OPTIONAL SUBLINE OPTIONAL SUBLINE

Helpful tips for your health and safety.

Contents1. Eco-friendly products are the

first step to working safely 4

2. Hazardous substances 6

3. Emergencies: fire and explosion 7

4. Personal protection 8

5. Respiratory protection 9

6. Noise 10

7. Skin care 12

8. Hygiene 12

9. Tobacco, alcohol and drugs 13

10. Posture and loads 14

11. A tidy workplace 15

12. Tools, machines and equipment 15

13. General precautions 16

14. Useful precautionary tips 18

3

Working safely. Dangers can only be properly asses-sed and removed if they are knownin detail. Work in body shops andpaint shops is extremely complex.Safety at work and health protectionare particularly important whenhandling many different tools,machines and potentially hazardousmaterials every day.

Good working conditions are veryimportant for the health, safety andwell-being of everyone concerned. Allemployees should therefore be able to use protective equipment, hearing protection and extractor systems. Caremust similarly be taken to ensure that allactivities can be undertaken with as littleecological impact as possible. Only if everyone – including your colleagues –can work safely in a safe environment will they keep fit and well.

Help to establish and maintain safe,healthy and eco-friendly working condi-tions for yourself and your colleagues oremployees. Look out for any problemsand take steps to remedy them – for yourown safety and that of your colleagues.

There are so many laws and directives,bans and regulations that entire volumescould be written on the subject of workingconditions and the environment. This bro-chure sets out some of the most importantdetails on safety at work, health protec-tion and environmental protection in aclearly understandable form. It containsimportant tips for everyone working in body shops and paint shops – from trainees to the boss!

Important tips:The “thumbs-up” sign highlights importantsafety tips. These sections contain a concise description of the best way toprotect yourself and your colleagues.

1.

4

Choosing the right products is thekey to a successful repair. But a product’s effect on health and theenvironment needs to be consideredcarefully too.

The ecological effect of a specific paintmaterial or complex refinishing systemdepends very largely on the amount andquality of the solvents used. It is thereforeimportant today to minimise the use ofsolvents or to replace them with lessharmful alternatives.

Standox supplies complete low-solventproduct systems – from primer to clearco-at – for refinishing both passenger carsand commercial vehicles.

The complete range of VOC-compatibleproducts can be identified by the ProFuturesymbol.

Car refinishing systemsModern paint systems offer refinishersseveral advantages. They are not onlylow in solvent content and save resources,but also give advantages which go farbeyond an eco-friendly repair.

Standohyd is an economical waterbornepaint system for refinishers with severaladvantages to conventional technologies.It is easy to use, has a high colour accu-racy, ensures good coverage and iseco-friendly. Most importantly, the entirerange of refinishing jobs can be handledwith a single paint system. Moreover,Standohyd has fulfilled the present andfuture requirements of VOC legislationever since it was introduced as a water-borne paint system.

Rounding off the picture, Standox VOCclears create a perfect finish. Theycontain distinctly less solvent, dry morerapidly than conventional materials andhelps refinishers reduce their materialconsumption.

Eco-friendly products are the

first step to working safely.

5

Refinishing systems for commercial vehicles Standofleet is an adaptable paint systemfor the eco-friendly finishing and refinih-ing of commercial vehicles. Most of the Standofleet system components arebased on modern high-solid technology.

A high solid content guarantees high opacity and good coverage. In this way, Standofleet ensures that the statutoryVOC requirements are met and savesvaluable resources by reducing materialsconsumption.

Standofleet is a modular system allowingfor different combinations of mixingpastes and binders. This makes it easy to create specific topcoat grades fornumerous areas of use.

Despite this multitude of possibilities, Standofleet comprises only a small number of components to cover the entire range of colours for refinishingcommercial vehicles.

EU Directive 2004/42/EC

Product Coatings Material VOC g/l (*)subcategory (example)

a Preparatory and Preparatory products Tool cleaners 850cleaning products Pre-cleaners Pre-cleaning medium 200

b Fillers, surfacers and All types Stoppers 250stoppers

c Primers Preliminary coats and Primer surfacers, 540(metal) primer coats fillersWash primers Wash primers 780

d Topcoats All types Solid topcoat, 420basecoat, topcoat, clearcoat

e Special paints All types Special products 840

(*) g/l of product ready for use. The water content of the finished product when ready for use should be deducted in allexcept sub-category a. Valid as per 10/2005

Even eco-friendly paint systems mustbe handled with care· The same precautions should be taken

when handling these paint materials aswith conventional materials.

