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.
Continue Reading
Latest in Operations
