Proper respiratory protection when painting – How to protect your health

Spray painting produces harmful vapours and spray mist that can cause serious respiratory diseases. The right respiratory protection is therefore essential to avoid long-term health damage. In this article, you will learn which respiratory protection measures are required, which protective devices are suitable and how to properly maintain the filters.

Why is respiratory protection important when painting?

When painting, harmful concentrations of solvent vapours or spray mist can occur. Isocyanates are particularly dangerous, as even the smallest amounts can cause toxic respiratory diseases such as asthma. According to DGUV Regulation 100-500, such exposure occurs in particular in the following situations:

• overhead spraying or spraying against the air flow
• rebound of spray mist
• working in closed or poorly ventilated rooms

Suitable breathing apparatus

Depending on the duration of work and the concentration of the pollutant, different breathing apparatus is used:

1. compressed airline breathing apparatus

These are particularly suitable for longer periods of work with high pollutant levels, as they continuously supply clean breathing air.

2. breathing apparatus with combination filter

Respiratory protection devices with combination filters are suitable for short periods of work with lower concentrations. These consist of a gas and particle filter and must be changed regularly.

3. half masks with combination filter (DIN EN 140 + EN 14387)

For work with small amounts of paint (<0.5 kg per shift) or for short periods (<1 hour) in a spray booth, half masks with A2P2 combination filters can be worn. These provide protection against paint aerosols and solvents.

4. filtering half masks (FFA2P2 according to DIN EN 149)

These gas and particle filter masks are designed for single-use protection and must be disposed of after each shift.

Filter change and maintenance

To ensure that respiratory protection remains effective, the filters must be replaced regularly:

• Combination filters (A2P2): Change at least weekly if spraying is carried out regularly.
• Filtering half masks (FFA2P2): Replace after each work shift with a new mask.
• Compressed air systems: Regular maintenance and testing for proper function.

Conclusion

Effective respiratory protection guards against hazardous vapours and prevents long-term damage to the respiratory system. Depending on the area of application, different protective measures are required. Those who regularly work with painting should invest in high-quality respiratory protection equipment and replace filters regularly.

➡ You can find suitable respiratory protection products here