Ship Repair ť Surface Preparation

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Figure 1: Surface Prepartion hazards

Surface preparation involves the removal of old paint, oil, scale, or rust before painting or coating application. Methods include:

Toxic Cleaning Solvents (e.g., mineral spirits, diesel fuel, degreasers)
Chemical Removers (e.g., paint stripper, methylene chloride)
Mechanical Removers (e.g., abrasive blasting, needle gunning and grinding)
Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Surface preparation may range from a simple wipe down to a total stripping of coating.

After the spaces or surfaces are evaluated and the cleaning process is complete, the shipyard must determine what personnel, equipment, and materials are required for the surface preparation and conduct a hazard assessment for PPE. [29 CFR 1915.152(b)]

Review the Confined or Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres before proceeding with this section.