
Nickel and Cobalt can give sensitisation. These compounds can occur in pigments in
paints. Cobalt occurs in driers in paints.

Lead
Lead and lead-compounds are toxic materials. They can be absorbed through the
breathing-system and through the digestion-system. Lead can be transported by the
blood, and settle in the skeleton. Lead can be fetotoxic, and lead to reduced fertility. It
can damage the blood cells, central nervous system, digestion system, heart and
circulation-system, kidneys, and liver. Lead can also give rise to aneamia.

Copper and Tributyltin-compounds

Copper and Tin (Tributyltin, TBT) are used in Antifoulings. They can be absorbed
through the skin and are toxic, causing irritation to skin and mucous membranes. As
discussed in the presentation on antifoulings the use of TBT is debated, and a ban is
expected to come in a few years time.

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15.3.5. Dust from pre-treatment, blast cleaning and paint application
A large amount of dust is created when paint is removed from steel surfaces by blast-
cleaning. The dust may contain fine particles of crushed abrasives mixed with
particles from mill scale, rust, dust and old coatings used to protect the surface.

The blast-cleaner must always be well protected and must be equipped with the
following:

 Open-circuit mask (top hood) with a visor must be used to prevent contact
with the dust created. As a result of wear, the visor glass must be replaced at
regular intervals.
 Gloves are necessary to protect the hands against ricocheting blast material.
Solid rubber gloves are best, and these also last longest.

Dust particles vary in size. Dust particles larger than 10 microns may be visible and
settles quickly. The smallest particles are the most dangerous ones. These particles are
in the order of 0 - 5 microns. They are “invisible” and remain suspended in the air for
a longer period of time. The respirable particles are able to get enter the alveoli of the
lungs.

Figure 15. 8.
Size of particles in dust from various types of abrasives
The figure shows the relative concentration
% of total of particles less than 5 microns % of total
30 30
25 25
20 20
15 15
10 10
5 5
0 0
Cast Iron Al. Oxide Al. Silicate Olivin Quartz
Sand Sand

The amount of dust created varies with the abrasive used. The main concern is free
silica (SiO2) from silica sand abrasive (quartz sand). The lung fluids cannot dissolve
this dust. A fibrous tissue develops in the lungs and creates a lung disease called
“fibrosis” and, if the condition is severe enough, silicosis will develop. Only the use
of an air-fed respirator can protect you from the hazards of free silica sand.

Other dust hazards may also be produced during blast-cleaning. Removing paints that
contain elements like lead, cadmium, zinc etc. can cause harm to the body. Dust may
also irritate eyes, ears, nose and throats. It is of vital importance that the blast-cleaning
operator uses an air-supplied respirator.

Compared to blast-cleaning the dust problem is more or less eliminated by the water

Jotun Paint School, 01 Section 15 ”Safety, Health and Environment” Page 15. 16
when the pre-treatment is done by water jetting.

Dust: Protective measures.

 The abrasive blasting respirator assembly is made up of a support belt, air flow
control valve, breathing tube and a loose fitting hood or helmet.
 The air-supplied respirator should be worn both during blast-cleaning, but also
afterwards as long as dust remains in the air. This is off course somewhat
dependent of local winds or ventilation.
 Ensure a continuous flow of air to your abrasive blasting hood or helmet.
 The air is often supplied from a diesel-powered compressor, and shall not
contain carbon monoxide or oil. Air filtering/purifying elements are necessary
to achieve this. Electrically driven oil-less pumps are available that do not
produce carbon monoxide, oil vapour or oil mist.
 Several filters must be present in the air supply from the compressor to the
blasters hood or helmet:
 Filter 1 Removes particles and water from the air stream
 Filter 2 Removes oil from the air stream
 Filter 3 Carbon bed to remove odour and hydrocarbons

By no means can a worker be protected by a bandanna tied

around the head to cover the nose and mouth.

15.3.6. Noise from equipment.

Most types of abrasive blast-cleaning, water jetting and paint application equipment
create a lot of noise. The noise level may vary with type of equipment as well as
location and position. Regardless of the nature, excessive amounts of noise require
hearing protection for operators and other workers in the area. The noise levels caused
by blast-cleaning and water jetting can range from 90 - 130 decibels. In Norway
protection is obligatory when the noise level is above 85 decibels.

