EPA offers bodyshops inspection advice

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering bodyshops that are getting ready for inspections advice on how best to prepare .

“If your certificate of authorisation is expiring in 2015 then you should prepare now for your re-inspection. Having a fully compliant inspection will ensure that you are allowed the maximum three year certification period, while non-compliances are likely to result in a shorter period of certification,” an EPA spokesman told Bodyshop.ie

Here are a few 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. You will be given a month to address any problems;
• Your certificate will always 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 even if this is in-house training;
• 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.