Paint Mixing Best Practices Checklist

OK	Needs Work	N/A	Element	Implementation Notes
KEEP ALL CONTAINERS SHUT
Reduces evaporative losses of coatings and solvents Reduces painter inhalation exposures Decreases the fire hazard Reduces shop vapor emissions
Number of open containers observed:			None 1 to 3 4 to 7 8 or more
Organic vapor analyzer reading:____________________________________________
			Keep all containers shut when not in use
			Use gasket-sealed, spring-loaded covers (or equivalent) on solvent storage and waste drums¹

¹Required element of the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Air Management Regulation V.

OK	Needs Work	N/A	Element	Implementation Notes
INSTALL ADEQUATE VENTILATION
Reduces painter inhalation exposures to coating and solvent vapors (e.g., isocyanates) Decreases fire hazard
Ventilation type(s): Prefab mixing room Local exhaust General/mechanical None Comments:______________________________________________________________________
			Employ an adequate amount of ventilation in the paint mixing room
			Install local exhaust vents near sources of emissions (e.g., mixing bench, gun cleaner)
			Locate sources of emissions in the same general area to maximize ventilation effectiveness
			Design system to draw vapors away from workers
			Ensure electrical equipment (e.g., switches, ventilation fans, lights, telephones) is approved for Class I, Division 1 (explosive) environments

OK	Needs Work	N/A	Element	Implementation Notes
USE COMPUTER MIXING SYSTEM AND REUSE LEFT OVER COATINGS WHEN POSSIBLE
Computer mixing systems allow for greater flexibility in determining amount of coating needed (allowing for smaller amounts to be mixed at a time) Computer mixing systems provide an easy means to label excess coating for later use Minimizes coating costs Minimizes coating wastes and waste disposal costs
Mixing system:			Computer Microfiche Other:_____________________________________
			Use a computerized mixing system
			Mix only the amount of coating needed for the job
			Store and reuse remaining primers and base coats for later use

OK	Needs Work	N/A	Element	Implementation Notes
USE PROPER RESPIRATORY PROTECTION¹
Reduces employee inhalation exposures to solvent vapors
Type of respirator used:			½ mask APR Full facepiece APR None Other:______________________________________
Type of cartridge used:			Organic vapor w/ prefilter Other:_____________________________
			Consistently use half-mask APR w/organic vapor cartridge or better when working in the paint mixing room (See guidance on respiratory protection programs and a list of respirator manufacturers and suppliers in the Health and Safety section of your kit.)

¹Required element of OSHA where contaminant levels exceed the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL).

OK	Needs Work	N/A	Element	Implementation Notes
WEAR CHEMICAL PROTECTIVE GLOVES AND EYEWEAR¹
Reduces employee skin exposure to solvents
Type of gloves worn:			Nitrile Butyl rubber PVA Latex* None Other:_________________________________________
How often are gloves changed?			After each task Several times per day, but not after each task Once or twice per day Other:_______________________________
Protective eyewear used?			Yes No
			Consistently wear appropriate gloves when working with paints and solvents (check with glove manufacturer for suggested glove types - see a list of protective glove manufacturers and suppliers in the Health and Safety section of your kit)
			Use gloves that are in good condition and free of tears or punctures
			Wear proper eye protection

*Latex gloves do not provide protection against most solvents used in auto refinishing shops.

¹Required element of OSHA's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standard (29 CFR 1910.132).