Posted By cakey Hi, if anyone could assist with the following COSHH/RPE situation I would be most grateful. A graffiti removal gang apply a product by brush on to an affected area, allow it to react and then power wash the graffiti off. They currently use a polycarbonate full-face visor and disposable P2 valved disposable half mask respirator. (Not chosen by me I must add) I have been advised that in order to correctly select the appropriate RPE, monitoring of the atomised product should take place. The CHIP sheets only consider the product from application with the brush and not when power washing. Once this has been established a further issue is that when used in an enclosed space e.g. bus shelter or subway, the product becomes atomised and causes the full face visor to bloom creating vision problems and saturating the current RPE. Question 1: How are the airborne product levels established i.e. what method and equipment should be used? Question 2: Does the product used for the original graffiti need to be taken into consideration e.g. unknown paint or equivalent. I’m assuming so, but how can you protect against a truly unknown product? Question 3: How is the monitoring task completed safely? i.e. I’m of the opinion the operatives are inadequately protected at the moment so how can personal sampling take place when the correct RPE is yet to be selected? Question 4: Is there any RPE/PPE vision panel material available that will be resistant to blooming? Apologies for the essay but as you can see there are a few issues to consider. To reiterate any help is appreciated.

Posted By cakey There are a number of products used but the one I'm most concerned about is classified as harmful and corrosive and has the the following risk phrases: R20/21/22, R35, R36/38

Posted By cakey The composition of the product includes:- Methanoic Acid (4-7%) 2 - furylmethanol Acid (11-20%) Non hazardous alcohols and esters Surfactants Thickening agents and the PPE that is being used includes Hands - Butyl gloves Face - Full face shield Face mask (FFP2 standard) Waterproof overalls Safety footwear I realise the PPE information is a bit scant but that is the information I have inherited. Regards - Cakey

Posted By cakey Thank you for your response Paul.

Posted By Chris Packham The butyl glove is fine for these substances. You state that "waterproof overalls" are worn. What is the material? If PVC, then this is probably perfectly OK. Other types of waterproof may not offer the same level of chemical protection. Chris

Posted By CFT cakey There are other options, if you want a yap don't hesitate to contact me. Low pressure steam is not a bad option among others. Before I retired from running a support services company including the removal of graffiti through 3 LA areas, I managed to pick a few decent bits of methodology up along the way; yes, for my sins 170 employees later, it was my own company;-) Chazza

Posted By Paul Leadbetter Cakey You can make initial e-mail contact by clicking on CFT's name in red at the top of his contribution to the thread. Paul

Posted By cakey Thank you for all the comments.