A SELF-EVALUATION CHECKLIST www.epa.gov/dfe/pubs/projects/auto/ 

of 

BEST PRACTICES for AUTO REFINISH SHOPS and SCHOOLS 

WHAT IS THE DESIGN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT (DFE) AUTO REFINISH PROJECT? 

The DfE Program has been working with the automotive refinishing industry since 1997 to 

increase awareness of the health and environmental concerns associated with refinishing 

activities and to identify and promote safer, cleaner, and more efficient practices and 

technologies. Visit the DfE website to learn more about the DfE project at 

http://www.epa.gov/dfe/pubs/projects/auto 

What is the Self-Evaluation Checklist? 

The Self-Evaluation Checklist is a tool to help you evaluate current practices and technologies 

in your facility and identify areas where you should make improvements to protect your workers 

(or students) and surrounding communities from isocyanates and other hazardous air pollutants 

generated during refinish activities. The checklist covers five key operations: surface 

preparation, paint mixing, spray painting, spray gun cleaning, and health and safety 

management. 

NOTE: The Self-Evaluation Checklist is not a regulatory compliance tool, however, some of the 

best practices included in the checklist may be mandated by U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Where 

this is the case, the specific EPA or OSHA standard that may apply is noted in brackets and 

italics after the checklist question associated with the relevant best practice. 

Instructions for Completing the Checklist 

√ Perform the walkthrough evaluation 

Walk through your shop to observe your operations in each of the five areas and record your 

answers to each question on the checklist by checking the “yes” or “no” box as appropriate. 

NOTE: While you may think you can answer most of the questions in the checklist from your 

desk in the front office, remember that the checklist is asking whether your workers have 

actually implemented the control, not whether you’ve purchased the equipment. For example, 

you don’t get points for purchasing or installing a vacuum sanding system or paint spray booth, 

you get points for consistently using the equipment in shop operations. As a result, you will 

need to observe your actual shop operations while completing the checklist. 

Revised March 2008 www.epa.gov/dfe EPA 744-F-07-006 
 

 

 

 

√ Determine your point totals 

1. Write in the points earned for each question in the “Points” column for the question. 

The points awarded for each answer are indicated underneath each check box (e.g., 

“yes = 3” means you get 3 points if you answered yes to the question). 

2. At the end of each of the 5 sections, add the total number of points you received for 

that section and write the number in the subtotal box at the end of the section. 

3. Enter in your subtotals for each section in the Point Summary Table at the end of the 

checklist. Add the subtotals and enter the result in the TOTAL POINTS OVERALL 

row at the bottom of the table. 

√ Interpret your results 

Use your overall point total and the Evaluation Table below to assess how well you’re doing at 

minimizing emissions and protecting your workers and the surrounding communities. Consider 

your subtotals for each of the five areas (and your responses to the individual questions) to help 

you focus your improvement efforts. For example, if you lost most of your points in the spray 

painting area, that’s where you’ll want to focus your improvement efforts. 

√ Perform follow-up evaluations to monitor your improvement efforts 

Allow a reasonable length of time (3-6 months) to ensure that improvements you’ve made 

become standard operating practice. Then, use the checklist again to re-evaluate your shop and 

check on the effectiveness of your improvement efforts. Your score should go up! (The 

checklist has “Baseline Evaluation” and “Follow-up Evaluation” columns to help you compare 

your results and assess your progress). 

You should continue to use the checklist periodically to ensure consistent use of appropriate 

best practices and to identify other areas for improvement. 

EVALUATION TABLE 

POINTS EVALUATION OF OVERALL TOTAL POINTS 

0-20 

The shop has taken little if any positive steps to minimize emissions of 

isocyanates and other hazardous materials (or to protect workers and the 

surrounding community from such emissions) generated during refinishing tasks. 

21-60 

The shop has taken some positive steps to minimize emissions of isocyanates 

and other hazardous materials (or to protect workers and the surrounding 

community from such emissions) generated during refinishing tasks but much 

work is still needed. 

61-85 

While the basics are in place, some critical best practices still need work to ensure 

effective emission reduction and worker and community protection. 

86-107 

Congratulations. It appears that the shop has implemented most if not all of the 

key best practices. Keep up the good work and continue efforts to implement all 

best practices to ensure a healthy and safe environment for your workers and the 

surrounding community. 

