Offshore Guide OCE3 “Painting by Spraying”
OCE3 forms part of HSE’s Offshore COSHH Essentials series and provides practical guidance on controlling exposure to hazardous substances generated during spray painting activities on offshore installations.
Spray painting can generate significant concentrations of airborne contaminants including paint mist, solvents and isocyanates. Without effective control measures, workers may be exposed to substances capable of causing occupational asthma, dermatitis, respiratory irritation and long-term health effects.
The guidance outlines good practice for planning, conducting and supervising spray painting operations in offshore environments, where confined spaces, restricted ventilation and challenging working conditions can increase exposure risks.
Topics covered include:
- Spray painting hazards
- Solvent and isocyanate exposure
- Local exhaust ventilation requirements
- Temporary ventilation systems
- Respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
- Containment and segregation
- Safe systems of work
- Maintenance and inspection
- Worker training and supervision
This resource is relevant to:
- Offshore Duty Holders
- Occupational Hygienists
- LEV Designers
- Painting Contractors
- Health & Safety Professionals
- Offshore Supervisors
- Process Safety Engineers
Source Document
View the HSE guidance here:
Source: Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Document Type: Offshore COSHH Essentials Guidance (OCE3)
Status: Current
Last reviewed by LEVCentral: June 2026
LEVCentral Expert Commentary
Although developed specifically for offshore installations, many of the principles contained within OCE3 are equally applicable to onshore spray painting operations.
Spray application processes are particularly challenging from an occupational hygiene perspective because they generate large quantities of airborne contaminants directly within the worker’s breathing zone. Depending upon the coating system used, exposures may include solvents, pigments, fillers and, in some cases, isocyanates capable of causing occupational asthma.
The offshore environment presents additional challenges. Painting activities often take place within confined or semi-confined spaces where natural ventilation is limited and airborne contaminants can accumulate rapidly. Consequently, the guidance places significant emphasis on ventilation, containment and the use of suitable respiratory protective equipment.
For LEV professionals, the document reinforces several important design principles:
- Airborne contaminants should be controlled at source wherever practicable.
- Ventilation systems must be appropriate for the work environment.
- Airflow patterns should be considered during planning and design.
- Temporary extraction systems require the same level of engineering consideration as permanent installations.
- Ventilation performance should be verified before work commences.
The guidance also highlights the importance of integrating engineering controls with wider management arrangements including permit-to-work systems, supervision, maintenance and worker competence.
While many organisations focus on personal protective equipment when undertaking spray painting operations, OCE3 reinforces the hierarchy of control by emphasising engineering controls and exposure reduction at source wherever reasonably practicable.
For offshore duty holders, the guidance remains a valuable reference for demonstrating a structured and defensible approach to controlling paint mist and solvent exposures.
Key Learning Points
Spray Painting Generates Significant Airborne Exposure
Paint spraying can produce high concentrations of airborne contaminants capable of causing both acute and chronic health effects.
Ventilation Is Critical
Effective extraction and ventilation arrangements are essential for reducing worker exposure and preventing contaminant accumulation.
Offshore Environments Present Additional Challenges
Restricted workspaces and limited natural ventilation often increase the importance of engineered controls.
Engineering Controls Should Take Priority
The guidance reinforces the hierarchy of control by promoting source control before reliance on personal protective equipment.
Further Resources
- OCE Series – Offshore COSHH Essentials
- HSG258 – Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work
- COSHH Essentials Guidance Sheets
- INDG136 – Working with Substances Hazardous to Health
- HSE Safety in Isocyanate Paint Spraying
Recommended Learning
- P602 LEV Design Principles
- P601 Thorough Examination & Testing of LEV
- M200 Basic Principles of Occupational Hygiene
- P304 COSHH Risk Assessment Fundamentals
- P604 LEV Performance Evaluation and Management
