Download this article as a

Working with paint thinner

I was working for a local company, learning to use industrial spray paint, and part of the job involved mixing my own paint. Someone had replaced the supply line of the thinner tank I was using with a piece of air hose. Over time the air hose weakened from reaction with the petroleum in the thinner. When I turned on the pump, the line ruptured and thinner sprayed right into my face, off my head and into my eyes. It burned my eyes and temporarily blinded me.
There was no eyewash available so I ran for the bathroom where I knew about a large sink that I could soak my head in. Each time I opened my eyes as I ran, more thinner ran into them, burning then even worse.

Thankfully everything turned out OK and nobody was hurt, except the guy who was standing in the bathroom doorway as I made my speedy entrance.

A few years later I went to work for General Electric in Mebane and was appointed to a safety committee. I always remembered my paint thinner experience, and that made me a very active participant. Over the next 12 years I was involved in accident investigations and in looking for better personal protective equipment for my fellow employees, as well as in developing better safety practices and training.

I was fortunate to chair the North Carolina Star program and helped our company receive the North Carolina Star award given by OSHA (U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration) to companies with outstanding safety records. I was lucky I wasn’t seriously injured and that I have been able to help so many others from having a similar if not worse experience.

Michael Howe
Haw River, Piedmont EMC

top