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Evaluators Name: 

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SELF-EVALUATION CHECKLIST 

Follow-Up Evaluation 

Date: Date: 

Check Yes or No Points Check Yes or No Points 

I. SURFACE PREPARATION 

Sanding 

1a Does the shop consistently use vacuum sanding, a ventilated prep    

deck, and/or wet sanding methods? [29 CFR 1910.94(b)(2); 29 CFR 

Subpart Z] 

Yes=3 No=0 Yes=3 No=0 

1b If you answered "No" to question 1a above -- Do workers performing    

dry sanding tasks consistently use a half-mask air purifying respirator 

(APR) with an appropriate particulate filter (N95 or better)? [29 CFR 

1910.134(a)(2)] 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

The best protection to the person performing sanding and to all others 

in the workplace is provided by using one of the methods listed in item 

1.a above. If such methods are not used, the person performing dry 

sanding tasks should use appropriate respiratory protection to prevent 

inhalation of hazardous dusts. 

2 Are vacuum sanders and/or prep decks well maintained?    

Well maintained equipment will ensure proper capture of sanding 

dusts. 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

3 Workers wear nitrile (or other impermeable gloves) when performing    

wet sanding tasks? [29 CFR 1910.138] Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

Many abrasive compounds used for wet sanding are potential skin 

irritants. Refer to the product's MSDS for more information on hazards 

and required protective equipment. 

Solvent Wipe Down 

Do painters/technicians perform all wipe down tasks: 

4a In a ventilated booth or prep station? [If you answered "Yes", skip to    

item 5 below; if "No", answer questions 4b and 4c below] [29 CFR 

Subpart Z] 

Yes=6 No=0 Yes=6 No=0 

Performing solvent wipe down tasks in a ventilated booth or prep 

station protects both the painters and technicians as well as other 

workers in the shop by removing solvent vapors from the shop area. 

4b If you answered "No" to question 4a above -- Near another source of    

ventilation? [29 CFR Subpart Z] Yes=4 No=0 Yes=4 No=0 

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Check Yes or No Points Check Yes or No Points 

4c If you answered "No" to question 4a above -- Do painters/technicians    

consistently use a half-mask APR with an organic vapor filter (or more 

protective respiratory protection) when performing solvent wipe down 

tasks. [29 CFR 1910.134(a)(2)] 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

The best protection for the person performing solvent wipe down tasks 

and for all other personnel in the workplace is provided by using a 

ventilated booth or prep station. Performing the work near another 

source of ventilation will help remove vapors from the work area but 

may not be as effective as a booth or prep station. If a booth or prep 

station is not used, the person performing solvent wipe down tasks 

should use appropriate respiratory protection to prevent inhalation of 

hazardous vapors. 

5 If you answered "Yes" to questions 4a or 4b above -- Are booths/prep    

stations or other ventilation systems well maintained and operating 

properly? 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

Well maintained ventilation systems will ensure proper capture of 

solvent vapors. 

6 Do painters/technicians performing solvent wipe down tasks    

consistently use nitrile gloves or other appropriate types of gloves? 

[29 CFR 1910.138] 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

Check with glove manufacturers for suggested glove types. 

7 Do painters/technicians change gloves frequently enough to ensure    

continued skin protection? [29 CFR 1910.138] Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

Torn, damaged, or leaking gloves could actually be more hazardous to 

workers than not using gloves at all. Such gloves allow solvents in and 

keep them in close contact with the skin. Workers must change gloves 

frequently to ensure proper skin protection. 

SUB-TOTAL FOR SURFACE PREPARATION ACTIVITIES 

(Out of a maximum of 14) 

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Date: Date: 

Check Yes or No Points Check Yes or No Points 

II. PAINT MIXING 

Keep Containers Closed 

Are all containers in the mixing room kept shut when not in use 

(answer only one question out of 8a, 8b, and 8c below, as they apply 

to your situation) 

8a No containers left open?    

Yes=2 No=0 Yes=2 No=0 

8b 1 to 3 containers left open?    

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

8c 4 or more containers left open?    

Open containers allow evaporation of solvents into the mixing room 

and shop area. By keeping containers closed when not in use, your 

shop can prevent such emissions and minimize product loss. 

Yes=0 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

9 Is the solvent waste drum equipped with a funnel with a spring loaded    

cover or other type of cover that remains closed except when opened 

to transfer wastes into the container? 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

As discussed in item 8 above, by keeping containers closed when not 

in use, your shop can minimize solvent vapor emissions. 

