Builders, firm partner on painters’ safety, artisans’ training

THE Nigerian Institute of Building ( NIOB), Lagos State branch plans to partner with Pintar Services Limited ( PSL), a paint manufacturing firm, to ensure safety in the use of paints and training of artisans in the building industry.

The Chairman of the branch, Mr. Lucky Isename, made this known during a meeting between management of Pintar and executives of NIOB in Lagos. Isename, who spoke through a member of the branch, Mr. Olusesan Phillips, said the forum is to ensure quality paints are produced, fashion out ways to educate public and artisans on best ways to use paints and prevent exposure to dangerous chemicals.

Isename said: “We want to educate the public on the need for a safe, habitable and cost effective shelter and we cannot do it alone. Many people are falling into the hands of quacks and as a professional body, we are poised to enlighten the public on what they need to do. We have heard stories of workers that got suffocated due to exposure to chemicals from paints.

Research has shown that inability to effectively manage exposure to paint fumes can lead to irregular heart rhythms, lung irritation, headaches, tremors, vision problems and confusion.

The NIOB chairman said, through the partnership, the institute would be able to limit negative stories and achieve laudable objectives for the building industry, particularly enlightening the people on the use of materials.

“We are going to have a training programme for artisans, especially painters to educate them on the best way to use paints, colour variation and aspect of safety, which is critical and for stakeholders to have value for money,” he said.

On the recently released 349 lists of distressed buildings by the Lagos State Building Control Agency ( LASBCA), he stressed the need for building surveys before rehabilitation or repairs, adding that a registered builder should be engaged.

The Head, Sales and Marketing for PSL, Mr. Dominic Oladeji, said the firm prioritises safety of products as sole representative of international leading brands that offer a range of decorative paints, industrial paints, waterproofing products, epoxy products and other coatings.

Oladeji said the partnership would mitigate exposure to dangerous chemicals and produce what the industry really needs.

He said: “Our company is known to spearhead interior and exterior finishes business, with many highend projects that reflect the high quality of its products and services. The wide range of our paints and coatings can suit any budget, without any compromise on quality, professionalism and excellent customer service. We have computerised paint producing machines that are capable of producing over 12,000 different colours of paint in any required quantity within short notice.”