Ron Joseph is a prominent powder coating consultant and expert witness in paints, coatings, VOC, HAP, solvents, pollution prevention, HVLP spray guns & booths, and failures.

Spray gun painter

 On-site and classroom painter training that meets the requirements of the Area Source NESHAPs is provided by Ron Joseph and Eric Guyer of Exponent, Inc.
Area Source NESHAP Certified Painter Training 

 

Special Thanks To:Fluid Air Products
Fluid Air Products

 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has published 40 CFR Part 63:
  • Subpart HHHHHH—National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP): Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating Operations at Area Sources
  • Subpart XXXXXX - National Emission Standards (NESHAP) for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Area Source Standards for Nine Metal Fabrication and Finishing Source Categories

Both rules, (often called MACT standards) require that all painters be certified through hands-on and classroom training before they are permitted to apply surface coatings to parts. Certification training requirements of each rule are similar, but compliance dates differ. (See end of document for direct quotations.)

On-site and classroom painter training that meets the requirements of the Area Source NESHAPs is provided by Ron Joseph and Eric Guyer of Exponent, Inc.  For cost and availability please contact Ron Joseph. rjoseph@exponent.com

The agenda can be custom tailored to your facility but will in general include the following:

  • One and half day classroom plus one and half day hands-on training
  • Can be provided as: Painter training and/or Train-the-trainer
  • Detailed workbooks for each painter will be provided
  • Evaluation sheets documenting training and proficiency with various equipment as part of hands-on training
  • Final examination (60% required to obtain certification)

 

AGENDA

Day 1 – Morning (Classroom)

Introduction 
Nomenclature: paints, coatings, primers, topcoats, enamels, lacquers, basecoats, clearcoats, liquid paints, powder coatings

General Source NESHAPs

  • What is a VOC?
  • What is a HAP (organic and inorganic)
  • What is a NESHAP?
  • Who needs to comply?
  • Review specific requirements for painting operations
  • Importance of recordkeeping
  • Painter training requirements
  • What comprises certification

Basic Spray Booth Designs

  • Cross draft
  • Down draft
  • Side down draft
  • Regulatory velocity requirements – OSHA and NFPA-33
  • When to operate under positive pressure
  • When to operate under negative pressure
  • How to measure the spray booth pressure balance
  • Spray Booth Exhaust Filters
  • Purpose: Removal of paint overspray vs. VOC
  • What do EPA regulations require?
  • Types of spray booth dry filters
    • Single-, two- and three-stage filters
    • Roll, panel, pocket, bag
  • Why single-stage filters should never be used
  • Determining filter efficiency to meet EPA requirements
  • Measuring pressure differentials
  • How to dispose of spent dry filters

Measuring Filter Pressure Differentials

  • Manometers v magnehelic gauges
  • Proper gauge installation
  • Zeroing and calibrating the gauges
  • When to change filters
  • Do you need to change all filters at the same time?
  • Examples of filter installations that are EPA violations
  • Record keeping of pressure differentials

Spray Booth Air Intake Filters

  • Differences between air exhaust and intake filters
  • Examples of poor installation of intake filters

Water Wash Spray Booths (Optional if relevant to facilities)

  • How they function
  • Water-wash v dry filter spray booths, pro’s and con’s
  • Chemicals to remove overspray, prevent corrosion, minimize foaming, kill bacteria
  • EPA requirements for water flow rate
  • How to control spray booth for optimum filtration of overspray
  • Processes for removing paint sludge
  • Prevent “painting of cars in parking lot”
  • Day 1 – Afternoon (Classroom)
  • Spray Guns
  • Principles of atomization
  • The role of compressed air
  • Air atomizing spray guns - basics
  • Siphon, gravity-fed and pressure fed spray guns
  • Comparing conventional and HVLP air atomizing spray guns
  • Definition of HVLP
  • How to measure EPA compliance of HVLP spray gun
  • Causes of EPA violations
  • Possible size of fine