Mixing Room Ventilation 

10 Is the mixing room equipped with general exhaust ventilation?    

General exhaust ventilation usually consists of an exhaust vent at or 

near floor level on one side of the room with make up air provided 

through a vent on the opposite side of the room at ceiling level. 

General exhaust ventilation is a good way to prevent the accumulation 

of solvent vapors that are emitted from a variety of sources in the 

mixing room (e.g., mixing activities, gun cleaning activities, trash 

containers with solvent laden rags, waste drums, etc.). [29 CFR 

1910.106(e)(3)(v)(a); 29 CFR Subpart Z] 

Yes=2 No=0 Yes=2 No=0 

If you answered "Yes" to item 10 above, answer questions 11a through 

11e below to assess whether the system is designed and maintained 

to ensure efficient air flow through the entire room. If no to item 10 

above, skip to item 12. 

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Evaluators Name: 

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Check Yes or No Points Check Yes or No Points 

11a Make up air and exhaust vents provided on opposite sides of room    

with exhaust at floor level and make up air at ceiling level. Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

Solvent vapors are heavier than air and will accumulate near the floor 

level. Locating the make up air vent and exhaust vent on opposite 

sides of the room and at opposite levels (floor level for exhaust vents 

and ceiling level for makeup air vents) will help ensure a good flow of 

air across the entire room. 

11b Space in front of exhaust vents is kept clear.    

Storing containers or other materials in front of exhaust vents can block 

the vents and significantly reduce ventilation in the room. 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

11c The door to the mixing room is kept closed.    

Keeping the mixing room door closed is particularly important if the 

exhaust vent is located near the door. In such cases, the open door 

serves as a make up air vent and "short circuits" the ventilation in the 

room. 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

11d Sources of solvent emissions are located near the exhaust vent    

where feasible. Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

Locating sources of solvent emissions (such as the gun cleaning unit, 

the paint/solvent waste drum, the trash can) near the exhaust vent will 

maximize the effectiveness of the ventilation system by capturing 

vapors close to the source before they can mix with the air in the rest 

of the room. 

11e Ventilation system designed to draw solvent vapors away from    

workers. Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

The air flow created by the ventilation system should pull vapors away 

from the workers' breathing zone. 

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Date: Date: 

Check Yes or No Points Check Yes or No Points 

12 Is the mixing room equipped with local exhaust ventilation to control    

emissions from mixing activities? Yes=4 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

Local exhaust ventilation for mixing rooms typically consists of an 

exhaust vent just above or along the back wall of the mixing table. 

Local exhaust ventilation systems remove solvent vapors at the source 

before they can enter worker breathing zones or mix with air in the rest 

of the room. 

Answer question 13 below only if points earned for questions 10 - 12 

above are less than 6. Note: If total points earned for questions 10 - 12 

above are less than 6, the mixing room may not be effectively 

ventilated. 

13 If ventilation systems do not effectively ventilate the mixing room, do    

painters/technicians wear half-mask APRs with organic vapor filters 

(or more protective respirators) during paint mixing activities? [29 CFR 

1910.134(a)(2)] 

Yes=2 No=0 Yes=2 No=0 

Proper mixing room ventilation prevents the accumulation of hazardous 

solvent vapors in the mixing room and during paint mixing activities. 

Respirators are only needed if ventilation systems do not effectively 

ventilate the area. 

Proper Mixing Equipment/Practices 

14 Does the shop use a computerized mixing system to reduce waste?    

Computerized mixing systems provide painters more flexibility in 

determining the amount of color to mix. This allows painters to mix 

smaller amounts of color and prevents waste when performing smaller 

jobs. 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

15 Do painters mix only the amount of coating needed for the job?    

This practice reduces paint waste and related emissions and saves 

money. 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

16 Do painters store and reuse remaining primers and basecoats where    

feasible? Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

Storing and reusing left over primers and basecoats (where feasible) 

also reduces waste. Left over basecoats often can be used as a first 

coat when painting a vehicle with a similar color. 

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Evaluators Name: 

Shop/School Name: 

SELF-EVALUATION CHECKLIST 

Follow-Up Evaluation 

Date: Date: 

Check Yes or No Points Check Yes or No Points 

17 Do painters/technicians consistently wear nitrile gloves (or other    

appropriate gloves) when working with paints and solvents? [29 CFR 

1910.138] 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

Check with glove manufacturers for suggested glove types. 

