Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00412:body:0:p27
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00412
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 73381–76287

solution. Cotton clothing is preferable as it is less prone to generating static electricity.
The use of anti-static or conductive footwear is recommended for powder coating activities.
It is recommended that anti-static footwear should have a resistance of:
    * not greater than 10 x 107 ohms, and
    * not less than 7.5 x 104 ohms.
Leather-soled footwear may not always stop static build-up. However, any type of footwear can
be worn if a conductive garter is used. Strap onto the skin of the wearer's leg and make electrical contact between it and a large area on the sole of the footwear.
Footwear that is worn or has paint, oil or wax on the sole can make the footwear non-conductive and allow build up of electrostatic charge.

5. OTHER HAZARDS AND CONTROL MEASURES

5.1 Fire and explosion
The use of flammable materials in spray painting, for example organic solvents, increases the risk of fire and explosion because of the amount of solvent vapour in the air.
Powder paints used in powder coating processes are usually combustible and the accumulation
of powders or dusts could lead to a major dust explosion. Consider surfaces that are out of sight where dust may accumulate, for example suspended ceiling and ensure such areas are regularly inspected and cleaned or sealed off to prevent dust accumulation. Ventilation and dust collection systems also require regular inspection and cleaning to remove dust build up.

Regulation 52 A person conducting a business or undertaking must manage risks to health
and safety associated with ignition sources in a hazardous atmosphere at the workplace that
are not part of a deliberate workplace process or activity.
Regulation 53 A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that flammable
or combustible substances kept at the workplace are kept at the lowest practicable quantity.
Sources of ignition include:
    * open flames including matches, lighters, cigarettes, cutting torches and welding
    * hot surfaces including engines, motors and light bulbs
    * chemical reactions, mixing hazardous chemicals can generate heat or static and create an ignition source
    * sparks from electric equipment, portable electric tools, power points, radios, mobile phones
      or from the discharge of static electricity from poorly-earthed equipment
    * catalytic reactions, for example a catalyst speeds the resin hardening process when two-pack epoxy paints are mixed and this creates heat, and
    * self-heating or spontaneous combustion.
The risk associated with these fuel sources is increased by exposure to an oxygen rich atmosphere. When oxygen comes in contact with oil, grease, other hydrocarbons or oil based substances, it can spontaneously ignite and result in a fire or explosion.

Control measures
Prevent fire and explosion by eliminating ignition sources, correctly earthing equipment and eliminating short circuits.