Other Spray Guns (Optional if relevant to facilities)

  • Electrostatic spray guns - the principles
  • Electrostatic bells and discs
  • What constitutes compliance with EPA regulations
  • Airless and air- assisted airless spray guns
  • What type of air-assisted airless gun complies with EPAs definition of HVLP
  • Viscosity of Paint
  • What is viscosity?
  • Different types of viscometers for paints
  • How to use a Zahn cup
  • Effect of temperature on viscosity
  • Viscosity of two-component paints
  • Does the EPA allow you to add solvents to the paint?
  • Legal strategies for lowering viscosity

Setting up a Spray Gun

  • Functions of: fluid needle
  • fluid control knob
  • air regulator on spray gun
  • fan control knob
  • Step-by-step approach
  • Testing for atomization
  • Measuring fluid flow rate
  • Preventing runs and sags

Getting Sufficient Air to the Spray Gun

  • Why HVLP guns are often starved of atomizing air
  • Role of compressor
  • Pressure drop from compressor to spray booth
  • Pressure drop from regulator to spray gun
  • Eliminating unnecessary pressure losses
  • Equipment Cleaning – Minimizing VOC/HAP Emissions and Hazardous Waste
  • Low VOC solvents for equipment cleaning
  • Flushing fluid hoses and fluid tubes
  • Pressure pots
  • Spray gun cleaning using gun washers and distillation units

Day 2 - Morning (Classroom)

Transfer Efficiency (TE)

  • Principles of Transfer TE
  • Why TE is so effective in lowering emissions, hazardous waste and costs
  • Painting techniques that improve TE
  • Gun-target distance
  • Angle of spray gun (arcing of wrist and arm)
  • First and last stroke
  • Overlaps (banding)
  • Efficient hanging of parts
  • Efficient placing of parts on tables
  • Fluid flow rate
  • Atomization pressure
  • Fan width
  • Equipment considerations that improve TE
    • Spray booth design
    • Air velocity in spray booth
    • Air turbulence
  • Lighting
  • House keeping
    • Viscosity
  • Temperature in spray booth
    • Coating composition
    • Spray gun ergonomics
    • Management/Painter Attitude

  Environmental

  • What are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?
  • How solvent-based paints are regulated by the EPA and state agencies
  • Waterborne paints
  • How waterborne paints are regulated
  • Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)
  • NESHAP and MACT standards

Day 2 – Afternoon (Hands-on training)

  • Measure air velocity in spray booth
  • Determine if filtration is single, two or three stage
  • Inspect intake filters - check for proper installation
  • Inspect manometer  - properly connected to booth, zeroed, calibrated, pressure differential
  • Inspect Magnehelic gauge - properly connected to booth, zeroed, calibrated, pressure differential
  • Determine if spray booth is operating under positive or negative pressure
  • Evaluate if there is turbulence in booth
  • Inspect walls, floor, ceiling and exhaust chamber for overspray
  • Evaluate lighting conditions
  • Inspect regulators and pressure gauges
  • Evaluate compressed air hoses, quick disconnects and other connectors
  • Determine if air hose diameter is appropriate for HVLP - 1/4 or 3/8” diameter
  • Check for moisture and oil in compressed air
  • Does compressor have a drier
  • Measure viscosity – Zahn #2 and #3 cups, using paint, solvent, water
  • Review paint mixing procedures
  • Measure pressure drop at handle of spray gun
  • Demonstrate EPA compliance for HVLP guns

Day 3 (Hands-on training)

  • Is spray gun appropriate for type of product?
  • Is spray gun properly maintained?
  • Determine if nozzle size is appropriate
  • Each painter to set up spray gun from scratch –
    • atomizing air pressure, needle adjustment, fan pattern, prevent runs and sags, measure fluid flow rate after gun has been set up
  • Appropriate painting practices to increase TE
    • Painters will apply paint to aluminum panels and will be evaluated for the following: gun target distance, angle of gun to target (arcing), overlapping of strokes (banding), lead and lag triggering at beginning and end of each stroke, fan width, fluid flow rate, and quality of finish.

