A number of products used in the collision repair industry pose potential risks to your associates and the environment. When it comes to properly handling body shop products, paints and solvents usually come first to mind. However, other potentially hazardous products found in the body shop, such as masking material, body filler, shop rags, and sanding by-products, may also require attention. Proper handling of these items can minimize the impact on your associates, the environment, and your bottom line.

Paints and Solvents
Painting produces a number of waste products that need to be carefully managed. Even though disposal is an important aspect in product handling, there are some other concerns to keep in mind, like storage.

When storing paints and solvents, consider purchasing two non-flammable paint cabinets: one for new paints and solvents, and another for opened paints and solvents. It is also a good idea to place a list of contents on the door of each cabinet, so your painters will know where to find the correct products.

New paint should be kept in its original container with the manufacturer’s stickers applied. If you use your own stickers, do not cover up the original manufacturer’s information.

Also, do not punch holes in the lip around the mouth of the paint can. Although this widely used technique helps in draining paint from the lid, punching holes could release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) into the atmosphere and dry out your paint.

Additionally, the use of solvent-based paints and thinners will also result in the emission of VOCs and HAPs. EPA regulations contain broad authority prohibiting the discharge of particulates to the air, especially where such emissions can result in a public nuisance and/or odor.

Remember, it is important to know the contents of your paint. In order to determine if a product is toxic and how to safely handle it, refer to the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets).

Masking Materials
If you are concerned about proper disposal of your masking materials, you do not need to worry. If your masking materials contain water based paint, these materials can simply be disposed of as normal waste. If the masking material is covered in solvent-based paint, it can also be disposed of as normal waste, providing the paint or solvent is dry.

Body Filler
Another possibly dangerous product is body filler. Providing a shop uses these materials in their intended form (to fill holes, level surfaces, etc.), the material is most likely classified as a solid waste. However, it is strongly recommended that your facility check the MSDS sheet just in case there is some type of hazardous material in the filler. If it is not listed as hazardous waste on the MSDS, the waste products can go into the general trash.

However, if you are disposing of just the catalyst used in body filler, it must be disposed as hazardous waste. The catalyst contains diisocyanates (also called isocyanates), which can cause serious health effects at very low levels.

The sanding particles from the body filler that get collected by your high velocity, low volume (HVLV) exhaust ventilation are also classified as a solid waste. Once again, view the MSDS to make sure there are no toxic or hazardous substances prior to disposal.

Shop Rags and Towels
Shop rags and towels are used regularly to clean spills and messes. Did you ever stop to think that once these are used they might be hazardous waste?

Most shops use a laundry service for their shop rags and towels–and with good reason. When considering using a laundry service remember:

To reduce the risk of fire and/or explosion, used towels containing paint; solvent, or other potentially hazardous waste should be stored in a non-combustible container away from any ignition source.

If your shop uses paper towels, they must be disposed of as a hazardous waste if used to clean up paints, solvents, or other potentially hazardous waste.

Sanding By-Products
When it comes to sanding, body shops need to control the circulation of dust for two simple reasons:

To accomplish these two goals, a vacuum sander should be considered. Vacuum sanders efficiently collect dusts and other airborne particles generated during sanding operations, some of which may contain toxic chemicals.

Although vacuum sanding is preferred, it is not always possible. If you have to hand sand, consider doing this in a well-ventilated area, such as in a downdraft or crossdraft prep station. This will help to ensure that the airborne dusts and particles are quickly removed from the workers breathing zones. Even with vacuum sanding systems or prep decks, always wear a properly maintained, tight-fitting respirator or dust mask.

Body service involves many potentially hazardous products. This article has highlighted some of the most common. To better understand the unique risks found in your operation, all are encouraged to conduct a waste management assessment.

Written in cooperation between the Coordinating Committee For Automotive Repair (CCAR) and Quality & Service Support Department, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.