LONDON - The British Coatings Federation (BCF), in association with the Painting and Decorating Association and the Scottish Decorator's Federation, has launched a new initiative, PaintSafe, which aims to promote the safe use of paint and related products and provide best practices for decorators and other applicators during preparation, application and drying. Working in collaboration with the major paint manufacturers in the UK, the first phase of the campaign focuses on decorative paints, and was launched Nov. 28 and 29 at the 2017 National Painting and Decorating Show. A second phase to promote safe use of industrial paints will be launched late in 2018.

Part of the campaign includes a leaflet that outlines do and do not points to follow while painting, and specific guidelines with regards to lead exposure and preparation. The leaflet is available for download at www.paintsafe.org.uk and will be available via trade outlets across the UK in the first quarter of 2018.

BCF's Chief Executive Tom Bowtell commented, "Whilst we know most decorators are aware of best practice, it never hurts to be reminded of the best and safest ways to work with paints and coatings particularly when sanding and spraying, or dealing with period houses that may have been previously painted with lead-based paints in the pre-1960s period."