Day 3 (Classroom)
Exam (required 70% for passing)

Title 40: Protection of Environment
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr;sid=c6cd6ba0c21393717f85ef7daa7985e3;rgn=div6;view=text;node=40%3A14.0.1.1.1.20;idno=40;cc=ecfr

Subpart HHHHHH—National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating Operations at Area Sources

§ 63.11173   What are my general requirements for complying with this subpart?

…………………………..
(1) All painters must be certified that they have completed training in the proper spray application of surface coatings and the proper setup and maintenance of spray equipment. The minimum requirements for training and certification are described in paragraph (f) of this section. The spray application of surface coatings is prohibited by persons who are not certified as having completed the training described in paragraph (f) of this section. The requirements of this paragraph do not apply to the students of an accredited surface coating training program who are under the direct supervision of an instructor who meets the requirements of this paragraph.

…………………………………………..

(f) Each owner or operator of an affected miscellaneous surface coating source must ensure and certify that all new and existing personnel, including contract personnel, who spray apply surface coatings, as defined in §63.11180, are trained in the proper application of surface coatings as required by paragraph (e)(1) of this section. The training program must include, at a minimum, the items listed in paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(3) of this section.

(1) A list of all current personnel by name and job description who are required to be trained;

(2) Hands-on and classroom instruction that addresses, at a minimum, initial and refresher training in the topics listed in paragraphs (f)(2)(i) through (2)(iv) of this section.

(i) Spray gun equipment selection, set up, and operation, including measuring coating viscosity, selecting the proper fluid tip or nozzle, and achieving the proper spray pattern, air pressure and volume, and fluid delivery rate.

(ii) Spray technique for different types of coatings to improve transfer efficiency and minimize coating usage and overspray, including maintaining the correct spray gun distance and angle to the part, using proper banding and overlap, and reducing lead and lag spraying at the beginning and end of each stroke.

(iii) Routine spray booth and filter maintenance, including filter selection and installation.

(iv) Environmental compliance with the requirements of this subpart.

(3) A description of the methods to be used at the completion of initial or refresher training to demonstrate, document, and provide certification of successful completion of the required training. Owners and operators who can show by documentation or certification that a painter's work experience and/or training has resulted in training equivalent to the training required in paragraph (f)(2) of this section are not required to provide the initial training required by that paragraph to these painters.

(g) As required by paragraph (e)(1) of this section, all new and existing personnel at an affected motor vehicle and mobile equipment or miscellaneous surface coating source, including contract personnel, who spray apply surface coatings, as defined in §63.11180, must be trained by the dates specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this section. Employees who transfer within a company to a position as a painter are subject to the same requirements as a new hire.

(1) If your source is a new source, all personnel must be trained and certified no later than 180 days after hiring or no later than July 7, 2008, whichever is later. Painter training that was completed within five years prior to the date training is required, and that meets the requirements specified in paragraph (f)(2) of this section satisfies this requirement and is valid for a period not to exceed five years after the date the training is completed.

(2) If your source is an existing source, all personnel must be trained and certified no later than 180 days after hiring or no later than January 10, 2011, whichever is later. Painter training that was completed within five years prior to the date training is required, and that meets the requirements specified in paragraph (f)(2) of this section satisfies this requirement and is valid for a period not to exceed five years after the date the training is completed.

(3) Training and certification will be valid for a period not to exceed five years after the date the training is completed, and all personnel must receive refresher training that meets the requirements of this section and be re-certified every five years.

