Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) legislation indicates that isocyanate paint materials, found in paint sprays, can cause occupational asthma and other health problems, such as dermatitis, if not controlled effectively within the body shop. It is for this reason that spray booth COSHH testing, such as Mist Clearance Tests, Breathing Air Quality Tests and Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Tests are required under COSHH legislation. AGM Services can carry out the required testing on a regular basis and provide the appropriate certification to verify that your spray booth is adherent to COSHH regulations, and your body shop meets its statutory obligations.
As most airborne paint mist is invisible, it is important that users of the spray booth know exactly how long it takes to clear isocyanate particles from the area. The mist clearance test is carried by the AGM Services’ Engineer who fills the spray booth with smoke. The time will be recorded as to how long it takes for the last particles to be removed via the spray booth’s extraction. The AGM Services; Engineer will place a notice on the outside of the spray booth at both the vehicle and personnel doors as a warning to painters and other personnel who may use the spray booth, that it is unsafe to re-enter without Personal Protective Equipment before the recorded time has lapsed. Failure to comply with the time displayed could lead to contact with the hazardous materials produced from spraying. COSHH Legislation advises that these tests are carried out at 14 month intervals, and can be carried out at the time of your spray booth service.
COSHH Legislation states that testing of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) should ideally be carried out at least once a month, but intervals by no means must exceed 3 months. AGM Services offers to carry out these tests both at time of service and at set intervals between services. During the test, accurate figures are produced for Oil Mist, Carbon Dioxide (CO²), Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Water Vapour (H²O) using regularly calibrated Factair Anemometer equipment. Certification is issued according to BS EN21021 Requirements, and aftercare can be offered from AGM Services’ Technical Director if required.
As well as spray booth equipment, it is also important that LEV Tests are carried out at regular intervals to any ancillary equipment which may be present in the body shop, such as paint mixing rooms, gun cleaning rooms and both static and mobile dust extraction units. An LEV Test carried out by AGM Services will provide accurate readings of the rate of extraction and suggest remedial works to be carried out in order to improve this if it is not deemed to be effective enough to control the hazardous process. COSHH Legislation states that tests should be carried out at least every 14 months, AGM Services recommends that these be carried out at time of service to spray booths and ancillary equipment.
HSE Approved Certification is provided as part of these services.
