Accent DLX1238 Aerosol Paint Can Safety User Guide

: June 3, 2024
: Accent

Table of Contents

DLX1238 Aerosol Paint Can Safety
Introduction
Aerosol Paint Cans and storage
Aerosol Paint Cans and heat
Aerosol Paint Cans and impact
Aerosol Paint Cans contain flammable materials
Aerosol Paint Cans contain materials under pressure
Aerosol Paint Cans and corrosion
How to dispose of used Aerosol Paint Cans
What to do with a corroded Aerosol Paint Can
What to do if the Aerosol Paint Can blocks and fails to spray
Aerosol Paint and Volatile Substance Abuse
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

AUSTRALIAN MAD FOR AUSTRALIAN HOMES

Aerosol Paint Can Safety at home and work

DLX1238 Aerosol Paint Can Safety

KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN
AEROSOL SPRAY PAINT PRODUCTS ARE DANGEROUS
IF USED OR STORED IMPROPERLY
ALWAYS READ THE SAFETY DATA SHEET PRIOR TO USE

DISCLAIMER: Any advice, recommendation, information, assistance or service provided by any of the divisions of Mitre 10 Australia Pty Ltd or its related entities in relation to goods manufactured by it or their use and application is given in good faith and is believed by Mitre 10 to be appropriate and reliable. However, any advice, recommendation, information, assistance or service provided by Mitre 10 is provided without liability or responsibility. Our products can be expected to perform as indicated so long as applications and application procedures of the individual products are followed as recommended on the product labels and appropriate Product Data Sheet. Accent is manufactured in Australia for Mitre 10 Australia Pty Ltd and Home Timber & Hardware Group Pty Ltd. 19 Corporate Drive, Heatherton, VIC 3202
www.mitre10.com.au www.homehardware.com.au
®Accent is a registered trade mark of Mitre 10 Australia Pty Ltd, ABN 98009713704.
AEROSOL PAINT CAN SAFETY AT HOME AND WORK / EDITION 1 / JULY 2021

Introduction

This document has been written to provide information on the safe use, storage and disposal of Aerosol paint cans in the home and at work.

Aerosol paint products have been used in the home and by consumers for over 60 years. As with most consumer products, if aerosol paint cans are used and stored in accordance with label instructions, they are safe and offer many benefits.
Accent ® , in line with the aerosol industry, supports efforts to draw the public’s attention to the safe use and storage of Aerosol paint can products. On pack (label) consumer safety advice is part of the industry-supported Australian (Aerosol) Standard, AS2278.
The safety record of aerosol paint cans is excellent because of the great care the industry takes in their design, production and testing.
Manuf acturers are required by law to test all aerosol paint cans at elevated temperatures and under extreme pressures, during production, to ensure they can withstand some unexpected conditions.
By law, Aerosol paint can product labels must guide consumers in the safe use and storage of aerosol paint cans. As with all products, it is important to follow label instructions.
As ar esult, there are very few aerosol paint can accidents and these are rarely serious. Serious accidents are usually caused by someone deliberately disregarding label instructions or misusing products, e.g. throwing a can on a fire, exposing the can to excessive heat, using flammable products near ignition sources, impact damaging a can.
All A ccent ® aerosol paints contain gases and liquids that may be flammable if placed on a fire or near a heat source. Aerosol paint cans also contain contents under pressure. This pressure in the can increases rapidly with heat and may cause the can to burst. It is important to remember NEVER to leave an aerosol paint can inside a car or other enclosed vehicle. Vehicle interiors can rapidly heat up even on cloudy days. At all times aerosol paint cans must be protected from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight – even on cold days.

Aerosol Paint Cans and storage

Aerosol paint cans are made from tin plated steel which will corrode if the surface coating is damaged or exposed to moisture and/or corrosive substances.

Aerosol paint cans MUST be stored in a cool, dry place away from corrosive chemicals.
Moist conditions are common in garages, external sheds, laundries, bathrooms or kitchen areas where water and condensation are present. Avoid moist conditions when storing aerosol paint cans.
Corrosive chemicals are often stored in the same locations. Aerosol paint cans must be stored well away from corrosive chemicals (e.g. pool chemicals, drain cleaners, bleach, toilet and bathroom cleaners, all types of kitchen and laundry detergents, floor cleaning compounds, acidic and alkali materials, etc).
NEVER store aerosol paint cans in areas where welding, or other hot work is being conducted.
NEVER store aerosol paint cans in direct sunlight.

