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GENERAL GUIDELINES

Section 1: Safety and Storage solvent vapors are controlled. When work must be done
These guidelines cover safety and storage of Polycoat Products’ in confined areas, solvent vapor concentrations should be
elastomeric coatings. Failure to follow these guidelines can routinely checked with OSHA approved equipment. Should
result in bodily injury or property damage. vapor concentrations approach the lower limit, increase air
ventilation and/or stop coating application until the vapor
Polycoat Products produces three basic types of coatings. These concentration is reduced to a safe level. Do not work in
are solvent based, 100% solids, and waterborne coatings. Each confined areas, even with ventilation and respirators, when
type has specific hazard potentials and storage requirements. concentrations of solvent vapors are above the lower explosive
Solvenated coatings have hazards associated with fire, solvent limit.
toxicity, and chemical toxicity. The 100% percent solids coatings
have low fire risk, but may require special care because of Open flame, welding, smoking or other ignition sources shall
chemical toxicity. Waterborne coatings have negligible risk not be allowed in a building, overhead or near a building where
of fire but moderate to very low chemical toxicity. Both the coating is being applied or has been recently applied. Proper
contractor and workers must know the precautions necessary “No Smoking” and “Fire Hazard” signs shall be placed in the
to protect against fire, explosive combustion and toxicity. The working and restricted areas.
contractor and their employees should be familiar with the All electrical equipment and outlets must be grounded. This
individual product labels, safety data sheets (SDS), technical includes switches, connectors, lights and motors. Lights must
data sheets and Guide Specifications that describe specific have a protective enclosure to prevent physical damage.
hazards, content, proper use and storage recommendations, Whenever solvent vapors are present, all electrical equipment
as well as following per federal, state, statutory, counties, must be explosion proof, complying with the National Electrical
cities and local bodies requirements. Code. It is the responsibility of the contractor to verify that
To protect against fire, explosion and chemical toxicity it is these precautions are in place.
important to provide adequate ventilation. Many coating Any equipment, such as spray guns and compressed air
applications are in open exterior areas where natural nozzles that can produce a static charge, must be grounded.
ventilation minimizes hazards.
All hand tools used in solvent vapor areas must be of non-
Applications in confined spaces and tanks pose greater danger. sparking construction. When non-compliant tools must be
Use extreme caution. Remove all ignition sources. Check used, remove equipment to an area free of sol vent vapor
atmosphere for oxygen deficiencies. Use adequate personal and/or exhaust solvent laden air thoroughly before beginning
protective equipment. Observe precautions pertaining to work.
confined space entry. Confined space “Entry Permit” may be Work clothes must be of a material such as cotton, which does
required, check with OSHA, EPA and other local regulatory not generate static charges. Beware of synthetic materials.
agencies before proceeding. When natural air movement Shoes should not have metal sole plates since these cause
is insufficient, as in a confined area, forced air ventilation is sparking.
required. Confined areas are best ventilated by equipment that
exhausts the air from near floor level, since solvent vapors are Have fire extinguishers as prescribed by NFPA, the Fire
heavier than air and tend to collect in low areas. A competent, Department, and/or OSHA within easy access of work areas
properly equipped worker must be stationed outside confined where solvenated coatings are being applied. Check with NFPA
areas while work is in progress to assist in case of emergency. and local fire regulations for proper extinguishers.
FIRE AND EXPLOSION PREVENTION Ventilation shall be provided to coated areas not only during
Flash points are listed in safety data sheets (SDS) for each application, but also for sufficient time afterward to ensure
of Polycoat’s products containing solvent. The worker and complete evaporation of solvents.
foreman must know the flash point for each material being One person must be assigned at all times with clear res-
applied. The flash point is the lowest temperature at which a ponsibility to look for and turn off any equipment that could
coating gives off sufficient solvent vapor to form an ignitable cause ignition of solvent vapors. This includes pilot lights,
mixture with air. This mixture of solvent vapor and air can switches, electric spark starters, and motors. Workers must
then be ignited by an outside source such as sparks, flame, lock switches to prevent accidental operation when solvent
lit cigarettes, etc. vapors are present.
When combustible vapor is mixed with air in certain Mixing of materials must be done in a well-ventilated area.
proportions, ignition will produce an explosion.
Fire and explosion hazards are reduced to a minimum when

POLYCOAT PRODUCTS TEL 562.802.8834 | FAX 562.921.7363 Section 1.2
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