Guidelines set for spraypainting

Press, 4 June 1982, Page 8

Guidelines set for spraypainting

PA Auckland The Health Department has set guidelines for spraypainting ships after a seaman developed a type of leukaemia from paint thinners 18 months ago. The secretary of the Seamen’s Union in Auckland, Mr David Clarke, said the man, who had been painting the inside of the vessel Bulkness, had contracted a type of leukaemia. His doctor had attributed it to the paint thinners used.

“We became concerned about new paint mixtures and thinners being used, and instigated the work on a set of guidelines,” Mr Clarke said.

The Health Department drew the guidelines with help from the union, the Maritime Employers’ Association, New Zealand Railways, and the Labour and Transport departments. The guidelines suggest that all workers be trained and warned of the dangers of the work, such as the effects of chemical on the skin and the need for adequate ventilation in enclosed spaces, and that skin contact with thinners be avoided.

Five spraypainters were overcome by paint fumes in January, when they were working in the fish-holding tanks of the freighter Fetu Moana at Captain Cook wharf.