Exposure and protective measures during the application of antifouling paints

摘要

Information on exposure and protective measures during the application of antifoulants was gathered by interviews and dockyard inspections. The different tasks and exposure parameters were determined and best practise examples were identified. Mixing and loading of airless spray-guns with large amounts of antifouling paint was associated with high exposure of hands, feet and fronts of legs. Predominant exposure factors were the diligence of the user and the general working conditions. The spraying direction in relation to the workers and the tightness of the working space were important factors for the amount and the patterns of aerosol-deposition onto the sprayers' bodies. Contact with contaminated surfaces during the spraying process resulted in considerable exposure of both hands and body. Personal protective equipment was generally worn according to the instructions if frequent controls by a supervisor were to be expected.