Spray Finishing Operations
Spray finishing operations is defined as the employment of methods wherein organic or inorganic materials are utilized in dispersed form for deposit on surfaces to be coated, treated, or cleaned. This may include such diverse activities as the application of flammable and combustible liquids, such as paint, in a spray booth or spray area, electrostatic coating operations, and automobile body lining operations.
Spray Finishing Operations
What are the hazards associated with spray finishing operations?
Hazards in spray finishing operations include exposures to hazardous materials and flammables, fire and explosive hazards, and ergonomic-related injuries.
What can I do to protect myself and others?
Before using any chemical, information on the label and accompanying information (e.g., safety data sheets) should be consulted in order to identify any personal protective equipment necessary to prevent direct contact through inhalation, splash or spatter to eyes, nose or mouth, or skin contact. Follow your employer's fire prevention plan.
What resources are available to assist employers?
Training and Outreach Services
The presentations on hazard communication, respiratory protection and personal protective equipment are available to assist employers in training their staff. Each of these presentations should be modified to address site-specific conditions and hazards. Other example presentations are available along with pre-recorded webinars which can be accessed at any time.
In addition, the education, training and technical assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request.
Lastly, the NCDOL Library offers free safety and health videos (including streaming video services) and related research assistance on consensus standards (i.e., ANSI, NFPA, NEC).
Safety and Health Programs
A hazard communication program, respiratory protection program, and personal protective equipment hazard assessment are available for employers to download and adapt to their specific conditions. Other example safety and health programs are available for employers to download and adapt to their specific conditions.
Safety and Health Topics
More related information can be found on the following safety and health topic pages: hazard communication, personal protective equipment, respiratory protection, eyewash stations and emergency showers, chemical hazards and toxic substances, and fire protection and prevention.
Consultation Services
The consultative services bureau provides free and confidential onsite consultation regarding worksite safety and health hazards.
Which standards apply?
OSH has adopted the following standards which are applicable to spray finishing operations in North Carolina. This is not all inclusive.
Note: Please also check the standards information and activity webpage to see if there has been any recent or upcoming regulatory activity on this topic.
General Industry
29 CFR 1910 Subpart E - Exit Routes and Emergency Planning
- 29 CFR 1910.39 - fire prevention plans
29 CFR 1910 Subpart G - Occupational Health and Environmental Control
- 29 CFR 1910.94 - ventilation
29 CFR 1910 Subpart H - Hazardous Materials
- 29 CFR 1910.106 - flammable liquids
- 29 CFR 1910.107 - spray finishing using flammable and combustible materials
29 CFR 1910 Subpart I – Personal Protective Equipment
- 29 CFR 1910.132 – general requirements
- 29 CFR 1910.133 – eye and face protection
- 29 CFR 1910.134 - respiratory protection
29 CFR 1910 Subpart Z - Toxic and Hazardous Substances
- 29 CFR 1910.1200 - hazard communication
Construction
29 CFR 1926 Subpart D - Occupational Health and Environmental Controls
- 29 CFR 1926.57 - ventilation
- 29 CFR 1926.59 - hazard communication
- 29 CFR 1926.66 - criteria for design and construction of spray booths
29 CFR 1926 Subpart E - Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment
- 29 CFR 1926.103 - respiratory protection
29 CFR 1926 Subpart F - Fire Protection and Prevention
- 29 CFR 1926.150 - fire protection
- 29 CFR 1926.151 - fire prevention
- 29 CFR 1926.152 - flammable liquids
Maritime, Shipyard Employment
29 CFR 1915 Subpart C - Surface Preparation and Preservation
- 29 CFR 1915.35 - painting
29 CFR 1915 Subpart P - Fire Protection in Shipyard Employment
- 29 CFR 1915.501 - general provisions
- 29 CFR 1915.502 - fire safety plan
29 CFR 1915 Subpart Z - Toxic and Hazardous Substances
Maritime, Marine Terminals
29 CFR 1917 Subpart B - Marine Terminal Operations
- 29 CFR 1917.30 - emergency action plans
29 CFR 1917 Subpart G - Related Terminal Operations and Equipment
- 29 CFR 1917.153 - spray painting
- 29 CFR 1917.158 - prohibited operations
Recordkeeping
- Refer to Recording and Reporting
Other Applicable Standards
The Which OSHA Standards Apply webpage can help identify other standards that may be applicable to your worksite.
Where can I learn more?
Industry Guides
- Industry Guide 48 - OSHA Construction Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to spray finishing in construction.
- Industry Guide 49 - OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to spray finishing in general industry.
- Industry Guide 53, OSHA Shipyard Employment Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training highlights the requirements of standards for related to spray finishing in shipyard employment.
- Industry Guide 54, OSHA Marine Terminal Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training, provides requirements for standards related to spray finishing in marine terminals.
Compliance Documents
- OSHA Technical Manual (TED 01-00-015) provides technical information about workplace hazards and controls to OSHA’s Compliance Safety and Health Officers.
- STD 01-05-010 - Spray Booths - Average Air Velocity provides clarification for 29 CFR 1910.107(b)(5)(i) - Spray finishing using flammable and combustible materials, regarding air velocity.
- SN 19 - Class I and Class II, Division 2 Hazardous Locations for Spray Finishing clarifies what constitutes Class I or Class II, Division 2 hazardous locations surrounding spray finishing operations.
Technical Assistance
- Inquiries about workplace safety and health requirements can be submitted to Ask OSH online or by phone at 919-707-7876.