· Use suitable protective equipment.· Follow the instructions in the technical

data sheets.· Note the warnings on labels and in

safety data sheets.

Pay attention to your own safety as outlined on the following pages.

2.

6

Hazardous substances are thosewhich:- may have an unpleasant smell or

irritate the eyes,- endanger people’s health, or- entail a higher risk of fire or

explosion.

Great care must be taken when handlingthese substances. Contact with a hazard-ous substance can lead to a wholevariety of effects. Irritation of the skin or respiratory organs can arise quicklyand major exposure can even lead tounconsciousness. The later consequencescan be even more serious: allergies andhypersensitivity or even infertility, cancer,nervous disorders or chronic impairmentof consciousness and derangement (organic psycho-syndrome).

If proper care is taken, however, evenhazardous substances can be handledwithout harm. Hazardous substances areidentified by a symbol on their packaging.

Hazardous substances.

Hazardous substances are subdivided into 15 categories in accordance with their properties:

Category Symbol R-phrases ExamplesExplosive R1 to R6 Dynamite, fire works

Oxidising R8 Hydrogen peroxide; activator for fillers

Very highly inflammable R12 Petrol, thinner

Highly inflammable R11 Methylated spirit, thinner

Inflammable R10 Turpentine

Highly toxic R26 to R28 Pesticides

Toxic R23 to R25 Various pigments contained in paint

Harmful to health R20 to R22 Phenyl methane

Caustic R34 or R35 Battery acid, phosphoric acid (contained in some primers), dichloromethane (in paint stripper)

Irritant R36 to R38 Ammonia, some hardeners

Sensitising (leads to R42 or R43 Isocyanates (contained in some sealants)hypersensitivity)Carcinogenic R40, R45 or R49 Benzene, asbestos, zinc chromate

Reprotoxic R60 to R63

Mutagenic R46 or R48

Environmentally harmful R50 to R59 Copper salts

R and S phrases (R = Risk/S = Safety)If a product entails a specific risk, this must be stated accordingly. The R and S phrases draw attention to the specific hazards associated with the respective substance.R (= risk) phrases designate the specific risk associated with a (paint) product that is harmful to health.S (= safety) phrases contain recommendations on the safest way to handle the product.P = Special warnings.

3.

7

Every business is obliged to draw up anemergency plan with escape routes andthe necessary action to be taken. Ensurethat you are fully familiar with this plan.Remember exactly what must be done inthe event of a fire or accident.

The safety officerEvery company should have a safetyofficer* who has attended the courses on safety at work, as well as health andfire protection which are organised by theemployers’ liability insurance associations,and others. Knowledge of artificialresuscitation techniques and First Aid isalso useful. The safety officer is responsiblefor organising accident prevention, firefighting, First Aid treatment, evacuation inan emergency and coordination with therescue services. In the event of a fire oraccident, his or her instructions must beobeyed unconditionally. It goes withoutsaying that every member of staff isexpected to make an active contributionto overcoming every emergency.

* Companies with more than 20 employees must have asafety officer.

What can you yourself do? Note the following points when handlinghazardous substances: · Do not eat, drink or smoke when work-

ing with hazardous substances. Theseactivities would constitute an additionalhazard, as the dangerous substancecould enter your mouth.

· Always wear a work suit and otherprotective equipment, such as a respiratory mask, gloves, goggles and a safety hood.

· Ensure that the extractor is runningwhen working with dangerous spraymaterials, gases or substances. Ensurethat the workplace is well ventilatedwhenever possible.

· Always read the label before workingwith a hazardous substance. Read thesafety data sheets if in doubt.

· Hazardous substances must be storedin a fire and explosion proof roomwhen not in use.

· Hazardous substances should not beliberated unnecessarily. Canisters andother containers must be re-closedimmediately after use.

· Spillages of hazardous substances mustbe wiped away immediately.

· Use the emergency douche or the spe-cial eye douche if the skin or eyes havecome into contact with a hazardoussubstance.

Emergencies:

fire and explosion.