Aerosol Paint Cans and heat

Aerosol paint cans MUST be protected from heat. Aerosol paint cans must not be left outdoors in the sun, on windowsills, or near barbeques or other exposed conditions.
Never keep aerosol paint cans inside cars – not even in the boot – because temperatures can rise quickly even on cool, cloudy days to levels that exceed the can design limits. Aerosol paint cans have been known to explode when left in cars.
Aerosol paint cans must not be left, or used, near barbecues, cooktops, heaters, ovens, pilot lights, welding equipment, grinding equipment, incandescent lighting, other sparking equipment or tools etc.) which might expose them to high temperatures or sources of ignition.
Aerosol paint cans must not be pierced or burnt, even when empty. This is because there is always some pressure, and possibly some product, left in the can.
NEVER put aerosol paint cans into a fire, even when seemingly empty, because they will explode and may cause serious injury.
Do not use aerosol paint cans on or near naked flames, fire or sources of ignition (like candles, embers, pilot lights, incandescent light bulb, sparking electrical motors and equipment etc).
Do not place an aerosol paint can in hot water to increase the internal pressure in order to enhance the spray. Aerosol paint cans have been known to explode when placed in hot water.
Do not smoke when using an aerosol paint can or immediately afterwards. Ensure that ALL gas and solvent vapours have left the area before smoking.
Aerosol paint cans MUST NOT be allowed to freeze in cold weather.

Aerosol Paint Cans and impact

NEVER strike or drop an aerosol paint can against a hard surface or object. Not even if the can appears to be empty (ESPECIALLY do not strike the can to start the mixing ball moving no matter what the instruction on the can may indicate).
All aerosol spray paints (except clear coatings) suffer from settling of pigments to the bottom of the can in storage. When this pigment is not properly mixed, blockages of valves are likely to occur. That is why shaking the cans is required – to mix in this pigment.
If you are unable to cause the mixing ball, inside the aerosol paint can, to start rattling within 30 seconds of shaking, return the can to the place of purchase for a replacement or refund. (DO NOT strike the can to start the mixing ball moving).
NEVER compress an aerosol paint can by stamping on it, placing it in a vice, driving a car over it, etc.
Aerosol paint cans are made with two mechanical seams at the top, and one at the bottom of the can. There is also a welded seam on the side of the can. All of these seams can be distorted or broken if subject to impact or high force e.g. dropping onto a hard surface.
Damaged aerosol paint can seams are at risk of unexpected failure and may cause injury or property damage.
ALWAYS take more care when handling a distorted or damaged aerosol paint can.
NEVER drop an aerosol paint can on a hard surface. If this occurs, inspect the can for any damage or distortion of the seams prior to continuing use. If damaged carefully expel the contents and dispose of the empty aerosol paint can into either the waste bin or recycle bin.

Aerosol Paint Cans contain flammable materials

All Accent ® aerosol spray paints contain flammable gas propellant.
Most Accent ® aerosol spray paints also contain flammable solvents.
ALWAYS use aerosol paint cans in a well ventilated area with good airflow.
NEVER smoke during or after aerosol paint can use when flammable vapours may be present.
NEVER use aerosol paint cans near or around sources of ignition which might expose them to high temperatures or sources of ignition. (e.g. heater, oven, cooktop, barbeque, pilot light, welding equipment, grinding equipment, incandescent lighting, other sparking equipment or tools etc).
The propellant gases used in Accent ® aerosol spray paints are odourless, and heavier than air. They settle into low points and hollows in poorly ventilated buildings and rooms, and can build sufficient concentrations in these situations to form a flammable mixture, that on exposure to a flame, spark or high heat will ignite.
These gases can also travel to points well away from the original area of use. Ensure that there is no ignition source anywhere near the flow of gas, and solvent, exiting from the aerosol paint cans. Ensure that all flammable gas and solvent has dissipated prior to using any source of ignition.
When using Accent ® aerosol paint cans in a confined area, (e.g. inside a house or room, inside a cupboard or under a sink etc.) use in short two or three second bursts only. Open windows and doors prior to spraying to ensure good ventilation.

Aerosol Paint Cans contain materials under pressure

All Accent ® aerosol spray paint is supplied in pressurised cans.
ALWAYS wear safety glasses when using aerosol paint cans to reduce potential to spray paint in your eyes.
Aerosol paint cans increase in pressure with a rise in temperature.
ALWAYS keep aerosol paint cans cool and away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.
NEVER pierce or crush an aerosol paint can even when it appears empty. It is a feature of the gas used in aerosol spray paints that it maintains a constant high pressure in the can. An empty can retains the same pressure as a full can, so exhibits the same danger if mistreated.