15.3.7. Physical stresses.

Very high pressures are involved when operating blast cleaning and water jetting
equipment. This makes pre-treatment with hand held equipment very exhausting. For
example: The pressure used for ultra high pressure water jetting is from 1700 bar and
upwards. In combination with the high amount of water, 10 l/min. and upwards, the
operator will experience a very high stress. At 2000 bars and 20 l/min. the operator
has to fight against a force of approximately 20 kg. People working with this need to
develop a certain technique to be able to use such equipment for a given period of
time. Still, both from a safety point of view as well as for the health of the operator
there must be sufficient breaks at regular intervals during the work.

15.3.8. First aid.

Experience has shown that the impact of an accident can be greatly reduced if

Jotun Paint School, 01 Section 15 ”Safety, Health and Environment” Page 15. 17
colleagues or near by persons conduct first aid on a sick or injured person. Even very
small efforts can be of significant help. Some important points are:
 First aid kits must be present at all job sites.
 First aid training courses should preferably be given to all persons involved,
but as a minimum to all foremen and supervisors.
 Special training and information must be given regarding the type of paints to
be used. Read the Safety Data Sheets.
 If solvents have been swallowed by accident medical attention should be
sought immediately. The person should be brought into fresh air. Do not induce
vomiting.
 Chemicals in contact with skin or eyes shall be washed away with fresh water.
Special care shall be given to corrosive materials. Flush with tempered fresh
water for at least 15-30 minutes and continue to flush with water during
transportation to medical care.
 Burns must be treated with cold water as soon as possible. Charred clothing,
which has burned on to the skin, must not be removed. Medical attention is
essential for serious burns.
 Remember to report all accidents or “close to” accidents. These reports will be
the basis for future routines to avoid similar situations in the future.

In the Safety Data Sheet, point 4, first aid measures for persons exposed to the paint in
question is listed.

15.3.9. Exposure limits and symbols for classification of health

hazards.

The authorities in different countries have assessed the occupational hygienic standard
of working atmosphere and thereby determined levels of contamination in the air.
Over the last years there has been some discussion regarding acceptable and
maximum levels for the various species. So far, there seem to be no international
agreement regarding the limits. The definition of these concentrations and the values
may differ from country to country. In some countries governmental laws regulate
the current limits, while in others only guidelines are worked out. What ever the levels
may be, the following toxicological principles should be appreciated:

 The higher the concentration the more serious the effect.

 The higher the dose the more people will be affected.
 Due to biological variations different people will be affected differently.

The Threshold Limit Value (TLV) or Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL).

The TLV or OEL of a substance is defined as “The concentration in the air of a
specified substance which will not cause harm to the persons involved when inhaling

Jotun Paint School, 01 Section 15 ”Safety, Health and Environment” Page 15. 18
the contaminated air for an 8 hours workday”. The concentrations are given in parts
per million (ppm) or milligrams per cubicmeter (mg/m3).

The table below gives some examples of such limits. Please note that for reasons
mentioned above the examples given must not be taken for exact limits. Local
authorities must be contacted to get the valid figures.

Table 15.4
Examples of exposure limits (TLV / OEL).

Solvents Dust, fumes and smoke

Buthylacetate 355 mg/m³ Lead 0.05 mg/m³
Dichloromethane 125 mg/m³ Aluminium 5 mg/m³
Ethanol 950 mg/m³ Welding smoke 5 mg/m³
2-ethoxyethylacetate 27 mg/m³ Quartz, total 0.3 mg/m³
275 mg/m³ Quartz, respirable 0,1 mg/m³
White spirit 108 mg/m³
Xylene
Cont. on next page

Table 15.4 cont.

Gases and vapours

Ozone 0.2 mg/m³
Hydrochloric acid 7 mg/m³
Oil fog 1 mg/m³
Ethylendiamine 25 mg/m³

Table 15.5.
Symbols used on tins and Safety Data Sheets
for classification of paints related to health hazards.

