CURRENT CLASS TOPICS
OSHA
COLORMATCH RESPIRATORY SAFETY PROGRAM
GUN CLEANER SAFETY SIGN
CCAR-GREENLINK
SPRAY BOOTH FILTERS (EPA)
BASIC BODY SHOP SAFETY
COLORMATCH promotes safety in all areas of our own operations and in the collision industry as a whole. The following information and links are provided as a resource for obtaining the correct information and procedures required for the safe and legal operation of your business.
In addition, COLORMATCH conducts safety seminars and workshops for the purpose of supplying details and tools to handle specific requirements and situations, as well as to provide pertinent regulatory updates.
CURRENT CLASS TOPICS
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Common OHSA violations; how to prepare for an inspection and receive a good report
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New EPA rulings on spray gun efficiency, paint booth efficiency, and painter certification
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We provide on-going fit test certification for body shops. For more information, see the COLORMATCH Respiratory Safety Program below.
If you would like to obtain more information or arrange for a seminar, please contact your local COLORMATCH store, sales rep, or email us at solutions@colormatch.com
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OHSA
Click on the above link to the main OSHA website for federal safety information and regulations.
Want to know what the most common (and most expensive) OSHA violations are? OSHA Common Offenses
Check out the COLORMATCH Respiratory Safety Program below or click on the following link for specific OSHA regulatory information regarding Fit Testing: OSHA Fit Testing Procedures
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COLORMATCH RESPIRATORY SAFETY PROGRAM
OSHA requires annual fit testing for respiratory equipment, as well as a medical evaluation for individuals wearing respirators. COLORMATCH can assist by providing Fit Testing. The federally mandatory Fit Testing Procedures are regulated by OSHA 29 CFR 1910-134. Read the following information and refer to the links at the end of this section for additional details.
Training
Training is required prior to the initial use of respiration equipment and annually thereafter. Additional training is required as follows:
- if changes in the workplace or the respirator make previous training obsolete
- if inadequacies in the employee's knowledge or respirator use indicate additional training is needed
- if any other situation arises in which retraining appears necessary to ensure safe respirator use.
Testing
Fit testing for tight fitting face piece respirators is also required prior to initial use and at least annually thereafter, and whenever a different size, style, or brand of respirator is to be used. Additional fitting is required based on information from employees, program administrators, or medical service providers.
Medical Evaluation
A medical evaluation is required initially, prior to fit testing, and whenever an employee reports medical signs or symptoms that are related to the ability to use a respirator. A mandatory OSHA Evaluation Questionnaire must be completed and an evaluation must be made by a physician.
A convenient on-line medical evaluation can be conducted through the following private agency for a cost of $35.00. The evaluation includes a questionnaire, evaluation by a physician, and certification (if qualified), or referral (if not qualified).
Gulf Coast Training & Testing
800-872-6404
www.respiratorexam.com
Presenting a valid medical evaluation prior to being fit tested is the responsibility of the individual being tested.
Fit Test General Requirements
When a Fit Test is performed, a review is made of the respirator choice, position, strap tension, and fit. Comfort is assessed by the position of the mask on the nose; if there is room for eye protection and room to talk; and by the position of the mask on the face/cheeks.
Protocols Used at COLORMATCH
We use the 3M platform for testing, which is a QLFT (qualitative) test, conducted under a hood, with odor type exercises.
Test Exercises
Fit Test Exercises are conducted during the following circumstances: normal breathing, deep breathing, turning head side-to-side, moving head up and down, talking (reading), grimacing, and bending over.
Summary
Here are the steps for conducting your COLORMATCH Fit Test:
1. Complete your medical evaluation.
2. Make arrangements for a COLORMATCH fit test.
3. Bring your respirator and your medical certification to the test site.
4. Take the Respirator Fit Test.
5. Receive 3M Respirator Fit Test Certification
New masks can be purchased at COLORMATCH and Fit Testing can be conducted at a convenient COLORMATCH location or at a customer's site. Contact your local store, sales rep, or email us at solutions@colormatch.com for more information, or to arrange for testing.
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GUN CLEANER SAFETY SIGN
Click on the following link to view product information for DuPont Nason Acrylic Lacquer Thinner 481-16TM
DuPont Nason Acrylic Lacquer Thinner 481-16TM
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CCAR - GREENLINK®
Click on the CCAR link to view compliance assistance for the automotive repair professional. The site has information on environmental and safety issues, federal and state regulations, and best practices. Be sure to visit the Virtual Shops - Mixing Room, Service Repair Shop, Spray Booth, and Open Bay Area.
http://www.ccar-greenlink.org/
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SPRAY BOOTH FILTERS (EPA)
Click on the following link to view and download an EPA brochure regarding spray booth filters.
Spray Booth Filters
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BASIC BODY SHOP SAFETY
Safety should be the #1 concern in body shops. Observing specific precautions will prevent problems/injuries and yield big dividends. Click on the photo for a list of basic safety precautions for body shops to follow.
Remember that safety and regulatory compliance benefit you and your customers!