18 Do painters/technicians change gloves frequently enough to ensure    

continued skin protection? [29 CFR 1910.138] Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

Torn, damaged, or leaking gloves could actually be more hazardous to 

workers than not using gloves at all. Such gloves allow solvents in and 

keep them in close contact with the skin. Workers must change gloves 

frequently to ensure proper skin protection. 

19 Do painters/technicians wear safety glasses or goggles when working    

with paints and solvents? [29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1)] Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

Paints and solvents can be potentially damaging to the eye and 

splashes of these materials into the eye can be very painful. The use 

of goggles (or even safety glasses with side shields) during paint 

mixing activities can minimize the potential for paints or solvents 

splashes into the eye. Refer to the MSDSs for the paint products used 

for information regarding potential eye and other hazards associated 

with the products. 

SUB-TOTAL FOR PAINT MIXING ACTIVITIES 

(Out of a maximum of 20) 

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Check Yes or No Points Check Yes or No Points 

III. SPRAY PAINTING 

Spray Booth/Prep Station 

20 Are all spray applications (including primer, basecoat and, clearcoat    

applications) performed in a spray booth or ventilated and enclosed 

prep station? [40 CFR 63.11173(e)(2); 29 CFR 1910.94(c)(2); 29 CFR 

Subpart Z] 

Yes=16 No=0 Yes=16 No=0 

The best way to minimize painter and other worker exposures to 

isocyanates, solvents and other harmful components of paints and 

coatings during spray applications is to ensure that all spray 

applications (primer, basecoat, clearcoat) without exception are 

performed in a ventilated spray booth or prep station. The ventilation 

systems for spray booths and prep stations capture overspray and 

solvent vapors at the source and immediately remove these harmful 

materials from the workplace before they can mix with general shop 

air. In addition, particulate filters in the ventilation system can minimize 

the release of overspray to the environment. Some ventilation systems 

also include filters or other mechanisms to prevent the release of 

VOCs to the environment. 

21 Are spray booth/prep station ventilation systems in good operating    

condition? [40 CFR 63.11173(e)(2); 29 CFR 1910.107(b)(5)(i)] Yes=2 No=0 Yes=2 No=0 

Spray booths/prep stations must be properly maintained and operated 

according to the manufacturers specifications to ensure the ventilation 

systems effectively capture overspray and solvent vapors. 

22 Are ventilation filters changed regularly according to manufacturer's    

recommendations? [40 CFR 63.11173(e)(2); 29 CFR 1910.107(b)(5)(i)] Yes=2 No=0 Yes=2 No=0 

As ventilation filters become clogged, they restrict airflow and can 

reduce the effectiveness of the system in capturing and removing 

overspray and vapors. Changing air filters regularly will help ensure 

the continued effectiveness of the system. 

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Evaluators Name: 

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Date: Date: 

Check Yes or No Points Check Yes or No Points 

Personal Protective Equipment 

23 Do painters consistently use loose-fitting supplied-air-respirators    

(SARs) or better (assigned protection factor (APF) of at least 25) when 

spray painting? [29 CFR 1910.134(a)(2)] 

Yes=4 No=0 Yes=4 No=0 

Although spray booths and prep stations are effective at reducing 

painter exposures during spray applications, additional respiratory 

protection is required by OSHA and recommended by the paint and 

coating manufacturers (refer to your products' MSDSs). Required 

protection typically includes a hooded or full-facepiece SAR. Loose 

fitting models typically provide an APF of 25 while tight fitting models 

provide an APF of 50 or higher depending on the type of system used. 

Note, the higher the APF, the greater the level of protection (an APF of 

50 is twice as protective as an APF of 25). As discussed in item 27 

below, hooded and full-facepiece respirators also provide eye 

protection during spray applications. 

24 Do painters/technicians consistently wear nitrile gloves (or other    

appropriate gloves) when working with paints and solvents? [29 CFR 

1910.138] 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

Check with glove manufacturers for suggested glove types. 

25 Do painters/technicians change gloves frequently enough to ensure    

continued skin protection? [29 CFR 1910.138] Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

Torn, damaged, or leaking gloves could actually be more hazardous to 

workers than not using gloves at all. Such gloves allow solvents in and 

keep them in close contact with the skin. Worker must change gloves 

frequently to ensure proper skin protection. 