Tx: Very Toxic Definition Example

Not valid for
many paints.
Jotun has no paint
in this category

T: Toxic
Antifouling
Seamate HB 33

Jotun Paint School, 01 Section 15 ”Safety, Health and Environment” Page 15. 19
 Xn: Health hazard
Pioneer Primer

Xi: Irritant
M.T. Primer
Component A

C: Corrosive
Naviguard
Component B

O: Oxidising
Not classified Royal White

As we have seen earlier the solvents definitely represent a health hazard. However,
some paints are more dangerous than others. Some countries have tried to group the
paints into different hazard classes. As the system for classification is different for the
different countries, and some countries have no classification at all, an example from
Norway regarding solvents is presented.

Here, the term “YL – number” is used and the paints are grouped according to the
following definition:

“ The YL-number is the number of m³ fresh air required to dissolve the vapour of
solvents from one litre of paint to a concentration below a fixed threshold value”.

This means that the important factors decisive for the YL-number will be: Volume
solvents, rate of evaporation and how dangerous the solvents in the paints are.

Table 15.6.
Classification of paints. Please note that this only concerns solvents.
The paint may contain other dangerous components.

YL-group YL - No. Comment Example*

YL 00 0 - 30 Avoid breathing the spray mist Water borne Zinc
YL 0 30 -100 Avoid breathing the spray mist Water borne acrylic
topcoat
YL 1 100 - 400 Avoid breathing of gas or spray 2-pack epoxy water
mist. Unless adequate ventilation borne.

Jotun Paint School, 01 Section 15 ”Safety, Health and Environment” Page 15. 20
 is provided a mask with filter
must be used when spraying.
YL 2 400 - 800 Inhalation is dangerous. Use Bitumen
mask with filter when spraying.
YL 3 800 – 1600 Inhalation is dangerous. Mask Epoxy mastic,
with filter must be used. In Alkyd, Zinc –
confined areas use air fed masks. Ethylsilicate,
Chlorinated rubber,
YL 4 1600 – 3200 Inhalation is dangerous. Mask Bitumen, Epoxy -
with filter must be used. In tar
confined areas use air fed masks.
YL 5 Above 3200 Inhalation is dangerous. Mask Chlorinated rubber,
with filter must be used. In 2-pack epoxy,
confined areas use air fed masks. Vinyl, Vinyl - tar

* The YL number is a national aspect valid for Norway. Similar codes can exist
in different countries. Please also observe that the figures given may vary,
even for the same generic type of paint, as well as for equivalent products
from different manufacturers.

15.3.10. Labelling and transportation.

Labels
Labelling of chemical compounds is being done in accordance with national laws. In
Europe, this is almost totally harmonised. Only small national abbreviations are left.
On a paint tin the following type of information is normally found:

 Name of paint manufacturer

 Name of product
 Type of product and ingredients
 Hazards
 Protective measures

Point 15 in the Safety Data Sheet will give determine the information to be given on
the label of the paint tin.

Transportation of dangerous goods.

The most common transportation of dangerous goods are by road and sea, and very
little by air. There are four classification systems for transportation of dangerous
goods:

Organisation Transport media

IATA (International Transport Association) By air

IMDG (International Maritime Organisation of By sea

Dangerous Goods)

ADR (European agreement on international road- By road

transportation of dangerous goods) and

Jotun Paint School, 01 Section 15 ”Safety, Health and Environment” Page 15. 21
 RID (International regulation for transportation By rail
of dangerous goods by rail)

By sea the substances has to be evaluated as Marine Pollutant / Severe marine

Pollutant or not.

The main groups used for classification of goods are:

Class 1: Explosives
Class 2: Gases, compressed, liquefied or dissolved under pressure
Class 3: Flammable liquids
Class 4.1: Flammable solids
Class 4.2: Substances liable to spontaneous combustion
Class 4.3: Substances, which in contact with water, emit flammable gases
Class 5:1 Oxidising substances
Class 5.2: Organic Peroxides
Class 6.1: Toxic substances
Class 6.2: Infectious substances
Class 7: Radioactive materials
Class 8: Corrosives
Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous substances, that in other substance
which experience has shown, or may show, to be of such a
dangerous character that the provisions of this part shall apply
to it.

Most paints products are put in class 3: “Flammable liquids”, and some are put in the
category 8 “Corrosives”.

