In a garage with a bodywork section, the employees can be exposed to solvents. The spraying of the paint is done in a professional spray cabin with an exhaust system in which the exposure is low. The exposure is often higher during peripheral activities, such as the cleaning of the spray gun. After a risk analysis by the external service for accident prevention and protection at work, the Neyens Garage invested in a closed cleaning apparatus.

The task

Neyens Garage is a classic, small-scale garage that performs both mechanical automobile maintenance and bodywork repair. The bodyworker prepares the items, spays them, and finishes them. He prepares the paint in a mixing room with an exhaust system and maintains the spray equipment. During the cleaning of the spray gun, pure solvent is forced through the spray gun.

The risks

Both during the spraying of the paint and during the cleaning of the spray gun, solvents are released. Such solvents are highly flammable, mix well with the air, and easily form explosive mixtures.
In addition to the safety risks, there are also health risks. Solvents have an irritant and degreasing effect on the skin. They irritate the eyes and the respiratory organs. Solvent affect the kidneys and the central nervous system and can cause an organic psychological syndrome. Certain solvents can also cause liver damage, and some can have an effect on the blood cells.

The solution and the method

The external service for accident prevention and protection at work conducted a risk analysis using a specific checklist for SMEs. This analysis indicated that there was increased exposure to solvents during the cleaning of the spray gun because, during the cleaning of the spray gun, pure solvent is forced through it into an ordinary vat. Thus, almost all of the solvent will evaporate.
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Therefore, it was decided to purchase a closed cleaning apparatus for the spray gun with filters on the exhaust.

The efficiency of the results

The new installation limits the existing safety and health risks. Thus, there is an improvement of the working conditions for the employees. Such a closed cleaning system can be used in all firms in which one works with a spray gun.

The participation of the employees

The employees were involved in the execution of the risk analysis and the installation of the new apparatus.

The costs and benefits

The cost/benefit ratio is not the first concern for the employer, but rather the safety and health of his personnel. This improvement is part of the policy of the firm, which is intended to improve the welfare of its employees.

With the installation of the cleaning apparatus, less solvent is lost. This means that raw material is saved and that there is less burden to the environment. Also less time is spent on cleaning in the workplace itself.

Entrepreneur's Testimony " We aim to be at the forefront of quality. Both in terms of our work itself and in the tools and equipment we provide."