BCF Guidance on the Safe Use of Antifouling Coatings
Ref: HS 027 October 2012
1. Introduction
a) What products contain antifouling actives/biocides?
The product label and manufacturer’s safety datasheet should be consulted as to whether the product is an antifouling coating.
These coatings are those used to keep fouling and marine growth off ships, boats and marine structures by the use of ‘active ingredients’.
b) Who is this guidance for?
The guidance is aimed at applicators and mangers of applicators who are applying antifouling coatings in dry docks, installations and on site principally by spray-application. It applies to the coating of ships, marine vessels and other substrates/structures that due to their size generally have to be coated outside of spray booths or spray areas. Much of the guidance applies equally to all spray-applied coatings.
This guidance does not cover amateur or DIY use.
c) What does it cover?
Health effects of antifouling coatings (section 2) Routes of exposure (section 3) What are antifouling coatings (section 4) Controls that should be taken when applying antifouling coatings (section 5) Precautions in handling and use of antifouling-containing materials (section 5) Guidelines on housekeeping and spillages (section 6) Training of personnel (section 7) Control monitoring (section 8)
NOTE: This is a best practice document and is no substitute for the shipyard carrying out its own risk assessment. It does not supersede the material safety datasheet.
2. Health Effects of Antifouling Coatings
Spraying of paints containing antifouling active ingredients (biocides) may be a major source of exposure. Spray mists contain air-borne particles that can be inhaled which can be hazardous due to the biocides (active ingredients) that give the paint its antifouling properties. The hazards will vary from one antifouling to another and the manufacturer’s safety data sheet and product labels should be read before the use of these coatings.
Antifouling coatings can be mild skin irritants and in rare cases may cause dermatitis and/or skin sensitisation.
a) What are the hazards of antifouling paints