Examples of labelling:

Example 1: ADR 3.31 c (Flammable substances)

3 is the main group

31 indicates the range of flash point (31: Flash point 23-61C
c indicates how hazardous the material is
(a: very hazardous, b: hazardous, c: less hazardous)

Example 2: IMDG Class 3.3 (Flammable substances)

Packaging group III (type of packaging)

Example 3: IATA Class 3.3 (Flammable substances)

Packaging group III (type of packaging)

See point 14 in the Safety Data Sheet for information about transportation of the
actual paints.

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15.3.11. The Safety Data Sheet, SDS

The source of information about the hazards involved when using a specific paint is
the Safety Data Sheet. This is published by the paint manufacturer and will always be
distributed along with the paint. The information to be given is regulated by the
authorities. A typical SDS contains 16 different types of information (European
standard). Out of these points, 9 concerns the SHE - hazards.

Table 15.7.
Information to be given in a safety data sheet.
Type of information Content
1. Identification, company Name of manufacturer, address, telephone, telefax
Name of the product, product class.
2. Composition Main hazardous ingredients, weight %, R-phrases
3. Hazards identification R-phrases, symbols and hazard classification of
the product
4. First aid measures Measures to be taken by accidents, by skin
contact, eye-splashes, inhalation and ingestion.
5. Fire fighting measures Measure to be taken in case of fires, prevention of
fire, conditions for a material to burn or explode.
Two important factors in determining this are the
flash point of the material and explosion limits in
the air. Most of the solvent-borne coatings have a
flash point below 55C. These products are to be
classified as flammable. Coatings with a flash-
point of maximum 21C should be classified as
very flammable.
6. Accidental release Measures to be taken by accidental spill.
measures Precautions to avoid contamination. The
appropriate materials, equipment and clothing that
will be needed for spill contamination as
described.
7. Handling and storage Measures to be taken to ensure safe handling,
personal equipment needed for a material. Under
what condition the equipment is used, and detailed
information and considerations during handling
and storing of the product.
8. Exposure control Deals with people’s exposure to paints.
Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) values,
personal protection, engineering measures
9. Physical and chemical Technical data related to physical state, physical
properties data, boiling range, vapour pressure, density,
evaporation rate, appearance, colour point, flash
point, explosion limits
10. Stability and reactivity Deals with how stable products are during storage,
exposure to elevated temperatures etc. and how
reactive the paint is when exposed to other
substances. Stable materials are those that do not
deteriorate or degrade chemically under normal

Jotun Paint School, 01 Section 15 ”Safety, Health and Environment” Page 15. 23
 handling conditions and that do not readily react
with air or water. Unstable materials tend to
spontaneously decompose (break down into
similar chemicals) or polymerise. Such reactions
may be violent, resulting in fire, explosion or
release hazardous products.
11. Toxicological Health information, acute and chronic exposure,
information splashes in the eyes, skin contact, adverse effect
by inhalation or ingestion, toxicity data.
12. Ecological information Deals with the effect on plant and animal life and
environment in general. Environmental
information, ecotoxicological data.
Acute toxicity, Biodegradation, Bio-accumulation,
effects on marine organisms.
13. Disposal consideration Guidance for waste treatment: Whether to treat as
special hazardous waste or disposal at local
municipal plant.
14. Transport information Classification according to various transport
organisations, for example ADR / RID (Road /
Rail), IMDG (sea), IATA (Air)
15. Regulatory information Label-information (classification of the product,
R- and S-phrases), National regulation notes
16. Other relevant General information
information

15.4. Environmental concerns

Surface treatment and paintwork may have impacts on the surrounding environment:

 Air
 Water
 Waste

Products representing an environmental hazard must be marked with the following

symbol:

Harmful to environment

15.4.1. Air
Volatile organic compound (VOC) is a term that expresses the content of solvents and
other organic compounds in a paint. It is given in grams per litre of paint. In some

Jotun Paint School, 01 Section 15 ”Safety, Health and Environment” Page 15. 24
countries the environmental authorities have set up restrictions of the VOC content of
a paint. Only paints with a VOC content below a given upper limit are allowed to be
applied. This is due to the polluting effects of the solvents.

Solvents can have adverse effects on the environment. Solvents and other volatile
organic compounds (VOC) contribute together with NO 2 and O2 to create Ozone at
ground level. Ozone at ground level can give effects on humans like irritation of trout
and upper respiratory tract and coughing.

Ozone can give negative effects on forests and plant vegetation. Big concentrations
can give acute damages.

