Appropriate repair methods and carrying out repair and paint jobs correctly is particularly important to the operating safety of vehicles and the safety of people.
As well as these general instructions on the dangers in body and paint shops, you must observe:
Besides the body and limbs, several organs vital to life are in very particular danger. Because damage is mostly irreparable, special attention and comprehensive protection is necessary.
Always carry out an operational check on your protective equipment every time before you start working!
The instructions for use provided by the manufacturer must be observed when working with breathing protection equipment.
During painting work and in the preparations for painting, gases, vapors, mists or dusts can appear in dangerous concentrations.
Breathing protection devices which are independent of the local atmosphere are most suitable.
In these types of isolation systems, a compressed air hose carries natural air from the compressor line into the protective mask. During supply, the air undergoes pressure reduction, water removal, fine filtration and usually warming to natural breath temperature.
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Activated charcoal filter
Filter masks with wadding, sponge or colloid filters and also paper masks are all unsuitable for working with coating materials because they do not stop solvent vapors.
Eye protection
Cutting grinding welding solvents and paint bear fundamental risks for your eyes.
Damage ranging from irritation of the cornea to incurable illnesses is possible.
Solvents and paint – even water based – could not only be absorbed via your skin but also via your eyes.
Therefore always wear the appropriate eye protection for your work.
Protective goggles must be inert toward splashes of solvent, and must have side protection. Best protection during spray painting is offered by full mask respirators or helmet respirators with built-in visor.
Skin protection
Spray painters must wear suitable protective work clothing (flame-proof and anti-static). Also, when working with water based materials, comprehensive skin protection must be worn, because these materials are very easily absorbed through the skin.
Change your protective clothing at proper intervals. Clothes contaminated with coating materials can easily catch fire.
Do not choose clothes or underwear with a large content of easy melting synthetic fiber, because this material considerably increases the danger and degree of injuries (melted plastic on the skin!).
For areas of the skin which are not covered by protective clothing suitable skin protection cleaning and care agents must be used.
Ear protection
Cutting grinding compressors and extractor fans and ducts are the main sources of noise in body and paint shops.
Always wear suitable ear protection like ear plugs or ear defenders.
Protection of the vehicle
Protect affected areas from weld spatter and dust during all welding and grinding work on the vehicle. If metallic dust stays on the vehicle for some time, there is the likelihood of film rust formation. Grinding produces tiny spots of damage to the paint surface, which may cause corrosion. Also use suitable protective measures to protect the interior when performing repair operations which relate to the inside of the vehicle.
For this reason, make sure to:
- Use carbon fiber blankets to protect the vehicle body and the interior.
- Use covering film to protect the vehicle body from grinding dust and metal dust.
- Use covering paper to protect the interior from grinding dust.
In addition, take into account:
- Remove fuel supply components as necessary.
- Protect working areas which are in danger of catching fire with a fireproof blanket.
- Keep heat away from all components of the air conditioning system.
- Remove all components in the space adjoining the repair area.
Electronic components
Increased use of comfort and safety electronics in modern vehicles requires additional attention to be paid during body work.
Over voltages produced during welding can cause electronic systems to be damaged. In particular, the safety instructions for performing welding work on vehicles with airbag systems must be adhered to.
WARNING: After disconnecting the power supply and before performing further work, a wait time of up to 15 minutes must be maintained, depending on the vehicle. Work on airbag systems may only be performed by persons who have a relevant certificate of competence.
For additional information, refer to: (501-20B Supplemental Restraint System)