Safety when working with antifouling

Applying or removing antifouling, primers, thinners and topcoats can generate solvent vapours, splashes, sanding dust and environmentally hazardous residues. The protective measures required always depend on the product, work method and workplace.

Before starting: Read the label, current technical data sheet and safety data sheet in full. Their hazard statements, protective measures, specified filter types, application conditions and first-aid information take precedence over general guidance.

Prepare the workplace

Support the boat securely and prevent unauthorised access to the work area.
Cover the ground and surrounding area so that sanding dust, coating residues and cleaning fluids are fully contained.
Provide adequate ventilation. Vapours must not accumulate in halls, tents or enclosed hull spaces.
Keep ignition sources, sparks, open flames and smoking away. Electrical equipment must be suitable for the working environment.
Work only where marina, boatyard and local environmental regulations permit it.

Select the correct personal protective equipment

Hand protection: Use chemical-resistant gloves as specified in the safety data sheet and replace them when damaged or when the breakthrough time is reached.
Eye and skin protection: Wear close-fitting safety goggles, suitable protective clothing and closed footwear.
Respiratory protection: The filter and mask type must match the substance, concentration and work method. An FFP2 or FFP3 particle filter does not automatically protect against organic solvent vapours. Follow the safety data sheet and seek specialist advice if unsure.
Spray application: Spraying creates high levels of aerosol and may require additional engineering controls or supplied-air respiratory protection. It must only be carried out in suitable, authorised work areas.

Remove and abrade old coatings safely

Identify the type and condition of the existing coating before sanding. Use effective dust extraction and ground sheeting to keep the work as dust-free as possible. Sanding dust and removed coating must not enter soil, drains or water. Paint removers and blasting processes require additional product-specific and occupational safety measures; large or unknown coating systems should be assessed by a competent professional.

Apply coatings safely

Open containers only immediately before use and place them where they cannot tip over.
Stir thoroughly and use only the thinner and dilution rate stated in the technical data sheet.
Observe minimum and maximum temperatures, dew point, humidity, overcoating intervals and the time before launching.
Do not eat, drink or smoke. Avoid skin contact and clean hands thoroughly after work; never use solvents to clean skin.

Spills and first aid

Prevent spilled material from entering drains or water. Secure the area and absorb small quantities with a material approved by the safety data sheet. For larger spills, fire hazards or environmental releases, contact the responsible authorities.

For contact, inhalation or ingestion, follow the first-aid section of the safety data sheet. In case of eye contact, rinse cautiously with water immediately, remove contact lenses if easy to do and seek medical advice. For severe or persistent symptoms, contact the emergency services or a poison information centre and keep the product label or safety data sheet available.

Storage and disposal

Store in the tightly closed original container as stated in the safety data sheet, protected from heat, frost and direct sunlight and out of the reach of children.
Separate incompatible materials. Never return mixed two-component material to the original container.
Dispose of liquid residues, sanding dust, contaminated sheeting and containers that are not completely empty as hazardous waste in accordance with local rules. Never release them into drains, soil or water.

Plan the complete coating system

Check the complete system before purchasing with the antifouling configurator and compatibility table. Product-specific technical and safety data sheets are linked on the relevant product pages.