Subpart XXXXXX—National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants Area Source Standards for Nine Metal Fabrication and Finishing Source Categories

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr;rgn=div6;view=text;node=40%3A14.0.1.1.1.33;idno=40;sid=448f2946da517faec4fced173f9608cf;cc=ecfr

§ 63.11516   What are my standards and management practices?

………….
(d)(5) Spray painting worker certification.  All workers performing painting must be certified that they have completed training in the proper spray application of paints and the proper setup and maintenance of spray equipment. The minimum requirements for training and certification are described in paragraph (d)(6) of this section. The spray application of paint is prohibited by persons who are not certified as having completed the training described in paragraph (d)(6) of this section. The requirements of this paragraph do not apply to the students of an accredited painting training program who are under the direct supervision of an instructor who meets the requirements of this paragraph. The requirements of this paragraph do not apply to operators of robotic or automated painting operations.

(d)(6) Spray painting training program content.  Each owner or operator of an affected spray painting affected source must ensure and certify that all new and existing personnel, including contract personnel, who spray apply paints are trained in the proper application of paints as required by paragraph (d)(5) of this section. The training program must include, at a minimum, the items listed in paragraphs (d)(6)(i) through (iii) of this section.

(i) A list of all current personnel by name and job description who are required to be trained;

(ii) Hands-on, or in-house or external classroom instruction that addresses, at a minimum, initial and refresher training in the topics listed in paragraphs (d)(6)(ii)(A) through (D) of this section.

(A) Spray gun equipment selection, set up, and operation, including measuring paint viscosity, selecting the proper fluid tip or nozzle, and achieving the proper spray pattern, air pressure and volume, and fluid delivery rate.

(B) Spray technique for different types of paints to improve transfer efficiency and minimize paint usage and overspray, including maintaining the correct spray gun distance and angle to the part, using proper banding and overlap, and reducing lead and lag spraying at the beginning and end of each stroke.

(C) Routine spray booth and filter maintenance, including filter selection and installation.

(D) Environmental compliance with the requirements of this subpart.

(iii) A description of the methods to be used at the completion of initial or refresher training to demonstrate, document, and provide certification of successful completion of the required training. Alternatively, owners and operators who can show by documentation or certification that a painter's work experience and/or training has resulted in training equivalent to the training required in paragraph (d)(6)(ii) of this section are not required to provide the initial training required by that paragraph to these painters.

(7) Records of spray painting training.  You must maintain records of employee training certification for use of HVLP or other high transfer efficiency spray paint delivery methods as detailed in §63.11519(c)(8), “Notification, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements.”

(8) Spray painting training dates.  As required by paragraph (d)(5) of this section, all new and existing personnel at an affected spray painting affected source, including contract personnel, who spray apply paints must be trained by the dates specified in paragraphs (d)(8)(i) and (ii) of this section.

(i) If your source is a new source, all personnel must be trained and certified no later than January 20, 2009, 180 days after startup, or 180 days after hiring, whichever is later. Training that was completed within 5 years prior to the date training is required, and that meets the requirements specified in paragraph (d)(6)(ii) of this section satisfies this requirement and is valid for a period not to exceed 5 years after the date the training is completed.

(ii) If your source is an existing source, all personnel must be trained and certified no later than July 25, 2011, or 180 days after hiring, whichever is later. Worker training that was completed within 5 years prior to the date training is required, and that meets the requirements specified in paragraph (d)(6)(ii) of this section, satisfies this requirement and is valid for a period not to exceed 5 years after the date the training is completed.

(9) Duration of training validity.  Training and certification will be valid for a period not to exceed 5 years after the date the training is completed. All personnel must receive refresher training that meets the requirements of this section and be re-certified every 5 years.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Contact Ron Joseph who is a full time employee of Exponent, Inc.

Ron Joseph
Exponent, Inc.
149 Commonwealth Dr.
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Phone: (650) 688-7024, Cell: (408) 507-7927
rjoseph@exponent.com
 

© 2009 - Ron Joseph, Paint Consultant in Saratoga, California


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