A breath of compressed air — spray coating made safe

For clients in auto body, furniture finishing and metalworking, the use of spray coating equipment makes the potential for disaster very real. Here’s what you need to know

By Anita Tomins
 
Keeping fire out of the shop.
 
The skilled technicians who make that fender-bendered bumper look good as new or transform wood and iron into functional works of art shouldn’t have to worry about their personal safety at work. But for your clients in auto body, furniture finishing, and metalworking, the use of spray coating equipment with ignitable liquids makes the potential for disaster very real.  

That’s because the application guns used in such processes mix compressed air with potent compounds like adhesives, solvent-based paint, lacquers, thinners, varnish, stains, or resins. If these liquids generate a lethal concentration of volatile vapours — formally identified as falling in a measurable range between upper flammable (UFL) and lower flammable limits (LFL) — even the flick of a faulty light switch could be enough to set off an explosion.
 
Larry Young, Senior Technical Consultant of Risk Services at Economical Insurance, says that while safety is definitely part of the rigorous training that thermal spray professionals undertake, brokers can still help them to implement valuable best practices. “Even top-notch operations don’t always have the time or resources to thoroughly identify all hazards,” he says. “Taking advantage of your insurer’s professional risk-control services (usually included with coverage) could mean the difference between a devastating loss and business as usual.”
 
From the building’s construction and layout, to the people inside them, there are many areas of a spray-coating operation that must meet government and industry safety codes. Ventilation is obviously a huge consideration, so exhaust systems, fans, motors, and filters have to be the proper size and type and listed for this specific use by Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC). Ventilation should be installed in a way that maximizes efficiency and minimizes risk, and be programmed to automatically come on whenever the spray coating system does.
 
The booth itself needs to be well maintained and free of any source of ignition. For example, unless specifically listed for use in ignitable atmospheres, electrical equipment such as radios, clocks, or portable heating devices (and their switches) are kept outside of the room, with lighting encased in sealed glass. Welding or cutting activities should never take place within 15 meters (50 feet) of spraying, and cigarette smokers should, well, let’s not even go there!
 
Of course, the storage and transfer of dangerous chemicals comes with its own set of strict guidelines. And building materials used throughout the facility are another important factor (think non-combustible, i.e., steel vs. wood, concrete instead of laminate). The existence of a well maintained, quality fire suppression system is another essential box to check off.
 
Last, but most certainly not least, the people creating those magical transformations must be equally protected — fully certified, safety obsessed, and outfitted with specialized Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). “In our industry, we see too many high-challenge fires in spray coating shops across Canada,” says Young. “To help keep these facilities and the individuals working and doing business in them safe, it’s worth taking the time to understand their needs and help keep worst-case scenarios out of the shop.”
 

Keep up with the latest news and events

Join our mailing list, it’s free!