Raising standards in spray paint shops

John’s AutoCare Ltd has entered into a joint venture with Todd Engineering of the UK to set up a Maltese company, Todd Engineering (Malta) Ltd. The venture is to advise local spray paint shop owners on the installation of new spray booths conforming to EU legislation.

Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said, who is responsible for Consumers and Fair Competition, including standards and health and safety, was the keynote speaker at a seminar organised by John’s Group last month to promote the raising of standards in spray paint shops in Malta and Gozo.

Other speakers were Ing. Francis E. Farrugia, chairman of the Malta Standards Authority, and Charles C. Micallef from the Occupational Health and Safety Authority.

John’s Group CEO George Farrugia explained the new joint venture aimed to raise the standards of local spray booths, safeguarding health and safety at the workplace and enabling spray garage owners to make significant cost savings.

Dr Said spoke on the importance of standards in safeguarding health and safety in all work places. He pointed out that following Legal Notice 251 of 2010 titled ‘Limitations of Emissions of Volatile Organic Composites’, which amended LN78 of 2006, both the MSA and the Malta Environment and Planning Authority are monitoring the market to ensure that spray paint, polish and lacquers used in the automotive industry conform with the regulations.

Ing. Farrugia stressed that through LN 251 of 2010, those committing offences on the use of Volatile Organic Composites could face a fine of between €2,329 and €4,658, a two-year prison term or both. The MCA’s Market Surveillance Directorate implemented this legal provision.

Mr Micallef spoke on health and safety regulations, some of which have been in force since 1910. The OHSA’s primary aim was to teach, educate and give all information needed to those in the industry. “We cannot go on hearing of deaths, injuries and sickness related to work,” he said.

Chris Todd, managing director of Todd Engineering (Malta), who is to be based locally, spoke of the benefits to health and safety to be derived from the spray booths similar to those installed recently at John’s AutoCare in Qormi.