26 Do painters/technicians consistently wear coveralls and a headsock    

(unless a hooded respirator is used) when spraying paints and 

coatings? [29 CFR 1910.132(a)] 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

The isocyanates and solvents used in coatings can be damaging to the 

skin. Skin exposure to isocyanates could even lead to sensitization 

and serious respiratory problems. As a result painters and technicians 

should wear appropriate gear to prevent or minimize skin exposure to 

coatings. 

27 Do painters/technicians wear eye protection when spraying coatings? 

[29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1)]    

Ideally, proper eye protection is provided by a hooded or full-facepiece 

respirator. Where such protection is not worn, goggles should be worn. 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

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Evaluators Name: 

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SELF-EVALUATION CHECKLIST 

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Date: Date: 

Check Yes or No Points Check Yes or No Points 

HVLP or Equivalent Spray Guns and Spray Technique 

28 Do painters consistently use HVLP spray guns or spray guns that    

provide equivalent transfer efficiencies? [40 CFR 63.11173(e)(3)] Yes=4 No=0 Yes=4 No=0 

Use of HVLP spray guns or spray guns with equivalent transfer 

efficiencies can significantly reduce overspray which will reduce 

harmful emissions and save paint. 

29 Are guns properly set up to ensure the correct pressure at the gun tip?    

[40 CFR 63.11173(e)(1)] Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

HVLP spray guns (and other equivalent guns) are designed to achieve 

advertised transfer efficiencies at operating pressures specified by the 

gun manufacturer. Painters must ensure their guns are properly set up 

to ensure the correct operating pressure at the gun tip to achieve the 

advertised transfer efficiency. 

30 Is the shop compressor capable of delivering sufficient air to the spray    

gun and other shop equipment? Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

As discussed in item 29 above, spray guns are designed to work best 

in specified air pressure ranges. If the shop compressor is not capable 

of delivering that pressure to the gun, the gun will not operate as 

intended. 

31 Have painters been trained on proper spray techniques? [40 CFR 

63.11173(e)(1)]    

Proper spray technique is important for ensuring not only a good finish 

but also for achieving a good transfer efficiency. Periodic training can 

help painters learn and maintain proper spray techniques. 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

32 Do painters consistently demonstrate proper spray technique (i.e.,    

keep gun square to target and equidistant from target throughout 

stroke)? [40 CFR 63.11173(e)(1)] 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

As discussed in item 31 above, proper spray technique is important for 

ensuring not only a good finish but also for achieving a good transfer 

efficiency. 

SUB-TOTAL FOR SPRAY PAINTING ACTIVITIES 

(Out of a maximum of 36) 

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Evaluators Name: 

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Check Yes or No Points Check Yes or No Points 

IV. SPRAY GUN CLEANING 

33 Do painters/technicians consistently use an automated gun cleaning    

unit? [40 CFR 63.11173(e)(4)] Yes=2 No=0 Yes=2 No=0 

Automated gun cleaners reduce painters'/technicians' exposures to 

harmful cleaning solvents by allowing painters/technicians to perform 

part of the cleaning process remotely. Automatic cleaning cycles are 

accomplished in enclosed containers which also reduces potential 

emissions of solvent vapors during the cleaning process. Automatic 

cleaners also typically reuse solvents in the cleaning process which 

reduces solvent waste and saves money on purchasing new solvents. 

Is the unit well maintained: 

34a Lid seats properly?    

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

34b Hoses and connections intact to prevent leakage?    

Improperly fitted or damaged lids, leaking hoses, or other damage to 

the units can allow harmful solvent vapors to escape into the 

workplace. 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

34c Cleaning solvent routinely replaced to ensure effectiveness?    

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

34d Guns precleaned to remove gross contamination and extend the    

service life of the cleaning solvent? Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

Dirty cleaning solvent can reduce the effectiveness of the gun cleaning 

unit and discourage use. Cleaning solvent should be replaced 

regularly and painters/technicians should use cleaning procedures that 

help extend the life of the cleaning solvent. 

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Check Yes or No Points Check Yes or No Points 

35 Is the lid kept closed on the unit when not in use?    

Keeping the lid closed when not in use will prevent evaporation of the 

cleaning solvent and will minimize emissions of vapors into the work 

area. 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

36 If vented, does the exhaust duct lead to the outside or to an exhaust    

vent that leads to the outside? Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

If the automatic gun cleaner is vented, the exhaust duct should vented 

to the outside to remove solvent vapors from the work area. 

