Control of Paint Overspray in Autobody Repair Shops
Hazardous components of paint spray include metals such as lead and chromium, polyisocyanates, and liquid organic solvents. Autobody workers may develop nervous disorders, skin
and eye irritation, respiratory sensitization, asthma and reduced lung function from exposure
to paint.
Effective control of worker exposure to paint overspray requires the proper selection of spray
painting equipment, a properly designed and ventilated spray painting booth, and personal pro-
tective equipment. Formal training and maintenance programs will help ensure that all
equipment operates properly. Three types of control are recommended:
SPRAY PAINTING GUNS
HIGH VOLUME, LOW PRESSURE (HVLP) spray painting guns are recommended instead of
conventional gravity or siphon-feed spray painting guns because HVLP guns cut paint
overspray concentrations in half. HVLP guns transfer paint more efficiently and can reduce paint
usage.
PAINT BOOTH VENTILATION
DOWNDRAFT VENTILATION spray painting booths are recommended instead of Crossdraft
or Semi-Downdraft Ventilation spray painting booths. Properly operated DOWNDRAFT booths
produce lower concentrations of paint overspray compared to the other two types of booths.
DOWNDRAFT booths produce a cleaner paint job that requires less buffing. (See
ILLUSTRATION)
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Properly used and maintained HVLP spray painting guns and downdraft booths will greatly
reduce paint overspray concentrations, but they will not completely eliminate overspray from
the air workers breathe. Therefore, PERSONAL RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
is also recommended and a RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM that contains all
elements required by the OSHA standard (such as worker evaluation, selection of appropriate
air-purifying or supplied-air respirators, fit-testing, training, and maintenance) will be needed to
fully protect workers from this hazard.
For More Information
For a free copy of the report Control of Paint Overspray in Autobody Repair Shops, or for
information on other occupational safety and health issues, call the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health. NIOSH), at:
*NIOSH is the Federal agency responsible for conducting research and making
recommendations for preventing work-related illness and injuries. HAZARD CONTROLS are
based on research studies that show reduced worker exposure to hazardous agents or
activities.
Acknowledgments
The principal contributors to this HAZARD CONTROLS are William A. Heitbrink, Division of
Physical Sciences and Engineering, and Jerome P. Flesch, Education and Information
Division, NIOSH.
This document is in the public domain and may be freely copied or reprinted. NIOSH encourages all readers of this HAZARD CONTROLS to make it available to all interested employers and workers.
