Questions to Consider

Suggested Best Management Practices - BMPs

Have you considered ways to reduce use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?

A finishing company can work closely with suppliers to identify substitutes for raw materials containing solvents. For example: high solids coatings are solvent-borne coatings with at least 50% solids content; water-borne coatings contain water as well as some solvent and are used in the industry on open-pore and lighter woods; and, UV-curable coatings can be 100% reactive liquids and require UV light for curing.

Consider using adhesives that are low-VOC or VOC-free.

Keep material containers closed tightly when not in use to reduce evaporation.

Determine the most efficient air and fluid pressure for spray guns. The ideal setting should provide good atomization, but minimize overspray and blowback.

Train employees to use proper coating techniques to reduce waste. Skillful use of spray guns can significantly and consistently increase transfer efficiency of coating materials while reducing product consumption and VOC emissions. Practices could include: adjusting spray patterns for different sized pieces; holding the spray gun 8-10 inches away from the piece; holding the spray gun perpendicular to the piece and spraying using a sweeping motion; stopping the spray of material after the end of each pass; and making strokes overlap each other by 50%.

Have you considered the following methods to reduce waste at your facility?

Create a system to inspect supplies when they are received so that unacceptable or incorrect products can be returned immediately.

Consider performing a monthly leak inspection of all equipment used to transfer or apply finishing materials, adhesives, or solvents. Record the date and results of each leak inspection and any repairs made.

Work with suppliers who are able to offer quick delivery times, so that fewer products are stored on hand. The increased initial cost of using a local supplier can be offset by cost savings from reducing the quantity of unused material and the costs of disposing of these wasted materials.

Look for suppliers who will take back used, unused, and outdated materials for reformulation, and make arrangements to do so prior to ordering their products.

Find multi-purpose solvents to reduce the need for different solvents. This can facilitate recycling and reduce the cost of managing waste.

Evaluate cleaning practices to determine if cleaning is needed after each job. It may be possible to eliminate some cleaning completely.

Consider aqueous-based solvents for degreasing and cleaning instead of chlorinated solvents.

Using an aqueous-based parts washer.

Organize jobs throughout the day so that lighter colored finishing materials are used first, and darker finishing materials are used last. This may minimize the need to clean equipment between jobs.

 Consider reusing or recycling blasting media, when possible. Collecting the media deposited on tarps or within a containment area will allow for quicker cleanup and disposal.

Consider using solvents until they lose their effectiveness, instead of when they appear dirty.

Consider pre-cleaning equipment with rags to remove the bulk of residual product before cleaning with solvents.

Consider using a solvent distillation unit to recover solvents for reuse. Solvent stills are available in a wide range of sizes, and can recover approximately 70% reusable solvent from used solvent.

Investigate the potential to work with a contractor to recycle and exchange spent solvents and thinners.

Have you considered the following practices to reduce solvent use during finish removal?

Keep dip tanks and reservoir tanks covered when not in use.

Maintain stripping solution at appropriate temperatures, usually around 70°F. At the correct temperature, wax in the solution will form a vapor barrier to prevent the solution from evaporating too quickly.

Avoid using solvents to remove furniture finish by using mechanical methods instead, such as hand scrapers, sandpaper, and electric sanders.

Place secondary containment under stripping tables or work areas to capture spills. This will keep spilled materials from reaching floor drains and make it possible to use captured materials.

Have you considered alternative ways to manage rags and wipes at your facility?

Consider using rags rather than disposable wipes whenever possible. If your shop is not equipped to launder the rags, find out if there is a commercial rag cleaning business in your area that could provide this service for you.

If you use disposable wipes, remove as much solvent from them as possible before disposing of them. Keep the used wipes and the spent solvent in separate containers.

Develop procedures for removing solvent from rags (such as wringing or centrifuging). This will make the rags easier to launder. Take special precautions to ensure that no rags end up in the waste solvent drum; they can jam pumping equipment and increase your disposal costs.

Have you considered the following good housekeeping practices at your facility?

Clean up all spills or leaks immediately.

Maintain spill-kits and instruct all employees in their proper use and location.

Cabinet with spill response materials.

Keep processing areas organized and free from clutter.

Prohibit the mixing of hazardous waste and non-hazardous waste.

Label transfer containers with contents and date.

YOUR IDEAS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

SEE THE TOOLBOX INTRODUCTION ON WAYS TO START YOUR P2 PLAN. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION AND POLLUTION FROM HAPPENING AT YOUR BUSINESS. IF A SPILL HAPPENS ANYWAY, YOU MUST BE IMPLEMENTING A POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR DEQ’S VOLUNTARY REMEDIATION PROGRAM.