EPA advises on on-the-spot fines

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is advising bodyshops that they run the risk of being hit with on-the-spot fines, if they are found to be in breach of the solvents regulations.

The EPA is advising bodyshops that changes to legislation introduced earlier now allow for on-the-spot fines to be issued by local authorities to non-compliant bodyshops and paint suppliers.

Is your business solvent compliant?

The Environmental Protection Agency is asking bodyshops around the country if they are compliant with the solvent regulations?

If you carry out vehicle refinishing operations:

Do you hold a valid (in date) certificate of compliance, as issued by your local authority? If not, arrange for an inspection by an EPA approved assessor immediately.
Do all of your spray guns have a 65% or higher efficiency transfer rate?
Do you only use licensed/permitted waste contractors?
Do you separate hazardous waste from general waste and dispose of appropriately?
Are all of your staff appropriately trained?
Are all the vehicle refinishing products that you use compliant with regard to VOC content and labelling requirements?

If you are a motor factor or paint supplier:
Are all of the vehicle refinishing products that you sell compliant with regard to VOC content and labelling requirements? If not, remove these products from the market immediately.

Please provide details of non-compliant bodyshops or paint suppliers to your Approved Assessor or to your local authority directly, or by phoning the National Environmental Complaints Line (in confidence) on 1850 365 121.