Garages - Autobody Repair

What are some general precautions to know when making repairs?

• context Make sure all motors inside the shop are turned off. If you must run the motor while inside the shop, make sure the local exhaust is attached to the muffler and that the exhaust is vented to the outside.
• context Follow the procedures shown on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) when using, handling, dispensing and storing hazardous products.
• context Use personal protective equipment (PPE). Refer to the SDS for the recommended PPE. Make sure the PPE fits properly and is not torn, ripped, or defective. Use of PPE should be done through a PPE Program, that includes the selection and care of respirators, gloves, and eye and face protection.
• context Make sure that the area where you use products is well-ventilated.
• context Wash your hands before eating, drinking, smoking, or using the bathroom.
• context Avoid skin contact with hazardous products.
• context Keep unused products in the appropriate storage areas.
• context Use safe ergonomic practices to reduce pain or injury from awkward positions, tools, repetitive manual tasks, or lifting heavy objects.
• context Keep work areas clear of clutter and equipment to avoid slips, trips and falls.
• context Do not use compressed air to remove dust from clothes or from surfaces.
• context Do not use products from unlabeled containers.
• context Do not eat, drink or smoke inside the shop.
• context Do not perform work if unauthorized persons are in the work area (e.g., customers, children, etc.).

What should I do before spray painting?

Make sure you have and wear personal protective equipment, including: Refer to SDSs and follow precautions for all products used, especially isocyanates. Refer to standards and regulations for more information.

• context approved respirator
• context coveralls
• context gloves
• context eye protection
• context Ensure fire escape doors from the paint room are accessible and clear before painting.
• context Use a high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) system. HVLP systems will reduce respiratory and skin exposure, as well as be more efficient with paint, primers, etc.
• context Use only properly grounded spray paint equipment.
• context Check the pressure gauge on the compressor periodically. Do not allow the pressure to exceed the recommended level.
• context Make sure that the ventilation systems are operational, and filters are not blocked. Downdraft ventilation spray paint booths have a lower concentration of paint overspray and a cleaner paint finish that requires less buffing.
• context Clean and replace respirator filters regularly.
• context Allow the ventilation system to run for several minutes before turning on the heat lamps.
• context Store no more than one day's supply of paint near the spray area.
• context Do not spray paint near grinding or welding operations or any source of ignition.
• context Do not paint with heat lamps on.
• context Do not use compressed air to blow debris or to clean dirt from clothes.

What are some general precautions when using respirators?

Contact the governmental department for occupational health and safety in your jurisdiction to get additional information on regulatory requirements.

• context Make sure if you need to wear a respirator, you are trained in the selection, use, and care of respiratory protection equipment.
• context Inspect respirators before use. Do not use and remove from service any respirators with damaged or cracked facepieces or straps. Throw out used dust masks and canisters.
• context Respirators offer protection only if they fit properly. Always perform a fit test before working.
• context Report any problems, especially if you find it difficult to breathe through the mask or if you notice a strange odour or taste. Breakthrough cannot be detected for isocyanates - always use an air-supplied respirator when working with isocyanates.