Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 015B Hazard:

29 CFR 1910.1000(e): Feasible administrative or engineering controls were not determined and implemented to achieve compliance with the limits prescribed in 29 CFR 1910.1000(a) through (d): Employees engaged in powder coating were exposed to total dust (particulates not otherwise specified) in excess of the permissible exposure limits and feasible administrative and/or engineering controls were not implemented. General methods of control applicable in these circumstances include, but are not limited to, the following: a) Automate the powder coating process, or consider implementing an automatic and manual means of painting. b) Ensure the items are properly earthed prior to painting from the pot to the metal piece hung from the metal hooks. c) Test and balance the ventilation system to ensure optimal exhaust performance and ensure doors and openings are closed during painting to ensure adequate exchange of air. d) Calculate ventilation requirements for the paint booths and kitchen booths based upon the volume of finish material being applied and consider confinement of the powder coating and cleaning processes, including isolation and confinement of the painting stations with dedicated exhaust systems. e) Include vacuum dust collection and wet dust suppression to capture airborne dust inside and outside of the booths. f) Eliminate or minimize the use of compressed air and broom sweeping within the paint booth during color change and end-of-day housekeeping. g) Perform routine housekeeping in the booth when the booth is not occupied. h) Include a maintenance and inspection program for the ventilation system to ensure the filters are intact, ductwork is properly sealed, cracks are detected and corrected, and proper flow of supply and exhaust air prior to operating the booths. i) Eliminated or stagger the employees powder coating across from each other. j) Eliminate broom sweeping in the areas outside of the paint booth and use a high efficiency vacuum to capture the settled particles. k) Adjust the gun settings and train employees on powder coating technique to minimize overspray and improve transfer efficiency.