The regular use of proper personal protective equipment is one way to minimize the risk of injury or illness while working in a paint booth. Employees may be exposed to a variety of chemical and physical hazards. Exposure to harmful chemicals can arise from solvents or volatile organic components in paint products, isocyanates in hardeners, solvents in body filler, silica from sandblasting operations, heavy metals like lead in dusts from sanding, and metal fumes from welding and cutting.

Physical injuries can occur while lifting, pulling, from cutting tools, tripping on hoses, slipping on oil and grease or other debris while on walking surfaces.

One of the best sources of information on hazards and proper personal protective is the supplier MSDS, or the labels on product containers.

Working in the spray booth can be particularly hazardous because of exposure to chemicals when the paint is vaporized. Therefore, at a minimum, workers should protect themselves from 'head to toe' with the following protective equipment:

1. Complete fit tested, air supplied respirator system with full-face shield, full protective body 'shoot' suit, gloves, safety boots covered with 'booties', eye protection, and hearing protection as required.

2. Perform a 'user-seal' check before each time a respirator is used (negative and positive pressure test).

3. Inspect respirator before each use to make sure it is clean and fully operational, and make sure it is cleaned, sanitized, and stored according to manufacturer's instructions.

4. Each shop employee who regularly uses a respirator in hazardous conditions should be medically fit, have regular medical assessment, be fit tested and trained in the use of the respiratory equipment.

The following information available from the Canadian Centre of Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) in Hamilton, Ontario will provide additional information on the use of personal protective equipment in collision repair facilities.

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/garages/autobody_repair.html

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA) provides more information on personal protective equipment in a poster and pamphlet called 'The Top Ten Steps…to a safer more profitable shop". It is available directly from the AIA, http://www.aiacanada.com/downloads/topten.pdf or through your paint supplier or jobber.

3M Canada - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Assessment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Collision Repair Facilities

Personal protective equipment (PPE) protects you from hazards. Everyone must wear PPE when required by provincial regulations or your employer. PPE refers to safety glasses, goggles or face shields, masks, respirators, hearing protection, steel-toed boots and non-slip footware, solvent resistant gloves, aprons, hard hats or bump caps, coveralls or any other special clothing.

WHAT CAN YOU DO

Before Use

* Make sure you know how to use your personal protective equipment correctly - if you are not sure, ask your supervisor.

* Make certain that the PPE used is specified correctly for the task.

* Wear hearing protection such as ear plugs or muffs when using air tools.

* Wear eye protection such as safety glasses, goggles or face shields when using air tools, grinders, wire brushes, or when using flammable or corrosive materials.

* Wear acid-proof gloves and apron when dealing with batteries, especially older ones, which are more likely to leak

* Wear steel-toed slip-resistant shoes when in the shop.

* Make sure that your mask or respirator is the proper one for the job you are doing and in good condition. Wear full face mask with fresh air supply when spraying paint.

After Use

* All defective personal protective equipment must be reported immediately.

* Keep the personal protective equipment you use clean, well maintained and stored safely.

Did you Know?

* Employers are responsible for identifying the hazards in the workplace, putting up signs where personal protective equipment is to be worn and making sure employees always use the equipment.

* Employers must make sure that the employees are trained in how to use the right equipment, materials and personal protective equipment for the job.

* Employers are responsible for making sure all personal protective equipment is in good working condition.

Courtesy of AIA Canada