In any human activity involving potential hazard, the
value of training cannot be over-emphasized. Those employees associated with the operation of a powder coating facility should be thoroughly familiarized with the functioning of all components and
motivated to maintain the equipment in proper working order. Periodic refresher sessions will keep employees proficiency at a high level.
Proper eye protection must be worn when employees are working
at or near a conveyor system carrying racking devices and hanger hooks.
Personal cleanliness should be maintained at all times. Soap and water clean up to remove powder from the skin at break time
and after the shift should be encouraged. Realistic rules must be set for the use of filter type respirators any time employees are exposed to dusty conditions. Specific instructions should be
given to assure that they do not use air blast nozzles to blow off powder from the skin.
CONTROL OF DUST
Design of the spray booth and recovery system can aid in worker safety.
The booth opening, velocity of airflow must be arranged to assure the capture and containment of over-sprayed powder. The fan capacity of the recovery system must be sized to assure that enough air is
drawn through the booth to prevent formation of explosive powder/air concentrations.
CONTROL OF IGNITION SOURCES
Since electrically isolated conductive objects in the area of an electrostatic
spray gun may accumulate sufficient charge to form arcs to ground, it becomes necessary for the finisher to thoroughly ground all conductive objects in the spray area. This must include the conveyor
and parts carried by it, all components of the spray booth, ductwork, and recovery system, and the operator himself.
INTERLOCKING
Inter-locking of the system will assure that the system is only
operated when the collection system is in operation. The powder/air concentration levels can only remain below the explosive limits when there is adequate exhaust airflow. Therefore, the spray gun
triggering device must be interlocked with the exhaust fan to prevent its functioning when the fan is shut down.
SUPPRESSION EQUIPMENT
The application of " Explosion Suppression
Equipment " such as a fire extinguishing system that commonly uses halogen gases propelled by pyrotechnic devices can stop an explosion from occurring within the collection system.
WATER SYSTEMS
Sprinkler systems can only react when the heat intensity is high enough to melt the lead retainer. Unfortunately by that time the fire, and/or explosion, would be out of control. Make sure
and take extra care around your sprinkler system. If the lead retainer is accidentally bumped during the cleaning operation the sprinklers will start and the water will enter the collection system and cause
hours, if not days, of down time to replace filters and dry out the recovery system.
