If you use products that are coated with aerated solid powders, then you need to be sure you are in compliance with OSHA Standard 1910.107, which governs spray finishing using flammable and combustible materials. This standard discusses the spraying area, including the spray booth utilized, the venting, the parts uses, access doors, maintenance, cleaning, and signage, among other things. OSHA very clearly states exactly what is and is not acceptable leaving very little gray area for you to work with.

A spray booth requires a system for minimizing dust or residues entering exhaust ducts and permitting the recovery of overspray finishing materials. This can be most easily accomplished with a water washing system. In lieu of a water washing system, you must have either: distribution of baffle plates to promote an even flow of air through the booth or cause the deposit of overspray before it enters the exhaust duct, overspray dry filters to minimize dusts, overspray dry filters to minimize dusts or residues entering exhaust ducts, overspray dry filter rolls designed to minimize dusts or residues entering exhaust ducts, or, where dry powders are being sprayed, powder collection systems so arranged in the exhaust to capture oversprayed materials. Further, the ventilation system you use must meet similarly regulated specifications, including all requirements of NFPA 91-1961 and OSHA 1926.57.

The most common issue with this Standard, however, relates to proper signage. Required signs include: no smoking signs, safe distance signs, and other applicable warning signs, based upon your spray finishing operation. If you have not recently, it is a good idea to ensure that you have adequate signage, and that signs you have placed have not been inadvertently removed.

This has been a very high level overview of the Spray Finishing requirements set forth by OSHA. If you have not recently audited your operation, or have any questions about whether or not you are in compliance, please contact us and we can answer your questions or schedule an audit. If you have anything to add to the conversation, please leave a comment.