Paints & Solvents Checklist

These tailgate/toolbox talks were developed for use under California OSHA regulations. The complete set is available from the Labor Occupational Health Program at UC Berkeley. For ordering information, visit the website (www.lohp.org) The American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has adapted these talks to apply to federal OSHA regulations. To contact ACGIH, visit its web site (www.acgih.org).

Date Prepared:_________________________	By:_______________________
Project Name/No.______________________	Location:__________________

• Check the box if the statement is true.
  
  
• Fill in the blanks where the appears.

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION

• The company has a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) that meets all Cal/OSHA requirements. It includes identification of hazards from paints or solvents on the site, regular inspections, accident investigation, and correction of hazardous conditions. [1509]
  
• Air monitoring has been done in work areas where exposure to vapors may exceed Cal/OSHA permissible exposure limits (PELs) for specific toxic substances. [5155(e)]
  
• Workers have been informed of the results of air monitoring performed on themselves, in their work area, and/or for their trade. [3204(e)(2)(A)]
  
• If air monitoring found any exposure exceeding the PEL, engineering, administrative, and work practice changes are used to reduce exposure where possible. Personal protective equipment is used only if other measures are insufficient. [1528, 5141(a), and 5155(e)(2)]

HAZARD COMMUNICATION AND TRAINING

• The company has a written Hazard Communication Program. [5194]
  
• All workers have received basic Hazard Communication training.
  [5194]
  
• Everyone potentially exposed to paints or solvents has received specific training in health effects, safe use, minimizing exposure, personal protective equipment, proper disposal, and emergency procedures. [1510 and 5194]
  
• All product containers are properly labeled. [5194(b)(1) and 5417(a)]
  
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are available on the site for all
  paint and solvent products used. [5194]
  
• Workers know where to find MSDSs and how to understand them. [5194]
  
• Personnel working in adjoining areas of the job site, including subcontractors, are aware of the work and the hazards. [1509]

WORK PRACTICES

• No sources of ignition are present where flammable paints or solvents are in use or drying. [1534(b) and 1935(a)]
  
• Ventilation is sufficient to prevent dangerous concentrations of flammable vapors and dangerous exposure to toxic fumes and vapors. [1531 and 5416(a)]
  
• Work practices are used which minimize exposure to paints and solvents. [5141(b)]
  
• If paints or solvents are used in confined spaces, there is a written confined space program and all procedures are followed. [5156-5159]
  
• Workers dispensing flammable liquids use proper grounding and bonding procedures. [1934(b)]

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

• If necessary, personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided by the company and worn by workers. The types used are appropriate for the work and give adequate protection. [1514]
  
• Ventilation is adequate to reduce worker vapor exposure to a level below the Cal/OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL). If not, appropriate respiratory protection is worn. [1531(a)]

Are respirators required when working with paints or solvents on this site? Yes____ No____ Type of respirator:______________________________________ Available at:___________________________________________

• Respirators are properly stored and maintained. [1531(d)]
  
• The proper types of respirators and cartridges for the work are used. [1531(b)]
• Respirators, cartridges, and replacement parts have been approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). [1531(b)]
  
• Workers who wear respirators have been medically evaluated, fit-tested, and trained. [1531(c) and (h)]
  
• If respirators are used on the site, the company has a written Respiratory Protection Program. [1531(f)]
  
• Impermeable gloves of the correct type are worn to prevent skin contact with paints and solvents, except where gloves might become caught in moving parts or machinery. [1520] (To determine the appropriate glove for the substance, consult the MSDS for the product, or contact the glove supplier or manufacturer.)
  
• Full protective clothing (coveralls, etc.) is used to minimize skin contact where necessary. [1522]
  
• Workers use chemical goggles (or equivalent eye and face protection) where there is risk of splashing or spraying into eyes. Eye and face protection meets the requirements of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z 87.1 1979, American National Standard Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection. [1516]

STORAGE AND TRANSPORT

• Paints and solvents are stored in approved containers and areas. [1930]
  
• Containers are kept closed when not in use. [1935(a)]
  
• Only closed containers are used for transport or storage. [5417(e)]
  
• Incompatible chemical products (which may cause a hazardous reaction if they come in contact) are not stored together. [1549(g) and 1931(b)]
  
• Smoking is prohibited in flammable liquid storage areas. [5543(c)]
  
• Flammable liquids are not stored near sources of ignition (sparks, electricity, flames, or hot objects). [1534(b) and 5543(c)]
  
• Where more than 25 gallons of flammable liquids are present in small containers, they are kept in a storage cabinet approved by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). [1930(a)(4)]
  
• Indoor storage areas for flammable liquids are ventilated and have one clear aisle, at least three feet wide. [1931(e) and (f)]
  
• Flammable liquids stored outdoors are at least 50 feet from the property line and 10 feet from any public way. [1932(a)]
  
• Outdoor storage areas are graded to divert possible spills away from buildings. [1932(b)]
  
• No flammable liquids are carried with explosives in vehicle cargo space. [1564(j)]

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT

• Fire extinguishers of the proper type are readily available wherever flammable liquids are stored, transported, or used. [1922(a) and 1933]

Types and locations of fire extinguishers on this site: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

• Emergency showers and eye wash stations are available on the site. [1512(f)]

CLEANUP AND DISPOSAL

• Appropriate cleanup materials are available for leaks or spills. [1935(b) and 5192]
  
• Leftover products and waste are properly stored, labeled, and disposed of according to the instructions on the product’s MSDS. [1930 and 5192]
  
• Workers do not use solvents to clean hands or clothes. [5155 and 5194]
  
• Flammable liquids are not used to wash floors, walls, ceilings, structural members, furniture, equipment, machines, or machine parts unless ventilation is provided. [5417(b) and (d)]
  
• Flammable liquids are not sprayed for cleaning purposes, unless used (1) in a ventilated spray booth, or (2) outdoors in an open shed with no ignition source within 25 feet. [5417(c)]

GENERAL INSPECTION
Other Hazards Noted	Action
Near Miss Reports:
Other: