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Paint Removal from masonry, brick, stone and wood in the UK

We specialise in the careful non-abrasive removal of paint from wood, masonry, brick and stone.

We take extra care to protect the substrate and all our methods of paint removal are non-invasive. We only use environmentally safe methods.

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Top stone
Paint removal is a systematic process on managing paint in industrial structures and is therefore applicable for paint removal from buildings or structures at construction sites.

1.
Test for presence of paint to remove
Laboratory testing of samples of paint or field tests should be done prior to any paint removal commencing. Laboratory tests will give the percentage of paint by weight. Such testing should always be carried by qualified industrial hygienists. It is also important to recognize that there are limitations on the accuracy of such tests.

2.
Determine what should be done with the paint
When paint is confirmed on a structure, an agreed Safe Work Procedure must be implemented to remove it. A number of strategies may be considered to address the problem. For example, if the paint is to be removed from wood, alternative strategies for painting may have to be considered. This may involve overcoating, some localized repair or the total removal of the paint coating.

Sometimes the structure may be demolished and replaced. Whatever strategy is taken, make sure that the condition of the paint coating (for example whether or not it is flaking) is thoroughly assessed and taken into consideration when designing the agreed safe work procedures for paint removal.
3.
Assess the risk of any emissions in paint removal from stone
The potential for exposure to dust or paint chips or flakes should be taken into consideration when preparing to control these emissions. Potential health impacts on nearby workers in the site as well as the public and the surrounding environment also need to be considered.
4.
Develop emission controls to prevent dust and debris escaping from the paint removal areas
The agreed safe work methods used in removal or demolition will determine how elaborate the containment system should be. For example, power tools need to be kept to an absolute minimum. However, if power tools need to be used (therefore generating a large percentage of hazardous dust), a higher level of containment must be used as opposed to when manual methods such as scraping is used.

Containment criteria for different paint removal methods are given in Appendix E where types of containment material, joints and entryways and ventilation measures are included.
5.
Choose the most suitable method of paint removal from wood
A number of factors need to be considered in making this choice. First, make sure that the contractor being considered has appropriate experience and training in paint removal. Ask all potential contractors for an Agreed Work Methods Statement and check if details are given on appropriate safety measures in doing the job.
6.
Removing paint on soft structures
Monitoring must be done to check that the controls put in place protect workers on site, the public and the environment. All monitoring must be done by a qualified occupational/environmental hygienist and may include air, soil and water sampling.

7.
Protective measures for workers are critical when removing paint from brick or stone
All workers involved in paint removal must be protected as per the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission's National Code of Practice for the Control and Safe Use at Work.

Other workers on site must be protected from exposure to dust or debris that may escape to their work environment. In addition to the containment and emission controls, a series of other measures may be needed: air monitoring, good hygiene practices and housekeeping (for example, separate showers and change facilities for the paint removal workers and no smoking or eating in nearby areas), protective clothing to prevent debris being carried out of site and restricted areas.

In addition,paint removal work can be organised so that it is done at hours when exposure to others is minimised. Under the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000, information on lead hazards and training on safe work practices must be given to all workers on site. If needed, blood lead tests should be made available to workers.

8.
Procedures for managing paint removal from masonry
All waste and debris collection procedures must be clearly stated in the Agreed Safe Work Methods Statement and must suit the removal method. Proper storage and disposal must be included in it. The contractor or site management must make arrangements to comply with environmental protection laws and hazardous waste disposal requirements (contact the Environmental Protection Authority for further information). Contingency plans for any spills or excess exposures must also be included.
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