Jan. 7, 2011 — The deadline for compliance with the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) rule regarding paint stripping and surface coatings is Jan. 10. A full compliance status is due March 11.
Collision repair shops were required in January of last year to file an initial notification with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or state regulator to be in compliance with the rule, designed to reduce toxic air pollutants and metallic particulates. Specific pollutants being targeted include methylene chloride, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese and nickel.
The new standards require spray booths to capture 98 percent of hazardous emissions and call for more efficient filtration, ventilation and spray technology. The law will also require improved equipment cleaning and training. Find a previous FenderBender story with all you need to know about NESHAP, also called rule 6H, here.
The final regulation and fact sheet are available on the Automotive Service Association (ASA) website.