37 Is the shop equipped with a solvent recycler to minimize solvent    

wastes? Yes=4 No=0 Yes=4 No=0 

Solvent recyclers reduce solvent waste and save money on new 

solvent purchases. 

38a Is the gun cleaning station located in an area with effective exhaust    

ventilation that captures and removes solvent vapors before they 

enter the worker's breathing zone? 

Yes=2 No=0 Yes=2 No=0 

38b If you answered " No" to question 38a above, do painters/technicians    

wear half-mask APRs with organic vapor filters (or more protective 

respirators) during gun cleaning activities? [29 CFR 1910.134(a)(2)] 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

Effective exhaust ventilation at the gun cleaning station may capture 

and remove solvent vapors before they enter the worker's breathing 

zone during spray gun cleaning activities. In such cases respiratory 

protection may not be necessary. 

39 Do painters/technicians consistently wear nitrile gloves (or other    

appropriate gloves) when working with paints and solvents? [29 CFR 

1910.138] 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

Check with glove manufacturers for suggested glove types. Note, 12 

mil or thicker nitrile gloves may be needed when working with gun 

cleaning solvents. 

EPA 744-F-07-006 www.epa.gov/dfe Page 13 
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Evaluators Name: 

Shop/School Name: 

SELF-EVALUATION CHECKLIST 

Follow-Up Evaluation 

Date: Date: 

Check Yes or No Points Check Yes or No Points 

40 Do painters/technicians change gloves frequently enough to ensure    

continued skin protection? [29 CFR 1910.138] Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

Torn, damaged, or leaking gloves could actually be more hazardous to 

workers than not using gloves at all. Such gloves allow solvents in and 

keep them in close contact with the skin. Worker must change gloves 

frequently to ensure proper skin protection. 

41 Do painters/technicians where safety glasses or goggles when    

working with paints and solvents? [29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1)] Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

Paints and solvents can be potentially damaging to the eye and 

splashes of these materials into the eye can be very painful. The use 

of goggles (or even safety glasses with side shields) during gun 

cleaning activities can minimize the potential for paints or solvents 

splashes into the eye. Refer to the MSDSs for the paint products used 

for information regarding potential eye and other hazards associated 

with the products. 

SUB-TOTAL FOR SPRAY GUN CLEANING 

(Out of a maximum of 17) 

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Check Yes or No Points Check Yes or No Points 

V. HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT 

Assign Health and Safety Responsibility 

42 Has the shop designated a health and safety manager for the shop and    

established specific duties for the manager? Yes=2 No=0 Yes=2 No=0 

By designated a health and safety manager for the shop, the owner will 

ensure that someone in the shop is focusing on health and safety 

issues on a daily basis and ensuring that health and safety procedures 

are consistently followed by shop workers. 

43 Is the health and safety manager given sufficient time, resources, and    

owner support to implement the health and safety program? Yes=2 No=0 Yes=2 No=0 

The health and safety manager must have the support of the owner 

(including sufficient time, resources, and authority) to effectively 

perform health and safety duties. 

44 Does the manager perform frequent health and safety walk throughs in    

the shop to ensure health and safety controls are in place? Yes=2 No=0 Yes=2 No=0 

Frequent health and safety walk throughs will provide a continual 

reminder to all workers to follow shop health and safety practices. The 

practice will also help identify potentially hazardous conditions before 

an accident or injury can occur. 

Respiratory Protection Program 

45 Does the shop have a written respiratory protection program? [29 CFR 

1910.134(c)]    

A written respiratory protection program is required by the OSHA 

Respiratory Protection standard, 29 CFR 1910.134. This OSHA 

standard is intended to ensure that workers are provided and use 

appropriate respiratory protection when needed to control inhalation of 

airborne hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Key components of 

the program are addressed in 46 through 50 below. 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

46 Does the shop use only NIOSH-certified respirators that provide an    

appropriate level of protection for each task? [29 CFR 1910.134(d)] Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

The OSHA Respiratory Protection standard requires that only NIOSHcertified respirators can be used in the workplace. 

