With the clock ticking on the new EPA Rule 40 CFR Part 63 -
Subpart 6H going into effect, automotive repair professionals
around the country are looking for a simple, affordable solution
that allows them to continue to spray primer at mobile repair
locations or outside of the paint booth and meet the federal
standard.
The rule, designed to reduce the release of targeted hazardous air
pollutants, requires that anyone performing touch-up and spot
repair work with coatings containing these pollutants to use
hand-held devices with a maximum cup size of 3 ounces or less when
operating outside of a paint booth.
The rule impacts the operations of the mobile repair units that
frequently operate in parking lots and open areas. But having to
put all jobs through the paint booth creates significant
challenges for facility owners in terms of cycle time, job cost
and scheduling. 3M, inventor of the PPS Paint Protection System of
cups, lids and liners a decade ago, said it has created a new
design to help paint and repair professionals meet the new federal
rule without significantly changing the way they do business. The
3 ounce lid and liner system fits inside an existing 3M PPS
System, and allows the painter to adapt to the new rule, the
company said.
"The new 3 ounce PPS System from 3M is intended to help customers
continue business as usual and paint where they need to," said
Brian Shafer, U.S. marketing manager for 3M. "We understand the
need to reduce hazardous airborne pollutants, but also understand
the challenges this new standard presents to professionals. By
providing a simple 3 ounce lid and liner to fit into existing
systems, it allows mobile repair operations to stay in business
without a significant investment in training and equipment. We
hope to help maximize efficiency for all users."
The new 3 ounce PPS system is designed to work with the Accuspray
System, a primer gun that allows paint professionals to have a new
spray gun on demand. The atomizing head delivers a large, usable
pattern, provides a flat smooth finish and reduces overspray, the
company said. Replacing the atomizing head is as easy as click and
spray.
To help business owners understand the details of the new rule and
educate their employees on the requirements and necessary painting
processes, 3M Automotive Aftermarket created a free online
training program, available at www.3M.com/PPS under 30TM 40 CFR
Part 63 - Subpart 6H Training.
The training module includes a detailed review of the EPA rule and
how it applies in various shop settings. It also provides hands-on
training on the new procedures for paint gun set-up, paint
application and job clean-up. It includes a quiz at the end, and
3M provides a certificate of completion for participants who pass
the quiz.
For more information, contact 1-877-MMM-CARS, a 3M distributor or
3M sales representative, or visit www.3M.com/PPS.