15.4.2. Water.
Pollution of water by paints primarily concerns these areas:

 Antifoulings
 Maintenance: Old paint contaminating yard areas

There has recently been more focus on the effects of paint on the marine environment.
In many countries tin containing anti-foulings are no longer accepted to be applied on
pleasure boats and on ships smaller than 25 m length. Even for larger ships anti-
foulings with a leaching rate exceeding 4 g/cm²/day is prohibited. The special toxic
substances in anti-foulings are presently under focus, and IMO (International
Maritime Organisation) are now evaluating a ban of Tributyltin-compounds. Some
countries already have restricted use of these products. Work is constantly going on
within PARCOM (Paris Commission) and The North Sea Convention to ban or
restrict certain substances.

During maintenance operations a lot of old paint will be removed from a construction.
Earlier this was dumped into the sea along with abrasives and other waste products.
This gave rise to a very contaminated sea and seabed in the vicinity of the yards.
Restrictions are already in place on this kind of waste treatment in some countries and
more are expected to come in the future. The waste must be collected and treated in
accordance with regulations from the local authorities. Usually, the concentration,
hazard classification and the R-phrases for the waste products will determine if the
waste is to be treated as hazardous or not. The acceptable levels will vary
significantly. For example, it can be mentioned that waste containing more than 1% of
a material promoting allergic reactions must be treated as hazardous waste, while the
upper limit for a material classified as a health hazard is 25 %.

15.4.3. Waste
Today, all paints are classified as hazardous waste, and should not be deposited, but
treated in special treatment plants. Paints have for years been deposited at local
landfills. In recent years restrictions from the authorities demand the owner of the
waste to ensure that there are no leaching of hazardous substances into the external

Jotun Paint School, 01 Section 15 ”Safety, Health and Environment” Page 15. 25
environment.

15.5. Life Cycle Assessment, LCA

15.5.1. Basic principles of LCA studies.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a method for evaluation and improvement of the
total environmental quality and resource efficiency of products. As a system
approach, LCA takes into consideration all the environmental aspects of a given
product or paint system. To be able to give an “overall LCA impact value“ it is
necessary to develop a system where all activities have an “environmental account”.
The challenge will be to decide whether one type of emission is worse than another,
and further to quantify and measure these against other sorts of parametres, for
example waste treatment or energy consumption. The system must therefore define a
principle, or method, of “weighing” the various impacts so as to verify if one type of
impact is worse than another. As a consequence of this there is a rapidly growing need
for an instrument, that provides information on the environmental impact caused by
product, services and other activities from cradle to port, gate, grave etc. This
challenge is taken up by several international organisations such as ISO (International
Standards Organisations) and SETAC (Society of Environmental Toxicology and
Chemistry)

Figure 15.9
Phases in a life cycle assessment

Scope Impact Assessment

Survey Resource depletion

Classification Human Health Product

Improvement
Ecology
Characterization

Weighted

Jotun is currently working on such studies and an example is given in the figure
below. Here, two types of coatings are evaluated. As seen from the figure below the
production stage of the first paint results in a higher VOC (Volatile Organic
Compound) emission compared with the other. However, both application and
maintenance give a lower VOC emission for paint number 1. The reason for this is
that more maintenance work is required through the life time of the construction for
paint 2 than for paint 1. This means that more paint must be transported, more waste
is produced and the impact of solvents is higher on both the applicator and the
environment. In general, such analysis will require an evaluation of the environment,

Jotun Paint School, 01 Section 15 ”Safety, Health and Environment” Page 15. 26
all cost involved and available technology. It is probably easier to take remedial
actions during the production stage for number 1 compared with what it takes to
protect both applicators and the environment during the service life for paint number
2. It has proven that the maintenance work will have a large effect on the overall LCA
value for a coating system. Thus, LCA studies are expected to favour corrosion
protection systems with long lifetimes.

Figure 15.10
LCA studies. Relative importance of different activities.

Waste production.
Grit not included Emission of VOC

25 25
Paint 1 Paint 1
20 Paint 2 20 Paint 2
15 15

10 10

5 5

0 0
Prod. Applic. Maint. Prod. Applic. Maint.
An LCA is divided into four different stages.