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Evaluators Name: 

Shop/School Name: 

SELF-EVALUATION CHECKLIST 

Follow-Up Evaluation 

Date: Date: 

Check Yes or No Points Check Yes or No Points 

47 Does the shop provide medical evaluations to workers that must wear    

respirators? [29 CFR 1910.134(e)] Yes=2 No=0 Yes=2 No=0 

The OSHA Respiratory Protection standard requires that all workers 

that must wear a respirator be provided with a medical evaluation 

before they can wear a respirator in the workplace. The evaluation is 

intended to ensure that workers are physically able to wear a 

respirator. See the OSHA standard for more information on acceptable 

medical evaluations. 

48 Do workers that wear tight-fitting facepiece respirators receive annual    

fit tests with the type and size of respirator that they use? [29 CFR 

1910.134(f)] 

Yes=2 No=0 Yes=2 No=0 

Fit tests are required on an annual basis to ensure the proper fit and 

effectiveness of tight fitting respirators. Fit tests must be performed 

with the type and size respirator that the worker uses in the workplace. 

49 Does the shop owner/manager ensure that workers that wear tight-    

fitting facepiece respirators do not have facial hair that would interfere 

with the respirator seal? [29 CFR 1910.134(g)(1)(i)(A)] 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

Facial hair in the area where the respirator facepiece for a tight-fitting 

respirator meets the face can prevent a good seal and reduce the 

effectiveness of the respirator. Positive pressure loose-fitting 

respirators are an option for persons with facial hair. 

50 Has the shop implemented an appropriate filter change out schedule    

for all air purifying respirators worn in the shop? [29 CFR 

1910.134(d)(3)(iii)(B)(2)] 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

If workers use APRs with organic vapor filters, the shop must develop 

and implement a filter change out schedule to ensure that the organic 

vapor filters are changed before break through occurs and the filters 

are no longer effective. 

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Evaluators Name: 

Shop/School Name: 

SELF-EVALUATION CHECKLIST 

Follow-Up Evaluation 

Date: Date: 

Check Yes or No Points Check Yes or No Points 

Hazard Communication Program 

51 Does the shop have a written hazard communication program? [29 

CFR 1910.1200(e)]    

A written hazard communication program is required by the OSHA 

Hazard Communication standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200. This OSHA 

standard is intended to ensure that workers are informed of the 

hazards of the chemicals in their workplace. Key components of the 

program are addressed in 52 through 54 below. 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

52 Does the shop have copies of MSDSs for all hazardous chemicals in    

the shop? [29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(1)] Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

The shop must have a current MSDS for each hazardous chemical 

used or present in the shop. Shops should receive MSDSs with the 

chemicals they purchase, however, if a shop cannot locate an MSDS 

for a product, the shop can obtain a copy of the MSDS from the 

product manufacturer or distributor. Note, chemical manufacturers and 

distributors are required to provide MSDSs for all of the hazardous 

chemicals they sell or distribute in accordance with the OSHA Hazard 

Communication standard. 

53 Are the MSDSs available to all shop workers and are workers aware of    

where the MSDSs are stored? [29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(8); 

1910.1200(h)(2)(iii)] 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

The OSHA Hazard Communication standard requires that MSDSs be 

made available to all workers in the workplace. 

54a Have shop workers received training on the hazards of the chemicals    

they use? [29 CFR 1910.1200(h)] Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

The OSHA Hazard Communication standard specifies that workers 

must be trained on the hazards of the chemicals they use or could be 

exposed to in the workplace. 

54b If yes to 54a above, is the training documented?    

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

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 Baseline Evaluation 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evaluators Name: 

Shop/School Name: 

SELF-EVALUATION CHECKLIST 

Follow-Up Evaluation 

Date: Date: 

Check Yes or No Points Check Yes or No Points 

55 Are shop workers prohibited from using solvents and thinners to wash    

their hands? Is a suitable alternative cleaning material available for 

workers to safely clean their hands. 

Yes=1 No=0 Yes=1 No=0 

Solvents and thinners are damaging to the skin and should never be 

used to wash hands or any other part of the body. For information on 

the hazards of a specific solvent or thinner refer to the product's 

MSDS. 

SUB-TOTAL FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT 

(Out of a maximum of 20) 

POINTS SUMMARY TABLE 

Controls, Equipment, and Practices Total Points 

Sections Maximum 

Baseline 

Evaluation 

Follow-Up 

Evaluation 

I. SURFACE PREPARATION ACTIVITIES 14 

II. PAINT MIXING 20 

III. SPRAY PAINTING 36 

IV. SPRAY GUN CLEANING 17 

V. HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT 20 

TOTAL POINTS OVERALL 107 

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