Spray paint booth operation is considered to be a hazardous activity by SafeWork Australia due to the major health and safety risks involved during the process. Chemical and flammable substances that are used during spray painting must be handled with extreme care by qualified operators to prevent disastrous events such as fire or explosions in the workplace, as well as lasting damage to the health of individuals or death.
This checklist has been prepared to ensure that both operators and businesses conduct the necessary safety checks for safe and proper spray paint booth operation.
Checklist for Spray Paint Booth Safety
- Air Compressor
- Ensure regular maintenance and servicing based on a schedule.
- Compressor should be capable of at least 125 psi discharge pressure (or according to the manufacturer’s specifications).
- Position the compressor upwind and away from the working area to avoid air contamination.
- Ensure that the compressor is equipped with a high-temperature safety cut-off.
- Check that the compressor is installed with an oil and particulate filter separator to eliminate contaminants from the air supply.
- Paint Air Supply Hose
- Use a large bore hose that is rated to handle high volumes of air (with a higher pressure rating compared to regular operation). The hose should be free from holes, leaks, or external damage.
- Check that installed whipchecks and safety chains are in place and operational.
- Paint Pump
- Ensure that paint pumps undergo routine maintenance and regular servicing.
- Check and top up the level of throat seal liquid to avoid air leakage.
- Ensure that paint pumps have been cleaned to prevent clogging from paint residue build-up.
- Keep the pump ‘wet’ with solvent to maintain internal lubrication. For long storage, use Diesel, Kerosene to preserve internal components.
- Spray Gun
- Spray gun nozzle and casing should be cleaned from paint residue.
- Ensure that the tip guard is set securely in place.
- Check that the equipped tip size is appropriate for the size and material of the product.
- Check that the spray gun’s pressure rating is above the pump pressure.
- Spray paint material
- Spray painting substances must be free from toxic components like lead, arsenic, cyanide, heavy metals, chromates, or free silica, which pose health hazards to operators.
- Air Drill and Mixer/Stirrer
- All components must be in good working condition with no visible signs of wear and tear.
- For 2-component coatings, use two separate air drills and mixers/stirrers to prevent cross-contamination.
- Paint Mixing Drum
- Always use clean, straight-sided tins or drums for mixing paint.
- Disposal Drum
- A dedicated disposal drum should be prepared to deposit waste paint and used thinner residue to ensure compliance with the proper disposal of hazardous waste material.
- Bag of Rags
- Prepare a bag of rags on hand for cleaning messes in the event of spills or leaks from excess paint.
- Area Hazards
- Check the area within the spray booth for debris or obstacles that may pose tripping, falling, or crushing hazards.
- The surface areas of the spray paint booth area should be clear of paint spills.
- Climate Control
- The air temperature within the spray paint booth should be maintained between 15°C and 25°C for worker comfort.
- The climate control system must comply with AS 1715 requirements for breathing air safety — breathing air filters must be replaced on a scheduled basis.
- Carbon monoxide monitoring systems should be capable of safeguarding against toxic carbon monoxide in the atmosphere at a level below 10 ppm as per AS1715.
Safety Checklist for Spray Paint Booth Operators
- Blast Helmet (Respirator)
- Inspect the respirator’s cape, collar, headgear, and visor for any damage or wear and tear. Any cracks or improper sealing on the equipment will render it suitable for use.
- Visors must be equipped with an inner lens to guard against external impact.
- Capable of supplying at least 170 litres/minute of breathing-quality air as per AS 1715.
- Conduct air quality testing to ensure breathable air is within safe limits:
- Oil: below 1 mg/m³
- Carbon Monoxide: below 10 ppm
- Carbon Dioxide: below 800 ppm
- Oxygen: 19.5%-22.0%
- Helmets must be issued exclusively or shared under AS 1715-approved cleaning and disinfecting protocols.
- Communication equipment and blast light features should be in good working order.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Operators must be equipped with PPE that meets AS/NZS 2161 standards to ensure their safety, including the following:
- Protective gloves/gauntlets
- Ear protection (earplugs or earmuffs)
- Blast suit or protective overalls
- Safety footwear
By following the spray paint booth safety checklist above, operators and businesses can ensure a high level of safety and compliance with WorkSafe Australia standards.