1. Goal definition and scooping

2. Inventory analysis
3. Impact assessment
4. Improvement analysis

These four stages will be described briefly below.

15.5.2. Goal definition and scooping.

In the goal definition and scooping stage the purpose of carrying out the study has to
be stated along with a definition of the functional unit and a system description.

A functional unit shall be chosen to reflect the performance of the studied systems.
The functional unit will have a key influence on the result of the study and all data
will be normalised according to the unit.

The functional unit is the measure of the performance of the system. It is the basis for
comparison between different systems fulfilling identical functions. An important
aspect from this point of view is that the functional unit has to reflect the actual use of
the products. When comparing different paint systems for ships, it will not be correct
to choose 1 m2 of paint as the functional unit. A more correct approach is to choose a
certain amount of materials (paints, solvents etc.) necessary to fulfil a certain
maintenance level over a time span.

Jotun Paint School, 01 Section 15 ”Safety, Health and Environment” Page 15. 27
15.5.3. Inventory analysis.
In the inventory stage all relevant information about energy consumption, resource
depletion, emissions and generated waste must be collected and analysed.

If data for the production of raw materials is not available, assumptions of the energy
requirements and emissions are made on the basis of general knowledge of production
of similar materials or data collected in previous projects. For the application and
maintenance phase, the necessary data are collected from Jotun personnel, general
information from literature or telephone contact with personnel and suppliers of
equipment.

LCA tools available on the market must be used to implement and analyse the
collected data.

15.5.4. Impact assessment.

Impact assessment of potential environmental effects
In the impact assessment stage, the environmental impacts of the product systems are
assessed. This is done by classification, characterisation and valuation of the impacts.

In the classification step the different emissions and energy demand are assigned to
different impact categories based on the expected type of impacts on the environment
(i.e. resource depletion and ecological impacts). The main purpose of the activity is to
describe which potential environmental effects the inputs and outputs may cause.

In the characterisation step the potential contributions from the different inputs and
outputs are connected to the different impact categories, and the contributions to the
same impact category are added up. Examples of environmental impacts that may be
assessed are resource depletion, human health, global warming, acidification,
depletion of stratospheric ozone, eutrophication, photo-oxidant formation and
ecotoxicological impacts.

The goal for all models is to set a one-dimensional value on resource use and
emissions in order to calculate the total environmental impact of a product.

Assessment of potential health impacts.

The consideration of health impacts from each product system is built on present
health classification of products. The health analysis is done in accordance with the
labelling of products and raw materials given in Safety Data Sheets. The method
seeks to give health information of product systems exceeding the information given
by the HSE classification on data sheets.

15.5.5. Improvement analysis

Quality Function Deployment is a tool for identifying information of the most

important requirements and needs of the customers, and for communication of this

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information in the process of product development. Thus, the first step of a QFD
analysis is the definition and valuation of the customer’s requirements.

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Appendix 1. R- phrases and S-phrases.

R-phrases

R1 Explosive when dry

R2 Risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or other sources of ignition
R3 Extreme risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or other sources of
ignition
R4 Forms very sensitive explosive metallic compounds
R5 Heating may cause an explosion
R7 May cause fire
R8 Contact with combustible material may cause fire
R9 Explosive when mixed with combustible material
R 10 Flammable
R 11 Highly flammable
R 14 Reacts violently with water
R 15 Contact with water liberates extremely flammable gases
R 16 Explosive when mixed with oxidising substances
R 17 Spontaneously flammable in air
R 18 In use, may form flammable/explosive vapour-air mixture
R 19 May form explosive peroxides
R20 Harmful by inhalation
R 21 Harmful in contact with skin
R 22 Harmful if swallowed
R 23 Toxic by inhalation
R 24 Toxic in contact with skin
R 25 Toxic if swallowed
R26 Very toxic by inhalation
R 27 Very toxic in contact with skin
R 28 Very toxic if swallowed
R 29 Contact with water liberates toxic gas
R 30 Can become highly flammable in use
R 31 Contact with acids liberates toxic gas
R 32 Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas
R 33 Danger of cumulative effects
R 34 Causes burns
R 35 Causes severe burns
R 36 Irritating to eyes
R 37 Irritating to respiratory system
R 38 Irritating to skin
R 39 Danger of very serious irreversible effects
R 40 Possible risks of irreversible effects
R 41 Risk of serious damage to eyes
R 42 May cause sensitisation by inhalation