Aerosol Paint Cans and corrosion

Aerosol Paint Cans MUST be protected from corrosive environments.
You must never keep Aerosol Paint Cans in areas where they can be exposed to condensation, rain, standing water or corrosive chemicals.
Aerosol Paint Cans will show visible signs of corrosion – rust – generally along the seams and inside the top cupped sections of the can.
Any corrosion (rust) on an Aerosol Spray Paint can MUST be treated as a serious condition and care taken when using or expelling the contents and when disposing.

How to dispose of used Aerosol Paint Cans

Accent ® aerosol spray paint cans are suitable for steel recycling – WHEN EMPTY.
Most Councils accept aerosol paint cans in their kerbside collection schemes and at waste disposal sites. In fact, around 90% of Australians are able to recycle their empty post-consumer aerosol paint cans.
To find out if your Council accepts aerosol paint cans, visit www.recyclingnearyou.com.au, call your Council, or call the Recycling Hotline 1300 733 712. If they don’t accept aerosol paint cans, encourage them to do so!
Place your EMPTY aerosol paint cans straight into your recycling bin, along with other aluminium or steel household waste.
DO NOT pierce, squash or separate them. It helps, but is not essential, if you remove any large plastic parts that come off easily, like the lid.
To dispose of any full or part-full aerosol paint cans, contact your local council as many offer Household Hazardous Waste Collections throughout the year.
To dispose of nearly empty aerosol paint cans, spray unwanted paint onto newspaper, allow to dry and dispose of remaining contents/container in accordance with local, regional, national and international regulations. For further recycling information go to http://aerosol.com.au/about-aerosols/aerosol-recycling/

What to do with a corroded Aerosol Paint Can

You must take EXTREME CARE in handling and disposing of any aerosol can you find that is corroded on the outside.
When handling or disposing of a corroded (rusted) aerosol can you must wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
PPE for handling such cans includes Safety Goggles or a full Face Shield (not just Safety Glasses), strong leather gloves (preferably gauntlet style) over chemical resistant nitrile rubber gloves, and a Leather apron or similar to protect your body.
NEVER point the top or the base of a corroded (rusted) can at yourself or another person.
Corroded (rusted) cans MUST always be FULLY EMPTIED before disposing of them to the waste or recycling streams.
Remember it is NOT ACCEPTABLE to dispose of a dangerous product into the recycling stream that may present a danger to a worker in a sorting or recycling facility.

To empty a corroded Aerosol Paint Can:

NEVER SHAKE a rusted can.
The steps taken to vent the gas from a can will depend on the nature of the Aerosol Spray Paint that you are disposing.
All Aerosol Spray Paints (except clear coatings) suffer from settling of pigments to the bottom of the can, in storage. It is when this pigment is not properly mixed that blockages of valves occurs. That is why shaking of the cans is required – to mix in this pigment.
When an aerosol paint can is corroded (rusted), the strength of the can in the rusted areas is unpredictable, and the simple shaking action could cause it to fail explosively.
Rusted aerosol paint cans must be treated with extreme caution.

For Aerosol Paint Cans that spray in the UPRIGHT POSITION please follow these steps:

Put on required PPE (as described above).
GENTLY pick up the corroded aerosol paint can and take it to an outside location in a well ventilated position away from any sources of ignition.
NEVER point the top or the base of a corroded (rusted) aerosol paint can at yourself or others.
Without shaking, SLOWLY rotate it to an inverted position (upside down) with the valve pointing to the ground.
Point the spray nozzle away from yourself and stand in an upwind position from the expected venting gas.
Hold the aerosol paint can firmly in one hand and with the other hand press open the valve.
Gas should start to escape. Hold the nozzle open as long as you are able. If your hand on the nozzle becomes tired, take a break before continuing. If you need to put the aerosol paint can down at this time, do so in smooth and gentle movements.
During the venting the aerosol paint can may become cold and condensation may form on the can. This is normal.
Continue venting until the gas flow ceases. (This could take up to 10 minutes depending on how full the aerosol paint can was to start with).
Once the gas flow ceases turn the aerosol paint can upright and use a gentle swirling action to very lightly agitate the remaining contents. DO NOT SHAKE the can. Use this gentle swirling action for 30-60 seconds.
With the aerosol paint can in the upright position expel the remaining contents onto newspaper.
When empty, dispose of the aerosol paint can in the recycle bin. (See section 8. Recycling of Aerosol Paint Cans above).
Allow the expelled paint to dry on the newspaper and then dispose of in the waste bin.