What can you do to prevent or con-tain a fire? · Ensure that you are fully familiar with

the emergency plan and the locationof the emergency exits.

· Make a note of where to find waterhoses and fire extinguishers.

· Ensure that extinguishing agents, extin-guishing paths and rescue paths as wellas emergency exits are always clearand accessible.

· Always call the fire brigade immediatelyif a fire breaks out.

4.

8

“Good health is priceless.” Althoughthis should really be a matter ofcourse, we are all too often verycareless in the way we treat ourhealth.

Be honest: how often do you forgetabout personal protection because it istoo much bother or you haven’t the time?Often enough, no doubt. This is a pointworth reconsidering, for accidents happenvery quickly and their consequences canoften be permanent. That is why youshould protect your most valuable asset:your health.

HeadRisk of injury due to impacts and falling objects.

EyesRisk of injury due to dust, splinters, caustic vapours and liquids, bright light(welding).

EarsRisk of injury due to noise.

Respiratory organsParticularly exposed to injury by dust,caustic vapours and liquids, poisons.

BackRisk of injury due to working in the wrongposition.

HandsOur “gripping tools” are particularlyexposed to mechanical influences, as wellas to caustic liquids and electricity.

Exposed areas of skinRisk of injury due to mechanical, chemical,physical and biological influences.

FeetRisk of injury due to falling objects or trip-ping over objects on the ground, throughimpact or electrostatic charge.

Personal protection.

Always wear goggles to protect

your eyes. Goggles should be

resistant to splashes of thinner

and closed at the sides. A

respiratory protection hood

with integrated visor is ideal

when working in the spray

booth. Ear plugs or hearing

defenders should also be worn.

Wear a suitable mask with filter

to prevent respiratory disorders.

Protect your hands with

suitable gloves.

Always wear suitable protective

clothing that is dense, light yet

breathable. The fabric should

never contain a high proportion

of easily molten manmade

fibres, otherwise these may

fuse onto the skin in the event

of fire.

Always wear safety boots.

They should be robust, firm

and should protect against

electrostatic charge.

5.

9

Respiratory protection.

Paints, pigments, dusts and organic solventscan be dangerous. Hazardous substancescan enter the body with every breath.The biggest problem here is that, as arule, the damage to health only becomesevident after about 10 to 15 years, by

which time it is far too late to “repair” thedamage.

That is why correct respiratory protectionis so important.

Respiratory protection masksRespiratory protection masks are normallyhalf-masks which cover the wearer’smouth, nose and chin. Provided that thefilter cartridges are replaced regularly,masks with filters effectively protect refinishers against dusts and organicvapours.

Respiratory protection hoodsRespiratory protection hoods enclose theentire head and neck. They consequentlyensure the most extensive protection ofthe respiratory organs and protect theeyes, head and hair from contaminationwith spray mist. The hoods have a largefield of vision and are ideal even for people with glasses.

Breathing air is supplied via compressedair hoses independently of the room air.

Assisted fresh air half-masks supply therefinisher in the spray booth with breath-ing air independently of the room air via compressed air hoses. These masksare additionally equipped with activated carbon filters.

Because these masks do not protect theeyes, they are unsuitable when processingmaterials with a strong irritant effect on the mucous membranes in the eyes. Goggles are needed to protect the eyesagainst spray mist.

Full-face masksFull-face masks enclose the entire faceand therefore also protect the eyesduring work. They frequently also havean additional inner mask with special routing of the air to prevent the visormisting up.

Good to know: · At least a filter mask for fine dust should

be worn when sanding or grinding.· Waterborne paints must be applied

with effective respiratory protection.· Unlike simple filter masks, assisted fresh

air respiratory protection systems do notdisplay any inhalation resistance andare therefore particularly comfortable.

· The permanent supply of fresh airensures that the air inhaled is alwaysclean.

6.

10

High noise levels can damage yourhealth. They may lead to a temporaryloss of hearing in the short term andeven to total deafness in the longterm. Stress and impaired concen-tration may also be attributable toexcessive noise.

Precautions must be taken, at the latest,when the noise level rises above 80 dB(A)(e.g. when sanding with a sanding wheel).

The following table lists the various noiselevels encountered when working in a carrepair shop. Anyone who is exposed tonoise levels of more than 80 dB(A) foreight hours daily or 40 hours a week maylose their hearing completely.

