OSHA

800-321-6742

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NIOSH

800-356-4674

More Resources and Free Guides

Best Shop Practices
Three sets of documents focus on the key components of beneficial change in small auto refinish shops. Compiled from real-life shop experiences, the documents serve as worker protection and pollution prevention goals for the small shop.

• DfE Auto Refinishing Best Practices Outreach Kit [Web Only]
  September 2003
  Developed for site visits and train-the-trainer workshops, this kit serves as an excellent resource for autobody and refinish shops. The Kit contains best practices checklists for each auto refinish activity, fact sheets, case studies, health and safety information, lists of manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, and other useful information for shop owners and technicians.
  
  
• Autobody Refinishing General Best Shop Practices: Safe Work Practices that Reduce Worker Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals [Web Only]
  EPA-744-R-98-008 * (9 pp) * September 1998
  PDF version of Autobody Refinishing General Best Shop Practices (24 KB)
  This document focuses on the key components of beneficial change in small auto refinish shops. Compiled from real-life shop experiences, the documents serve as worker protection and pollution prevention goals for the small shop.
  
  
• Best Practices for the Paint Mixing Room [Web Only]
  (EPA/744-F-00-003)
  June 2000, 2 pages
  PDF version of Best Practices for the Paint Mixing Room (204 KB)
  Para la versi�n de Español, vea Mejores Practicas en el Cuarto de Mezclar Pintura [PDF] (187 KB)
  (EPA/744-F-00-003A)
  junio 2000 (revisado noviembre 2001), 2 paginas
  
  
• Best Practices for Auto Refinishers When Spray Painting [Web Only]
  (EPA/744-F-00-002)
  June 2000, 1 page
  PDF version of Best Practices for Auto Refinishers When Spray Painting (291 KB)
  Para la versi�n de Español, vea Mejores Practicas para Retocadores de Automoviles Usando Pistolas de Rocio [PDF] (182 KB)
  (EPA/744-F-00-002A)
  junio 2000 (revisado noviembre 2001), 1 pagina
  
  
• Breathing Easy [Draft] [PDF] (222 KB) [Web Only]
  (EPA/744-F-02-008)
  May 2002, 4 pages
  This fact sheet provides practical information and guidance to auto refinish shops on how to ensure proper ventilation of the paint mixing room. The information includes ventilation system basics and diagrams, risk reduction ideas, common mistakes, tips, and design considerations.
  
  
• HVLP Spray Guns Best Practices Checklist [Web Only]
  (EPA 744-F-03-012)
  PDF version of HVLP Spray Guns Best Practices Checklist
  
  
• Paint Mixing Best Practices Checklist [Web Only]
  (EPA 744-F-03-008)
  PDF version of Paint Mixing Best Practices Checklist
  
  
• Sanding Best Practices Checklist [Web Only]
  (EPA 744-F-03-006)
  PDF version of Sanding Best Practices Checklist
  
  
• Solvent Wipe Down Best Practices Checklist [Web Only]
  (EPA 744-F-03-007)
  PDF version of Solvent Wipe Down Best Practices Checklist
  
  
• Spray Gun Cleaning Best Practices Checklist [Web Only]
  (EPA 744-F-03-010)
  PDF version of Spray Gun Cleaning Best Practices Checklist
  
  
• Spray Painting Best Practices Checklist [Web Only]
  (EPA 744-F-03-009)
  PDF version of Spray Painting Best Practices Checklist

High-Volume, Low-Pressure Spray Guns
These fact sheets provide practical information and advice to guide shops from conventional to best practices.

• HVLP Spray Guns: Cost-effective, Environment-friendly Technology [Web Only]
  (EPA/744-F-00-004)
  June 2000, 1 page
  PDF version of HVLP Spray Guns: Cost-effective, Environment-friendly Technology (37 KB)
  Para la versi�n de Español, vea Pistolas de Rocio de HVLP: Tecnologia de Costo-efectivo y Buena para el Ambiente [PDF] (169 KB)
  (EPA/744-F-00-004A)
  junio 2000 (revisado noviembre 2001), 2 paginas
  
  
• HVLP Spray Guns in the Auto Refinishing Shop: A Success Story [Web Only]
  (EPA/744-F-00-014)
  July 2000, 4 pages
  PDF version of HVLP Spray Guns in the Auto Refinishing Shop: A Success Story (100 KB)

Supplied Air Respirators
These fact sheets provides practical information and advice to guide shops from conventional to best practices.

• Respiratory Protection Program for Auto Refinish Shops [PDF] (351 KB) [Web Only]
  (EPA/744-F-02-010)
  November 2002, 42 pages
  The purpose of this document is to assist auto body shops in developing a respiratory protection program that protects the health of their employees and meets the requirements of OSHA's Respiratory Protection standard. Checklists and blank spaces allow shops to customize their program for specific hazards and appropriate respiratory protection.
  
  
• Supplied-Air Respirators in Auto Refinishing Shops: Get the Best Protection [Web Only]
  (EPA/744-F-00-007)
  June 2000, 2 pages
  PDF version of Supplied-Air Respirators in Auto Refinishing Shops: Get the Best Protection (984 KB)
  
  
• User Friendly Supplied-Air Respirators: Options for Auto Refinishers [Web Only]
  (EPA/744-F-00-006)
  June 2000, 2 pages
  PDF version of User Friendly Supplied-Air Respirators: Options for Auto Refinishers (421 KB)

• Health and Safety Management Best Practices Checklist [Web Only]
  (EPA 744-F-03-011)
  PDF version of Health and Safety Management Best Practices Checklist
  
  
• Managing Worker Health and Safety: An Auto Refinish Success Story [PDF] (1.6 MB) [Web Only]
  (EPA/744-F-00-017)
  April 2001, 4 pages
  This case study describes how a dedicated shop manager makes sure his painters know the risks from auto refinish chemicals and how to protect themelves. Included in this fact sheet is information regarding Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), appropriate protective equipment, and employee training.