EPA advises on preparing for your bodyshop inspection

Based on the inspections of the approved assessors, there are a number of common areas causing non-compliances at bodyshops, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The EPA has made the following recommendations for areas to check in advance of your inspection to help ensure that the assessment process is successful.

• Spend some time preparing for your inspection to improve your chances of a successful assessment. This will save you time, effort and money in the long run. Read the guidance for bodyshops available at www.decopaints.ie;
• Have your assessment carried out in plenty of time to allow time to correct non-compliances. Your certificate will be issued from the date of expiry of your last certificate even if you submit your application in advance;
• Keep a compliance file with all the relevant information in one place;
• Keep a list of all purchased product types broken down into the relevant product category;
• Obtain a copy of the permit/licence from your waste collector(s) and keep records of all solvent containing wastes sent off site;
• Place a copy of your certificate of compliance in a prominent location at your site;
• Keep records of all training given to your staff;
• Keep details of the technical specifications of all spray guns available for inspection;
• Do not purchase or use non-compliant products, this is an offence under the regulations;
• Engage with your approved assessor to close out any non-compliances;
• Sites with a high level of compliance put themselves in a position to gain the maximum 3-year certification period, so it is in your own interests to prepare for your inspection.