OSHA “cracking down” on non-certified tools entering spray booths, could result in $32,000 penalties

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has opened inquiries regarding tools used inside spray booths, and an investigation at a non-compliant shop could result in $32,000 in fines. 

Krystal Loy, Pro-Stat marketing director, says OSHA recently reached out to Pro-Stat to inquire about their product and that of their competitors. She said OSHA noted that it is going to start cracking down on paint shops, and this would result in fines. 

Any shop using a static gun not certified by OSHA could face fines for each occurrence, Loy said. 

If a shop uses a non-Class 1, Division 1 compliant spray booth tool, they’re breaking two separate OSHA rules at the same time, according to Eric Renken, Pro-Stat vice president of sales. 

Renken explained that OSHA 29 CFR 1910.94(c) requires all spray finishing with flammable or combustible liquids to be done in a properly designed spray booth or spray room. All electrical equipment in the booth must meet requirements for Class 1, Division 1 hazardous locations. 

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.307 defines Class 1, Division 1 as areas where flammable vapors are present during normal operation, like the inside of a spray booth, Renken says. He adds that all electrical equipment in these areas must be explosion-proof or intrinsically safe. 

OSHA can cite each violation separately, and the fines for each start at $16,000. He said one expectations could be $32,000 in fines for the gun not being compliant. Maximum penalties can hit $165,000. 

Glen Aaron, Pro-Stat president, said his company has completed extensive testing in the United Kingdom on their guns. The results of that testing were used for certification in the United States by OSHA. He said maintaining the certification costs tens of thousands. 

“This is something that we are very proud of,” Aaron said. “We take a lot of pride in that. We do care about our people who use our guns. It is about quality and safety over making a quick buck.” 

He said OSHA recently contacted the UK authorizing agencies about Pro-Stat guns, adding that the federal agency also asked to conduct independent testing of the product. 

Loy said Pro-Stat is hoping to inform the industry about the requirements before shops face large fines. 

“We are trying to come from a place of educating and informing,” Loy said. 

Images

Feature image courtesy of designer491/iStock

Embedded photo of Pro-State gun provided by Pro-Stat