Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420:reg:15:p13
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 15 (pt 13/22)
Character Range: 220365–223160

inhalation exposure to HDI vapour or aerosol during mixing was low. However, there remained a significant risk to health due to potential skin exposure because gloves are not generally worn. The mixing takes around 15 minutes to complete and is performed as required.
    * Colour matching: This is carried out in the same area as the mixing and involves spraying
       a test panel until the required colour is achieved. It was concluded that there is a significant risk of short-term inhalation exposure to isocyanate-containing aerosol and vapour because respiratory equipment is not routinely worn for this task and there is no ventilation. There
      is also a risk to health through skin exposure to isocyanates because suitable PPE is not generally worn. The colour matching takes approximately five minutes and is undertaken
      no more than twice in any given day.
    * Spray painting: A brand-name two pack paint system is used for spray painting vehicles. This is carried out in a ventilated down-flow booth that complied with AS/NZS 4114: Spray painting booths – Design, construction and testing but had not been maintained properly
      for some years. The spray painter wears a half-face combined particulate/vapour respirator while performing this task and no other protective equipment other than standard cotton overalls. It was concluded that there was significant inhalation risk to the spray painter
      as the respiratory equipment was not suitable for the task. There was also a risk of skin contact because suitable PPE, such as gloves was not worn. The spray painter spends
      up to six hours per day spraying.

    * Cleaning: This task is also carried out in the same area as the mixing and colour matching operations. Used equipment is soaked in an open vessel containing organic solvent. Solvent-soaked rags used for cleaning were placed in an open bin beside the mixing table for disposal. According to the SDS, the solvent is flammable. Equipment cleaning takes around 30 minutes and is performed at the end of the day. The solvent is stored in a flame-proof, lockable cabinet when not in use.
The assessment also considered the potential for a fire or explosion resulting from the use of the flammable solvent. The assessment indicated that the use of solvents was not extensive and only small quantities were kept on the premises at any one time. Solvents are stored in a lockable, flame-proof cabinet. Paints were thinned and mixed when required in a dedicated work area and no ignition sources were present in that area. When used for cleaning of equipment, this was in the same area and had electrical equipment that was rated as intrinsically safe in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards.
The following main actions from the assessment