Paint fumes

ALO

Well-Known Member
Joined
10 January 2011
Messages
213
Visit site
Hi all, I have my horses on a DIY yard, that is very much DIY the YO doesn't get involved much at all. My stables back onto a big barn which untill now has been used for storage. However, recently it was cleared out and is now being used by someone (who I assume is renting it) to spray cars.
I am very concerned about the fumes that my horses are going to inhale, despite there being a wall between the barn and my stables I could still strongly smell paint. When I questioned the man who was doing the spraying he said it was minimal and it was fine. I am going to raise my concerns with the YO tomorrow. Does anyone have any experience with something like this or know where I stand. Am I right to be worried?thanks
 
Does he have an extraction system? (If he's spraying cars, he really should have for his own benefit). If so, I assume it will vent on the opposite side of the building to where it joins yours. Apparently, extraction systems filter out the paint particles so it would be the solvent that went to atmosphere preferably from a point away from people. Solvent based paints smell really strong and even a small amount can linger for ages.

If, however, there's no extraction, it would be the actual paint particles that were in the air. Either way, it's not good stuff to inhale. It might be worth talking to YO to find out specifics of the situation.

Hope that's some help.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for your help. It's literally a barn with a small door at one end and completely open at the other. There is no system at all in place that I can see. I'm just concerned that the YO will think it's not a problem. I've been at that yard for years but I'm not prepared to risk my horses health. It's a bit of a nightmare tbh.
 
You are right to be concerned, friends of mine had a similar set up and the ponies did become unwell, it did long term damage to both and although they were moved they never fully recovered, they did not know it was going on for some time otherwise they would have moved sooner.
 
If he is spraying what we in the trade call "two pack" then be afraid ,be very afraid. The stuff is really nasty . When I use it I wear full face ventilated mask pressure fed with clean air by a compressor. I cover my skin to avoid contact with spray drift and the clothes I wear get changed so that I dont carry the fumes to other people. I would not dreem of spraying close to people or animals .
 
He's told me he's just doing wheels?i don't know enough about it but think I need to find out exactly what he's using and speak to the manufacturers about their reccomendations. Thanks for your replies.
 
By law any sprayer needs to have an extractor says my DH.
Even water based paints will give fumes off. 'Just' doing wheels is still using paints & laquers.
The guy needs a booth & extractor, end of.

Best you get onto your YO and find out, otherwise report to council for premises being used which contravene regs.
 
Top