OSHA Regulations for Painters?

Question

the other day while i was at work painting a bank thats under construction, OSHA decided to pay a visit. No one i was working with knew the regulations for painters. I know the constructions guys need to wear hard hats and tie themselves off if they go above a certain height. But i have never heard anything about painters. If anyone knows about this Id appreciate it.

Answer 1

It depends on what you are doing and what type of paint you are using. When you are above 6 feet and not on a ladder or surrounding by a railing of at least 42" with a midrail you have to be tied off with a harness and some variation of a lanyard of fall preventer. It may also be required to wear a hard hat if there is an overhead hazard or the contractor requires them. You have to pay attention also to the steps on the ladder as to how high you can step on it...As far as paint goes most latex paints are harmless. If you are shooting a petrol base like enamel or anything with organic vapors, in an unvented area (indoors) with no way to vent the vapors you may need to wear an air purifying cartridge respiratior which is ansi approved.

Check out www.osha.gov and type in the construction standard which is CFR 1926, to give you more information.

Answer 2

I don't know specific rules for painters. I do know that the rule you cited for construction workers apply to EVERYONE in a construction area. Even the inspector must follow the same rules. Did it occur the you to ASK the OSHA person?

Answer 3

You are supposed to wear hat and tie, to go paint?, I guess you can find a dirty one somewhere, and show up like that one day..Are you sure somone wasnt being a smart S?..
The hard hats make sense, if you are in a danderous part of construction, while lets say, you paint the framework,
or steel girders.

Answer 4

I think you need a respirator,dusk mask,and be sure the area is ventilated properly.
Go to OSHA.org