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Coatings, Safety

HaRD hats, Masks, and SafETy Gear: What's required for commercial painting?

In commercial spaces like shopping centers, Walmarts, Targets, and distribution centers, safety is essential for contractors and clients alike. Clients often wonder: What are the specific safety measures taken by professional painting contractors?

At RJB Contracting, where we specialize in painting large retail and distribution facilities, safety measures are tailored to the unique demands of each environment. From understanding OSHA guidelines on hard hats to when respirators and eye protection are recommended, here’s an overview of our commitment to safety and compliance.

Hard Hats: When They’re Needed

In commercial painting, hard hats aren’t always necessary. Falling objects are not a common hazard in most of our painting projects since our work typically takes place in spaces without heavy overhead construction. However, RJB Contracting strictly follows OSHA’s head protection guidelines and requires hard hats wherever there is any overhead risk, like in active construction zones or areas where other trades are present.

OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.135 mandates hard hats in areas where there’s a potential for head injury from falling objects. At RJB Contracting, we conduct a job hazard analysis (JHA) to evaluate each project site and ensure we’re fully compliant with these standards. We always err on the side of caution if there’s any potential for risk.

Respirators and Eye Protection: OSHA Guidelines for Spraying Paint

OSHA does not require respirators in outdoor painting environments, but recommends them when spraying paint to minimize exposure to fumes and airborne particles. According to OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.134, respirators must be provided when any exposure exceeds OSHA’s permissible exposure limits (PELs), even outdoors.

For our team, this means:

Spraying Paint: Respirators and eye protection are recommended as preventive measures and are required if exposure to fumes surpasses PELs.

Rolling Paint: Respirators and eye protection aren’t necessary per OSHA standards, as the exposure risk from rolling applications is much lower.

Other Recommended Safety Gear for Painting

Apart from hard hats and respirators, OSHA recommends other safety gear based on specific needs. RJB Contracting equips our team with gear that meets or exceeds OSHA standards, which includes:

Gloves and Protective Clothing: To protect against skin irritation from chemicals and paint, gloves and coveralls are recommended.

Slip-Resistant Footwear: OSHA recommends slip-resistant footwear to prevent falls, especially on slick surfaces common in painting projects.

Prioritizing Safety with Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

At RJB Contracting, safety starts with careful planning. Every project begins with a job hazard analysis (JHA) to identify any potential risks and determine the appropriate safety equipment for each specific environment. This includes selecting appropriate gear for outdoor spray painting, confined spaces, and any other unique conditions.

Safety First at RJB Contracting

Commercial painting safety is about much more than wearing hard hats. At RJB Contracting, our adherence to OSHA regulations on respirators, eye protection, and other safety equipment ensures that each project meets high safety standards while remaining flexible to each site’s unique needs. By staying compliant with OSHA standards, we provide our clients peace of mind knowing that our team’s safety is safeguarded at every step.

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