The risk of hearing damage rises withincreasing noise level, for every rise of 3 dB(A) means a twofold increase insound energy.

It is therefore important to protect yourhearing. Draw the attention of colleaguesand employees to the problem of noisebefore it is too late.

Noise.

Department Source Noise level dB(A)Body shop Sanding with a right-angle sander 90 – 100

Pneumatic metal-cutting/ machining 110 – 115Tightening and unscrewing nuts with an impact wrench 85 – 90Blows of a hammer 85 – 90Sanding with a large sander 95 – 100Sanding with sanding wheels 90 – 95Sanding with paper wheels 80 – 85Blowing off with an air gun 80 – 95

Refinishing shop and preparations Spray refinishing 75 – 80Blowing off 80 – 95

Washing station Cleaning with a cleaning gun 75 – 85

85 – 90 dB(A) 95 – 100 dB(A) 75 – 80 dB(A)

11

What can you yourself do? · Wear hearing protection (plugs, muffs

or ear defenders). An employer mustprovide workers with hearing protectionif they have to work in noise levels ofmore than 80 dB(A).

· Make as little noise as possible. Be surenot to use noisy tools and machinesunnecessarily.

· Retreat to an insulated area when carrying out noisy work.

· Pay attention not only to protectingyour own hearing – ensure that colleagues or visitors nearby alsowear hearing protection. Warn thembefore starting to make a noise.

· If you are regularly exposed to noiselevels of more than 80 dB(A), you can ask for an audiometric test to becarried out. This test will be performedduring the occupational health checkupundertaken at your request.

7.

8.

12

Your skin can look after itself undernormal conditions, but that does notmean that it is indestructible.

Protect your skin with a grease and sili-cone-free barrier cream before you startwork. This will prevent a firm bond arisingbetween resins, dirt and your skin fromthe very outset. And your skin will be easierto clean afterwards.

Despite these precautions, your skin isrobbed of its natural protective sub-stances in the course of a working day.Appropriate skin care after work is therefore particularly important. Afterthoroughly cleaning your hands, your skin must be dried carefully, including between the fingers.

After cleaning your hands massage a sili-cone-free, moderately nourishing creaminto all exposed areas of skin. Ensure that the cream is absorbed quickly andeffectively.

Although the skin must be cleaned tho-roughly, it must also be cleaned gently.Ensure that gentle hand and skin cleanersare available. Preference should begiven to effective, bio-degradable handcleansers.

Skin care.

Eating, drinking or smoking while workingwith hazardous substances can seriouslyendanger your health.

It is therefore absolutely essential to followcertain hygiene rules. These reduce therisk of potentially harmful substancesentering the body (e.g. if soiled handscome into contact with food). Wash your hands regularly with a suitable hand cleaner; never use solvent (such as turpentine) to clean your skin.

Hygiene.

9.

13

You can only work properly and safely if your head is clear. It is thereforeprohibited to drink alcohol and consumeany substances capable of impairing yourperception (e.g. strong medication ornarcotics) during working hours. Smokingis permitted to a limited extent in speciallydesignated areas. However, the non-smokers should always be rememberedand care taken to ensure that they do notsuffer.

Three good reasons to give up smoking:· Lower risk of heart failure and lung

cancer.· More money for holidays and leisure

activities.· More intensive sense of taste and smell.

Tobacco, alcohol

and drugs.

What can you yourself do? · Always wash your hands with (warm)

water and soap before eating.· Do not eat and drink while working.· Keep all wounds clean, no matter how

small.· Do not roll or smoke cigarettes with

dirty hands.· When at work always wear working

clothes.· Wash your working clothes regularly.

Severely soiled clothing should immedi-ately be removed and replaced withclean clothes.

· Make sure that social rooms or thecanteen are not soiled by excessivelydirty working clothes.

· Protect your skin with cream to keepout hazardous substances, but remem-ber: it is no substitute for gloves!

· Do not use compressed air to cleanyour body.

10.

14

Lifting loadsYou may overtax your body by liftingheavy loads or working in the wrongposition. This can then cause physical problems, such as backache, a stiff neckor problems in the arms, shouldersor elbows (“tennis elbow”), as well asinflamed tendons in the hands or wrists.

Posture and loads.

