Changes announced in Oregon rules for spray finishing

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) has announced changes in the Oregon Administrative Rules, Chapter 437, Division 2/H, Spray Finishing. The changes went into effect on April 21, 2003.

The scope of the new standard includes finishing materials that are applied in a continuous or intermittent process, including any sprayed material that produces combustible deposits or residue. New requirements do not apply to outdoor spraying of buildings, tanks or similar structures and also do not apply to portable spraying apparatus not used repeatedly in the same location.

The new Oregon standard features safety requirements from two separate federal standards now contained in one location, with requirements written in clear language. Language was added to allow for alternatives to certain requirements when a local fire authority allows for an alternative in writing. Requirements for paint mixing rooms, and drying, curing or fusion equipment must also meet updated National Fire Protection Association or Uniform Fire Code standards.

Additional information about the rule changes, and text of the adopted rules, is available on the Oregon OSHA Web site, www.orosha.org. For answers to questions about the standards, contact Dave McLaughlin in Oregon OSHA's Standards and Technical section at (503) 378-3272, or toll-free in Oregon, (800) 922-2689.