Disclaimer: This article contains information highlighting the potential risks associated with the use of toxic substances. Readers are urged to follow safety guidelines and consult professionals, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions.

When undertaking activities such as spray painting, there is a risk of being exposed to potentially dangerous chemicals like fumes in the air.

This was the case for a man who recently passed away while working in a car shed due to toxic fumes from solvents he was using to paint.

The 54-year-old Tasmanian man worked on a vehicle in February of 2022.

As he returned to his house after spray painting a rear section of the car, he experienced difficulty breathing.

A Tasmanian man died when he inhaled toxic fumes. Credit: Shutterstock

His wife and paramedics performed CPR but to no avail. The recent report published by coroner Robert Webster shed more light on his untimely death.

He had a lung condition, and while cleaning the rear section of a vehicle he was restoring in his shed, he inhaled xylene, a common component used in paint.

According to Safework NSW, xylene, also known as dimethyl benzene, is a ‘colourless, sweet-smelling liquid or gas that is widely used as a solvent’.

Short-term exposure to it results in eye, skin, and lung irritation. In high concentrations, xylene exposure is also noted to cause fatal respiratory failure.

The coroner’s report also found that not only was the man’s shed not adequately ventilated, but he'd also failed to wear any personal protective equipment.

The man did spray painting and panel beating work for friends and family but didn’t wear any protective equipment—even though his son had purchased him a spray painter suit and mask—and his wife had urged him to use it.

Webster said that the man should have been wearing equipment as stated on the warnings on the paint tins and advice from his wife.

Webster strongly advised to follow advice on ventilation and equipment requirements when spray painting or panel beating.

The Model Code of Practice Spray Painting and Powder Coating provides guidelines for persons conducting spray painting business, which are required by law to prevent health problems.

In a similar story, a social media personality shared that while scented candles can create a cosy and fragrant atmosphere in our homes, it may lead to potential dangers if used indoors. Read more about the story here.

Key Takeaways

• A coroner has highlighted the need for proper ventilation and protective equipment following the death of a man who inhaled toxic fumes while spray painting.
• The 54-year-old Tasmanian man who worked without wearing a mask breathed in xylene, a common component of solvents used in paint, which exacerbated his existing lung disease.
• Coroner Robert Webster noted that the man's shed was not properly ventilated, and he should have been wearing personal protective equipment.
• The coroner strongly recommended that those who spray paint and do panel beating work follow advice about ventilation and equipment requirements for their safety.

Members, always wear protective gear, practice safety precautions, and make sure to consult your GP if you are allowed to perform such activities.

What are your safety precautions when doing this kind of activity? Share them with us in the comments below!

 

[Jest]

Disclaimer: This article contains information highlighting the potential risks associated with the use of toxic substances. Readers are urged to follow safety guidelines and consult professionals, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions.

When undertaking activities such as spray painting, there is a risk of being exposed to potentially dangerous chemicals like fumes in the air.

This was the case for a man who recently passed away while working in a car shed due to toxic fumes from solvents he was using to paint.

The 54-year-old Tasmanian man worked on a vehicle in February of 2022.

As he returned to his house after spray painting a rear section of the car, he experienced difficulty breathing.

View attachment 35875

A Tasmanian man died when he inhaled toxic fumes. Credit: Shutterstock

His wife and paramedics performed CPR but to no avail. The recent report published by coroner Robert Webster shed more light on his untimely death.

He had a lung condition, and while cleaning the rear section of a vehicle he was restoring in his shed, he inhaled xylene, a common component used in paint.

According to Safework NSW, xylene, also known as dimethyl benzene, is a ‘colourless, sweet-smelling liquid or gas that is widely used as a solvent’.

Short-term exposure to it results in eye, skin, and lung irritation. In high concentrations, xylene exposure is also noted to cause fatal respiratory failure.

The coroner’s report also found that not only was the man’s shed not adequately ventilated, but he'd also failed to wear any personal protective equipment.

The man did spray painting and panel beating work for friends and family but didn’t wear any protective equipment—even though his son had purchased him a spray painter suit and mask—and his wife had urged him to use it.

Webster said that the man should have been wearing equipment as stated on the warnings on the paint tins and advice from his wife.

Webster strongly advised to follow advice on ventilation and equipment requirements when spray painting or panel beating.

The Model Code of Practice Spray Painting and Powder Coating provides guidelines for persons conducting spray painting business, which are required by law to prevent health problems.

In a similar story, a social media personality shared that while scented candles can create a cosy and fragrant atmosphere in our homes, it may lead to potential dangers if used indoors. Read more about the story here.

Key Takeaways

• A coroner has highlighted the need for proper ventilation and protective equipment following the death of a man who inhaled toxic fumes while spray painting.
• The 54-year-old Tasmanian man who worked without wearing a mask breathed in xylene, a common component of solvents used in paint, which exacerbated his existing lung disease.
• Coroner Robert Webster noted that the man's shed was not properly ventilated, and he should have been wearing personal protective equipment.
• The coroner strongly recommended that those who spray paint and do panel beating work follow advice about ventilation and equipment requirements for their safety.

Members, always wear protective gear, practice safety precautions, and make sure to consult your GP if you are allowed to perform such activities.

What are your safety precautions when doing this kind of activity? Share them with us in the comments below!

sad, but honestly how stupid do you have to be. i have a lung problem and no way would i engage in this.

 

[kerrikennel]

sad, but honestly how stupid do you have to be. i have a lung problem and no way would i engage in this.

And to think he had the safety equipment he needed too.

 

[magpie1]

sad story....should have worn the safety gear that had been brought for him and perhaps opened up the garage door for proper ventilation, condolences to his family. RIP.

 

[Gsr]

With all the warnings on paint products about safety I wonder why he didn’t take any precautions, especially since his son bought him the safety gear. If he did this often he should have known better. Very sad for his family, his death was preventable, he chose to take the risk even knowing the dangers. Probably thought “she’ll be right, nothing will happen to me”. Hopefully other people will learn from this tragedy.