Managing Spray Painting

Spray painting is a particularly hazardous activity and it is important to protect workers, customers and members of the public from its by-products.

• Ensure that spray painting is only carried out in an approved spray painting booth that complies with relevant Australian Standards. Minor operations such as spotting and touch ups are exempt. Never spray paint in the open.

• Regularly inspect and maintain your spray booth in accordance with the manufacturer's specification, including replacing and cleaning filters.

• Encourage the use of technology and practices, such as capturing gunwash and using high pressure low volume spray guns and water-based paints, that minimise the amount of paint and solvent used in a job or released to the environment. 

• Use a well-ventilated preparation room to store and mix paint, clean tools and prepare painting equipment.

• Consider recycling solvent-based thinners for use as gunwash.

• Fit vacuums to sanding equipment.

• Conduct abrasive blasting (wet and dry) in an enclosed area to prevent dust from entering the air and stormwater. Particles should be collected and disposed of appropriately.