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R 43 May cause sensitisation to skin
R 44 Risk of explosion if heated under confinement
R 45 May cause cancer
R 46 May cause heritable genetic damage
R 48 Danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
R 49 May cause cancer by inhalation
R 50 Very toxic to aquatic organisms
R 51 Toxic to aquatic organisms
R 52 Harmful to aquatic organisms
R 53 May cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
R 54 Toxic to flora
R 55 Toxic to fauna
R 56 Toxic to soil organisms
R 57 Toxic to bees
R 58 May cause long-term adverse effects in the environment
R 59 Dangerous for the ozone layer
R 60 May impair fertility
R 61 May cause harm to the unborn child
R 62 Possible risk of impaired fertility
R 63 Possible risk of harm to the unborn child
R 64 May cause harm to breast fed babies
R 65 Harmful: may cause lung damage if swallowed
R 14/15 Reacts violently with water, liberating extremely flammable gases
R 15/29 Contact with water liberates toxic, extremely flammable gas
R 20/21 Harmful by inhalation and in contact with skin
R 20/22 Harmful by inhalation and if swallowed
R 20/21/22 Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed
R 21/22 Harmful in contact with skin and if swallowed
R 23/24 Toxic by inhalation and in contact with skin
R 23/25 Toxic by inhalation and of swallowed
R 23/24/25 Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed
R 24/25 Toxic in contact Toxic in contact with skin and if swallowed
R 26/27 Very toxic by inhalation and in contact with skin
R 26/28 Very toxic by inhalation and if swallowed
R 26/27/28 Very toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed
R 27/28 Very toxic in contact with skin and if swallowed
R 36/27 Irritating to eyes and respiratory system
R 36/38 Irritating to eyes and skin
R 36/37/38 Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin
R 37/38 Irritating to respiratory system and skin
R 39/23 Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects through inhalation
R 39/24 Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects in contact with skin
R 39/25 Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects if swallowed
R 39/23/24 Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects through inhalation
and in contact with skin
R 39/23/25 Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects through inhalation
and if swallowed
R 39/24/25 Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects in contact with skin

Jotun Paint School, 01 Section 15 ”Safety, Health and Environment” Page 15. 31
 and if swallowed
R 39/23/24/25 Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects through inhalation
in contact with skin and if swallowed
R 39/26 Very toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects through
inhalation
R 39/27 Very toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects in contact with
skin
R 39/28 Very toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects if swallowed
R 39/26/27 Very toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects through
inhalation and in contact with skin
R 39/26/28 Very toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects through
inhalation and if swallowed
R 39/27/28 Very toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects in contact with
skin and if swallowed

R 39/26/27/28 Very toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects through

inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed
R 40/20 Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects through inhalation
R 40/21 Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects in contact with skin
R 40/22 Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects if swallowed
R40/20/21 Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects through inhalation and
in contact with skin
R 40/20/22 Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects through inhalation and
if swallowed
R 40/21/22 Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects in contact with skin and
if swallowed
R 40/20/21/22 Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects through inhalation, in
contact with skin and if swallowed
R 42/43 May cause sensitisation by inhalation and skin contact
R 48/20 Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
through inhalation
R 48/21 Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
in contact with skin
R 48/22 Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
if swallowed
R 48/20/21 Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
through inhalation and in contact with skin
R 48/20/22 Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
through inhalation and if swallowed
R 48/21/22 Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
in contact with skin and if swallowed
R 48/20/21/22 Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
through inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed
R 48/23 Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
through inhalation
R 48/24 Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure in
contact with skin

Jotun Paint School, 01 Section 15 ”Safety, Health and Environment” Page 15. 32
R 48/25 Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure if
swallowed
R 48/23/24 Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
through inhalation and in contact with skin.
R 48/23/25 Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
through inhalation and if swallowed
R 48/24/25 Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure in
contact with skin and if swallowed
R 48/23/24/25 Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
through inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed
R 50/53 Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects
in the aquatic environment
R 51/53 Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in
the aquatic environment
R 52/53 Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects
in the aquatic environment