For Aerosol Paint Cans that spray in the UPSIDE DOWN POSITION please follow these steps:

Put on required PPE (as described above).
GENTLY pick up the corroded can and take it to an outside location in a well ventilated position away from any sources of ignition.
NEVER point the top or the base of a corroded (rusted) can at yourself or another person.
Keeping the can in the upright position, point the spray nozzle away from yourself and stand in an upwind position from the expected venting gas.
Hold the can firmly in one hand and with the other press open the valve.
Gas should start to escape. Hold the nozzle open as long as you are able. If your hand on the nozzle becomes tired, take a break before continuing. If you need to put the can down at this time do so in smooth gentle movements.
During venting the aerosol paint can may become cold and condensation may form on the can. This is normal.
Continue venting until the gas flow ceases. (This could take up to 10 minutes depending on how full the can was to start with).
Once the gas flow ceases, use a gentle swirling action to very lightly agitate the remaining contents. DO NOT SHAKE the can. Use this gentle swirling action for 30-60 seconds.
Turn the aerosol paint can upside down and expel remaining contents onto newspaper.
When empty, dispose of the aerosol paint can in the recycle bin. (See Section 8. Recycling of Aerosol Paint Cans above).
Allow the expelled paint to dry on the newspaper and then dispose of in the waste bin.
NB: If an aerosol paint can is rusted or corroded, it may explode on impact. Wear safety glasses and chemical resistant gloves, and carefully spray out the entire contents, taking precautions to ensure that the can is not dropped or knocked against anything during this process. If the can blocks, or fails to empty completely, contact your local council for advice.
• Check www.recyclingnearyou.com.au for information on local council disposal.
• ONLY EMPTY cans can be placed into the recycle stream.

What to do if the Aerosol Paint Can blocks and fails to spray

These comments apply only to aerosol paint cans.

If an aerosol paint can blocks, it will be in one of two locations on the exit of the paint from
the can, either:
a. In the nozzle (actuator) that you press, or,
b. In the valve that sits at the top part of the can.
NEVER remove the nozzle and attempt to push anything down into the valve system.
There is no accessible area in the valve system that can be cleared from the outside.

If attempting to clear a blockage always do so whilst wearing safety glasses and chemical resistant gloves and perform the procedure in an open, well ventilated area.

Nozzle blockages can be cleared by removal of the nozzle and soaking for an hour or more in enamel thinners 1.

GENTLY remove the nozzle by twisting it as you pull it away from the can.
Place enough Enamel Thinners in a small glass jar to cover the nozzle.
Allow the nozzle to soak for 30 minutes then gently shake the glass jar to move the Enamel
Thinners around and through the nozzle.
Repeat the above step.
Remove the nozzle and dry before replacing it on the valve.
GENTLY replace the nozzle by twisting it as you push it back on the can. NB. The nozzle only needs to be secure on the can. It will locate and clip into place the first time that you depress the nozzle.

Valve blockages on male valves (those with a small plastic tube protruding from the top of the can) can sometimes be cleared, but care must be taken not to exert excessive force on the system that breaks the valve or the can.

Put on appropriate PPE.
Place a piece of absorbent waste fabric or paper on a hard surface.
Gently, and in a twisting motion, remove the nozzle from the valve.
Gently turn the can upside down.
Place the valve tube onto the fabric and GENTLY push down on the fabric to activate the valve.
Do this repeatedly (up to 10 times). If paint starts to flow or clear gas emerges, then the valve is cleared.
If the valve clears carefully replace the nozzle with a twisting motion.
Shake the can well before attempting to spray out the contents.
If the valve fails to clear dispose of the can as per directions in section 8 How to dispose of used Aerosol Paint Cans.

1. When using Enamel Thinners or any other solvent for cleaning purposes make sure to read ALL of the SDS safety information and follow directions for use on the Enamel Thinners container label.

Aerosol Paint and Volatile Substance Abuse

Volatile Substance Abuse (VSA), also called ‘sniffing’, ‘huffing’, ‘bagging’ or ‘chroming’, is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS and can kill instantly. There are more than 200 types of household, medical and industrial products in Australia that contain potentially intoxicating volatile substances.
The health impacts of abuse of any of these products can be serious or fatal².
Advice on solvent abuse is available on sites such as:
www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/health-risks/volatile-substance/reviews /background-information
Lifeline www.lifeline.org.au Phone 24/7 13 11 14
Kidsline www.kidshelpline.com.au Phone 24/7 1800 55 1800
Australian Drug Information Network www.adin.com.au/help-support- services

2. VSA info from www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/health-risks/volatile- substance/reviews/background-information
AEROSOL PAINT CAN SAFETY AT HOME AND WORK / EDITION 1 / JULY 2021