EPA offers advice on preparing bodyshops for inspection

The Environmental Protection Agency is offering advice to bodyshop owners and managers on how best to prepare their bodyshop for inspection in line with the decopaints regulations

Based on the inspections of the approved assessors, there are a number of common areas causing non-compliance issues at bodyshops, according to the EPA.

The EPA advises that there are a number of areas which should be checked in advance of the inspection to help ensure that the assessment process is successful.

The EPA says that bodyshop owners / managers should spend some time preparing for the inspection to improve their chances of a successful assessment. This will save time, effort and money in the long run.

To that end owners / managers are advised to read the guidance for bodyshops available at www.decopaints.ie.

The EPA says it is advisable to have the assessment carried out in plenty of time to allow time to correct non-compliances. The certificate will be issued from the date of expiry of your last certificate even if you submit your application in advance.

It is avisable, according to the EPA to keep a dedicated compliance file with all the relevant information in one place. Similarly keep a list of all purchased product types broken down into the relevant product category.

The bodyshop also needs to obtain a copy of the permit/licence from their waste collector(s) and keep records of all solvent containing wastes sent off site. The bodyshop should place a
a copy of their certificate of compliance in a prominent location at
on site.

Bodyshops must keeps records of all training given to staff. Equally bodyshops must keep details of the technical specifications of all spray guns available for inspection.

The EPA stresses that bodyshop must not purchase or use non-compliant products. This is an offence under the regulations.

To ensure a speedy completion of the inspection process, bodyshop owners / managers must engage with the approved assessor to close out any non-compliances.

Sites with a high level of compliance put themselves in a position to gain the maximum three-year certification period, so it is in the bodyshop’s own interests to prepare for the inspection.

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