Keep Safe While You Paint! Here are 5 Painting Hazards to Watch Out For

Deciding to paint your house - whether you’re painting your interior or exterior - is no small undertaking. In addition to all the supplies you’re going to have to buy, you also must be sure to take the proper precautions to avoid any painting hazards.

Check out the following tips to see how you can protect yourself and your home while you start that new painting project.

Ladders

Almost every painting job will require a ladder. That’s why it’s important to know how to use one properly to better ensure your safety. Purchase a steady, quality ladder and make sure it rests on stable ground. If the ground is too slick or uneven, the ladder could slip. Also be sure to have someone to spot you from below. This person should stand by the ladder while you climb and be prepared to steady the ladder in case it gets wobbly.

Electricity and Heat

Before you begin to paint, you should always remember to cover your electrical outlets with something - preferably painter’s tape. Open electrical outlets can be dangerous because you could accidently shock yourself on it, or you could cause an electrical fire. In addition to covering electrical outlets, remember to keep flammable paint away from heat sources or open flames. 

Disposal and Storage

Here’s a hazard a lot of beginners tend to forget! Most wall paints are to some degree flammable and toxic. For this reason it’s important to remember to either properly dispose of or store paint. Allow paint to dry completely before disposing. And if you’re storing it, remember to keep it locked up and out of reach from children and pets. 

Ventilation

Unless you’re painting outside, it’s important to remember to properly vent the room you plan on painting. You can do this by ensuring your ventilation system is working, as well as by turning on fans and opening windows. 

Appropriate attire

Because paint is toxic it is important to wear the proper clothing. Painter’s overalls can keep paint from damaging your clothes. It’s also wise to invest in goggles and gloves. Lastly, it’s extremely important to wear a respiratory mask when you paint to avoid inhaling the paint fumes.

Painting can be a tricky as well as a dangerous task. Remember to look out for these hazards to ensure a safe painting environment. When in doubt, it is always a good idea to consider hiring painting professionals to get the job done. If you are interested in our quality painting services, scroll down and fill out the form below to receive a  free estimate.