S-phrases

S1 Keep locked up
S2 Keep out of the reach of children
S3 Keep in a cool place
S4 Keep away from living quarters
S5 Keep contents under ..... (appropriate liquid to be specified by the
manufacturer)
S6 Keep under.....(inert gas to be specified by the manufacturer)
S7 Keep container tightly closed
S8 Keep container dry
S9 Keep container in a well-ventilated place
S 12 Do not keep the container sealed
S 13 Keep away from food, drink and animal feeding stuffs
S 14 Keep away from....(incompatible materials to be indicted by the
manufacturer)
S 15 Keep away from heat
S 16 Keep away from sources of ignition - no smoking
S 17 Keep away from combustible material
S 18 Handle and open container with care
S 20 When using do not eat or drink
S 21 When using do not smoke
S 22 Do not breathe dust
S 23 Do not breathe gas/fumes/vapour/spray (appropriate wording to be
specified by the manufacturer)
S 24 Avoid contact with skin
S 25 Avoid contact with eyes
S 26 In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water
and seek medical advice
S 27 Take off immediately all contaminated clothing
S 28 After contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of......(to be

Jotun Paint School, 01 Section 15 ”Safety, Health and Environment” Page 15. 33
 specified by the manufacturer)
S 29 Do not empty into drains
S 30 Never add water to this product
S 33 Take precautionary measures against static discharges
S 35 This material and its container must be disposed of in a safe way
S 36 Wear suitable protective clothing
S 37 Wear suitable gloves
S 38 In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory
equipment
S 39 Wear eye/face protection
S 40 To clean the floor and all objects contaminated by this material,
use .....(to be specified by the manufacturer)
S 41 In case of fire and/or explosion do not breathe fumes
S 42 During fumigation/spraying wear suitable respiratory equipment
(appropriate wording to be specified by the manufacturer)
S 43 In case of fire, use ...(indicate in the space the precise type of fire-
fighting equipment. If water increases risk, add - “Never use water”)
S 45 In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice
immediately (show the label where possible)
S 46 If swallowed seek medical advice immediately and show this
container or label
S 47 Keep at temperature not exceeding ......oC (to be specified by the
manufacturer)
S 48 Keep wet with.....(appropriate material to be specified by the
manufacturer)
S 49 Keep only in the original container
S 50 Do not mix with......(to be specified by the manufacturer)
S 51 Use only in well-ventilated areas
S 52 Not recommended for interior use on large surface areas
S 53 Avoid exposure - obtain special instructions before use
S 56 Dispose of this material and its container at hazardous or special
waste collection point.
S 57 Use appropriate container to avoid environmental contamination
S 59 Refer to manufacturer/supplier for information on recovery/recycling
S 60 This material and its container must be disposed of as hazardous
waste
S 61 Avoid release to the environment. Refer to special
instructions/Safety data sheets
S 62 If swallowed, do not induce vomiting: seek medical advice
immediately and show this container or label
Combination of S-phrases
S 1/2 Keep locked up and out of the reach of children
S 3/7 Keep container tightly closed in a cool place
S 3/9/14 Keep in a cool, well-ventilated place away from ......(incompatible
materials to be indicated by the manufacturer).
S 3/9/14/49 Keep only in the original container in a cool, well-ventilated place
away from ....(incompatible materials to be indicated by the
manufacturer)

Jotun Paint School, 01 Section 15 ”Safety, Health and Environment” Page 15. 34
S 3/9/49 Keep only in the original container in a cool, well-ventilated place
S 3/14 Keep in a cool place away from .....(incompatible materials to be
indicated by the manufacturer).
S 7/8 Keep container tightly closed and dry
S 7/9 Keep container tightly closed and in a well-ventilated place
S 7/47 Keep container tightly closed and at a temperature not exceeding .....
o
C (to be specified by the manufacturer)
S 20/21 When using do not eat, drink or smoke
S 24/25 Avoid contact with skin and eyes
S 29/56 Do not empty into drains, dispose of this material and its container at
hazardous or special waste collection point
S 36/37 Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves
S 36/37/39 Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection
S 36/39 Wear suitable protective clothing and eye/face protection
S 37/39 Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection
S 47/49 Keep only in the original container at a temperature not
exceeding ....oC (to be specified by the manufacturer)

Jotun Paint School, 01 Section 15 ”Safety, Health and Environment” Page 15. 35