What can you yourself do? · Use the right technique to prevent

injury when lifting loads: squat downand keep your back straight, risingfrom your knees as you lift the load.Hold the load as close to your body aspossible.

· Ensure that you have a firm grasp ofthe load as you lift it and it cannot slip.

· Avoid excessively heavy loads. Neverlift more than 20 kg. Use whatever aidsare available, especially if the loadweighs more than 20 kg. A lifting table,hoisting gear or lift truck are ideal forthis job.

· It is also important to change your posi-tion regularly.

· The following positions should be avoidedwhenever possible: twisted back and/orneck, an arched back and/or neck, abent-over position, a squatting position.

· Use knee pads if you have to work in a kneeling position.

· Try to work without bending over. Usea lifting platform, for instance, whensanding a vehicle.

· A lifting platform should also be usedwhen working underneath a vehicle.

· If you have to use a jack, make surethat the vehicle is supported on blocks.

· Use a stool when working near groundlevel.

15

11.

12.Werkzeuge,

Maschinen und

Ausrüstung.

Ein aufgeräumter Arbeitsplatz.

BildschirmarbeitMöglicherweise gehört zu Ihrer Tätigkeitauch der Umgang mit einem PC. Auch in diesem Fall ist die richtige Haltungvon entscheidender Bedeutung. Zu denhäufigsten Komplikationen an einem Bildschirmarbeitsplatz gehört das RSI-Syndrom(RSI = Repetitive Strain Injury). Hierbeihandelt es sich um den Oberbegriff fürSymptome an Händen, Handgelenken,Armen, Nacken und Schultern (z.B. Maus-Arm), die manchmal ernsthafteBeschwerden hervorrufen können.

Was können Sie selbst tun? · Wechseln Sie so oft wie möglich zwi-

schen der Arbeit am PC und anderenTätigkeiten.

· Arbeiten Sie nicht länger als zwei Stun-den hintereinander am PC. ErledigenSie danach eine andere Aufgabe odermachen Sie eine kurze Pause.

· Treten Beschwerden aufgrund vonungeeignetem Mobiliar auf, sprechenSie darüber mit Ihrem Vorgesetzten. Erwird dafür sorgen, dass Ihr Arbeitsplatzentsprechend angepasst wird.

· Bewegen Sie sich in den Arbeitspausen. · Arbeiten Sie niemals länger als sechs

Stunden an einem Computerbildschirm.

15

An einem aufgeräumten Arbeitsplatz lässtes sich angenehmer und sicherer arbeitenals inmitten eines Durcheinanders. Da Sie

Ihren Arbeitsplatz mit anderen teilen, räumen Sie nicht nur für sich selbst auf,sondern auch für Ihre Kollegen.

Was können Sie selbst tun? · Halten Sie Ihren Arbeitsplatz sauber.

Räumen Sie Werkzeuge und Materia-lien sofort nach dem Gebrauch an ihren Platz zurück. Auch dann, wenn Sie einen eiligen Auftrag bearbeiten! Denken Sie daran: Aufräumen ist TeilIhrer täglichen Aufgaben und keineZusatzarbeit.

· Räumen Sie Gefahrenstoffe nach Gebrauch in den speziell dafür vorge-sehenen Schrank.

· Lassen Sie keine Materialien und Werk-zeuge auf dem Fußboden liegen.

· Nehmen Sie ausgelaufene Flüssigkeit sofort auf (z.B. Öl und Kühlflüssigkeit).

An Ihrem Arbeitsplatz nutzen Sie dieunterschiedlichsten Werkzeuge undMaschinen. Ebenso unterschiedlich sindauch die Risiken, die bei der Arbeit mitdiesen Geräten auftreten können.

Die folgenden Gefahren können vonMaschinen ausgehen:- die Gefahr, von beweglichen Teilen

erfasst zu werden.- die Gefahr von Schnittverletzungen,

stecken zu bleiben oder eine Quet-schung zu erleiden (z.B. unter einer Hebebühne).

- die Gefahr, von herumfliegenden Teilen getroffen zu werden.

- die Gefahr durch Elektrizität, Hydraulik oder Pneumatik.

Was können Sie selbst tun? · Machen Sie sich mit der Bedienung

und der Funktionsweise des Gerätesvertraut, bevor Sie mit der Arbeit beginnen.

