April 13, 2011 — The deadline for compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 6H rule on paint stripping and surface coating has passed, but I-CAR is still offering help for repairers that need to meet the requirements.

Registration is open for Hazardous Airborne Pollutant Reduction (HAP01), an online course meant to help technicians or managers understand the steps required for hands-on self-certification, as well as the importance of rule 6H. The rule is specifically meant to reduce the use of products containing methylene chloride, chromium, lead, manganese, nickel and cadmium.

“Although the compliance date has passed, collision repair facilities are still required to comply,” said I-CAR Technical Director Jason Bartanen. “Through not complying, there is a risk of violating the Clean Air Act. Knowing how to properly reduce hazardous material usage will benefit those working in the inter-industry, both economically and environmentally.”

According to I-CAR, the course will help participants:

• Comply with EPA regulations;
• Understand how to improve transfer efficiency;
• Identify ways to reduce the amount of hazardous liquid and solid waste generated during the refinishing and equipment cleaning processes;
• Provide a method for a trainer, supervisor, or manager to implement an in-house training program that is in compliance with EPA regulations;
• Explain how to extend the longevity of spray booth filters through more efficient processes.

The course costs $40 and can be completed remotely. More information is available at i-car.com.