As used in this section, a confined space means a room, a portion of a room or an enclosure having no means of natural ventilation other than one entrance opening and which room, portion of a room or enclosure is of such dimensions that a painter is required to work inside such room, portion of a room or enclosure. Such confined space may be a tank, an elevator car, a compartment, a closet, the upper area of a high ceiling room or a similarly enclosed space.

The painting of confined spaces, including the use of coating materials, paint removers, stains, solvents and abrasives, shall be so performed as to prevent the dissemination of such harmful materials into the air where persons are located in quantities tending to injure the health of such persons.

Persons engaged in paint spraying operations and persons in such close proximity to such operations that they are exposed to the spray mists shall be provided with and shall use approved respirators. Operators of paint spraying equipment shall be provided with and shall use protective oil, grease or cream on the exposed parts of their bodies. Where such work is performed in tanks, vats and similar enclosed vessels, protection in addition to the required respirators shall be provided by means of mechanical exhaust ventilation.

Persons engaged in brush painting with other than water-mixed paints in confined spaces shall be provided with approved respirators. Where brush work is performed in tanks, vats and similar enclosed vessels, protection in addition to the required respirators shall be provided by means of mechanical ventilation.

Where coating removal is being performed with any volatile solvent in a confined space, protection in addition to approved respirators shall be provided by means of mechanical ventilation.

An approved respirator shall be provided for, and shall be worn by, any person operating a sanding machine unless the sandpaper is wetted with oil or water or the sanding machine is provided with a dust collector.