· Tragen Sie Ihre persönliche Schutz-ausrüstung.

· Wenn Sie unter einem Auto arbeiten, vergewissern Sie sich, dass es gesichert ist (Unterstellböcke) und nicht einfach auf dem Wagenheber liegt.

· Wenn Sie den Eindruck haben, dass eine Maschine nicht einwandfrei funk-tioniert oder gewartet werden sollte,informieren Sie Ihren Vorgesetzten.

13.

16

EnvironmentA refinishing shop should operate with aslittle environmental impact as possible.That is why it is so important to useVOC-compatible paint systems, such asStandohyd from Standox.

Correct waste disposal is equally important.This is where you can help: make surethat the different kinds of waste are sorted correctly. Contact the specialist for environmental matters if you haveany queries on this subject.

AirThe volatile organic compounds evapo-rate and pollute the environment whenworking with materials containing solvents.Make sure that as little solvent as possibleescapes, for instance by closing thinnercontainers immediately after use.

How can you help to prevent pollution?· Avoid unnecessary waste; use all mate-

rials as efficiently as possible.· Sort the waste carefully and make sure

that it is stored safely.· Do not pour liquid waste down the

drain.· Work on the sealed floor to prevent

contamination of the soil. If not, use asuitable collecting trough to collect anyescaping liquid.

General precautions.

Solvents

Refinishing shop

Summer smog

Ozone

Crops

Stunted growth

Smaller harvests

Man

Damage tohealth

UV light Nitrous oxides

Unpleasantsmells

Vegetation

Stuntedgrowth

Smaller harvests

17

WaterIt is generally prohibited to dispose ofwaste liquid down the sink or drain.Always ensure that the various materialsare disposed of separately. The sludgetrap and separator for light liquids areintended exclusively for the discharge of wash water. All other liquids must becollected separately in the area providedfor this purpose and correctly stored until collected by a duly authorised wastedisposal firm.

SoilThe floors in refinishing shops are sealedto prevent liquids seeping through andcontaminating the soil. If you have towork with liquids, make sure that suchjobs are always carried out in an areawith such a floor, otherwise use a suitablecollecting trough to collect any spilledliquid.

WasteAccumulated waste must be stored sepa-rately. Consistent sorting cuts costs forwaste disposal and helps to protect theenvironment. Many “waste” materials can be recycled if they have been sortedcorrectly. The waste is collected by firmsthat specialise in eco-friendly disposal.

14.

18

Useful precautionary tips.

In addition to your working clothes, alwayswear your personal protective equipmentand goggles. This will ensure more effective protection.

Put tools and materials away immediatelyafter use – that is part of your job andmakes life easier and more pleasant forall concerned.

Do not eat and drink while working anddo not smoke in the refinishing shop. Proper hygiene will minimise the risk ofcontaminants entering your body.

If you have to lift loads weighing morethan 20 kg, ask someone to help or use asuitable aid, otherwise you will overtaxyourself.

If a fire breaks out, follow the instructionsin the emergency plan and call the firebrigade in order to avoid direct dangerto yourself and your colleagues.

Change position frequently and do notwork in unnaturally twisted or bent-overpositions. This will help to prevent discom-fort or pain in the neck, shoulders, back,arms and tendons.

Make sure you are familiar with yourequipment’s function and mode of operation before starting work. Thatis the best way to protect yourself andyour colleagues from accidents.

Be alert and look out for potentially dan-gerous situations. If you help to protectyour colleagues from accidents, they willdo the same for you.

Alcohol and drugs must never be consumedwhile working. You are a danger to your-self and your colleagues when under theinfluence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Avoid spilling liquids and other fuels. Makesure that waste is always properly sorted.This not only saves money, but also pro-tects the environment.

There are dangers everywhere. Often, itis something small that can rapidly lead toa major problem. Keep your eyes open.

Report to your shop manager immediatelyif you see something potentially dangerousthat you cannot remedy yourself – such as a defective ramp, broken tool, dangerdue to reversing vehicles or a lockedemergency exit.

Take note of the tips and advice in thisguide to make your workplace safer andto preserve your health.

Be alert!

Standox GmbH · Postfach · D-42271 Wuppertal · Germany 4407

0659

GB

1205

150

0

ww

w.st

ando

x.co

m