Pollution Prevention for Auto Body & Spray Coaters
Many autobody shops, cabinet shops, maintenance shops, and other industries spray coatings on surfaces to achieve a durable finish. Facilities typically utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) for the spray coaters to minimize exposure to chemicals and solvents in the coatings. They may not realize, however, the exposure of others in the shop or of nearby neighbors, to uncontrolled air emissions that release hazardous air pollutants and volatile organic compounds.
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The resources below are designed to help spray coaters reduce overspray, improve coating quality, save money, reduce waste and reduce emissions.
The Value of Training
The efficiency of applying coatings is a function of the spray coater’s technique. PPRC’s Spray Efficiency Training (SET) is a proven way to improve technique, increase quality, and reduce overspray. Periodic training can help coaters to maintain their improved technique. SET also provides NESHAP 6H certification.
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An airline industry maintenance supervisor said, “They didn't necessarily think they were saving that much because of reduced overspray, but after the training, the quality of the paint jobs definitely went up – there is less spotting.”​​
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Project Recap: The Value of Relationships
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During the course of outreach to spray coaters in Environmental Justice communities, PPRC was reminded of the critical importance of existing and new relationships. Initially, PPRC tried generic outreach to shops, by offering technical assistance: P2 Assessments, waste reduction, and cost savings, but received little response. A P2 Assessment wasn’t seen as high value or needed for these small facilities. This may be partially because the small shops may not understand what the benefits of a P2 assessment are, or don’t have environmental regulatory pressure, or dedicated resources for environmental concerns. One breakthrough was to have a member of our outreach team who speaks Spanish do some cold calling to Spanish-speaking shops. These shops don’t typically receive offers of free assistance or training.
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PPRC tried to work with four partner organizations to deliver SET training. One relationship we reconnected with was an automobile trade association that offered a stand-alone training session for their members with dinner and door prizes but that wasn’t successful in attracting many shops. One autobody repair trade association listened to PPRC’s presentation about the benefits of P2 and SET, but they were comprised of larger shops, many corporate chains, and from all across the entire US, and some paint vendors and others. This audience was mainly focused on regulatory compliance and insurance issues, and while a few responded excitedly about waterborne coatings, and developments in waterborne topcoats, they otherwise didn’t seem to have bandwidth to think upstream at this time.
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Later in the project, one regional autobody repair trade association invited us to present the SET training and to make a P2 presentation. There were twelve shops represented and the audience was receptive. This association was interested in continuing a relationship with PPRC in the future. Some shops who were in attendance then participated in P2 assessments.
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A fourth organization is part of a community development corporation and focuses on growing small businesses in their service area. PPRC had previously presented training on Safer Choice cleaning chemicals. The proposed SET training is for an entirely different audience, but they saw it as a value-added opportunity for the businesses they support.
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Resources
​​Overview of Project Processes (English)
P2 Assessment Worksheet (English)
Woodfold Manufacturing Case Study​​​
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