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Spraypaint and VOC Policy

VOCs

From the US EPA website:

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors.  VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.

Spraypaint

Spray paint is a convenient way to apply paint and other surface coatings to projects. However, spray painting exposes everyone in the area to aerosolized solvents and VOCs. These solvents are also flammable and can become a fire hazard when in an area where sparks and/or flames.

Wet paint and coatings

Spray painting is not the only source of hazardous fumes when applying finish coats to materials. Resins, brush-applied paints, eurethanes, and other coatings may all produce fumes which are hazardous to members. 

Spraypaint and VOC Policy

Light duty spray and wet paint are permitted, with the following restrictions:
  • Spray and other painting must be performed exclusively either outdoors or in the forge area. All other areas of the shop are prohibited.
  • If spraying in the forge area, flame and spark producing equipment must not be in use. This includes forges, angle grinders, and the belt grinder.
  • If spraying in the forge area, the area must be reserved for the duration of the cure time. This will likely be several hours after you've finished spraying, so plan accordingly to avoid classes and other member reservations.
  • Spray painting must not exceed ~2sqft of space OR not exceed 30 seconds of active spray time.
  • Be respectful and accommodate members in the shop that may have respiratory conditions or other sensitivities to paint and other fumes.
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