EPA urges compliant bodyshops to get tough on non compliant neighbours

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is urging compliant bodyshops and paint suppliers to get tough on the non-compliant community as the local authorities get ready to introduce on-the-spot fines.

New regulations are now in place to underpin the implementation of fixed payment penalty notices, which means that the local authorities are now able to issue on-the-spot fines to offenders.
Dr. Ian Marnane, Senior Inspector at the office of Environmental Enforcement has described the new regulations as “a very effective means of dealing with non-compliant operators.”

“I would urge all compliant operators to support their local authority enforcement efforts through providing them with details of non-compliant operators directly or in confidence through the National Environmental Complaints Line at 1850 365 121.”

Meanwhile, the EPA is offering bodyshops advice on how best to plan for their bodyshop inspection.

If your certificate of authorisation is expiring in the next few months then you should prepare now for your re-inspection. Having a fully compliant inspection will ensure that you are allowed the maximum 3 year certification period, while non-compliances are likely to result in a shorter period of certification.

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.

Bodyshops are also being urged to 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.