Spray-painting is a fast growing type of economic activity in our country. Some chemicals used in spray-painting have the potential to negatively affect people and the environment. Therefore, it is important to manage any spray-painting waste substance in a sound way to prevent any significant impact on society. Here are some tips to help spray-painting operations to minimise and possibly eliminate harmful impacts of their activities on the environment.
WASTE
• Never dispose of waste solvents, wash water, paint, etc. into the drain or nearby water ways.
• Collect and store all contaminated solvents used to clean equipment in a drum.
• Empty solvent containers can be reused to store either recycled solvent or waste solvent awaiting disposal.
• Rags used to soak up solvents should be kept in a closed container labeled ‘HAZARDOUS WASTE’.
• Any waste that is produced from a spray painting operation should be disposed of at the Haag’s Bosch Landfill.

SPILLS
While in operation, spills can occur in a Spray-painting workshop; spills of solvents and paints can cause water pollution and ultimately threaten human health. Therefore, spills need to be effectively managed.
• A spill kit must always be available and employees should know how to use it to manage spills effectively.
• Equipment to be used for the containment of spills should be stored in areas where spillages could occur.
• To clean up a spill, absorbent material should be used.
• In the event of a spill, use protective gear, such as gloves and goggles.
• Assess spilled solvent, and if it isn’t contaminated, use it for cleaning tasks. Install drain covers or drain valves to stop spills or leaks from entering drains or the sewerage system. Any material used to clean up a spill should be stored in a sealed drum before disposal at the Haag’s Bosch Landfill.

HEALTH AND SAFETY OF WORKERS
The operations of a spray painting shop should not only be managed to ensure environmental protection, but importantly, the health and safety of workers also need to be considered. Therefore, the following practices should be adopted to safeguard the health and safety of workers:
• Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must always be worn during spray painting. These include: gloves, goggles, face mask, long sleeved shirts, and long pants.
• Protective equipment should not be stored in the spray booth.
• All employees should know the correct way of wearing each PPE.
• A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) should be available to provide information to employees on the hazardous substances used in the workshop. The MSDS should include such information as the health hazard posed by the substance and the type of PPE that should be used while handling the substance.
• Electrical equipment should not be used in areas with flammable vapours, except where wiring has no open splices, breaks or fittings.
• Compressed gas cylinders should be stored and managed following the suppliers recommendations. Air compressors should also be operated according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• Electric motors that power the exhaust system must be outside the spray area and properly placed.
• Fire extinguishers and spill kits should be available and functioning.
• First Aid Kits must be always available.
• Employers must ensure the placing of proper signage around booths, especially, ‘No Smoking’ signs.
• Persons working in booths should be trained regularly in proper environmental health.
Equipment used in spray-painting activities can also be a source of noise. Spray-painting operations must comply with the limits established in the Guyana Standard Guidelines for noise emission into the environment, according to the area where the facility is located.
Categories Daytime Limits in Decibels Nighttime Limits in Decibels
Residential 75 60
Institutional 75 60
Educational 75 60
Industrial 100 80
Commercial 80 65

Follow these simple guidelines and be on your way to a productive and rewarding spray-painting business.
Share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: ‘Our Earth, Our Environment’, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com