How to Use Our Compliance Checklist

This paint booth regulations checklist is designed to accommodate federal regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as well as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.

Behind each listed item is a bracketed citation that directs readers to the relevant code. [29 CFR…] refers to OSHA’s general industry standards, while [NFPA…] applies to the applicable NFPA standards. While going through this checklist, it is not necessary to check every standard, though if you notice a violation we recommend reading more about it. We have also included some definitions at the end of the checklist, to help with any confusion.

Keep in mind that any violation of a listed item is a potentially serious liability and should be addressed immediately and proper compliance means satisfying every

requirement listed. Additionally, this checklist serves as a well-researched point of reference but is not intended to function as official regulatory guidelines.

Note: Bolded items may require expert opinion and consultation. While we always suggest seeking the advice of a trusted professional, bolded items indicate that we strongly recommend readers to urge on the side of caution and contract reliable experts.

The Importance of Paint Booth Regulations

Because spray paint materials are often caustic, flammable and potentially toxic to both employees and the environment, spray booths are utilized to protect operators through effective ventilation and contained exposure. Paint booth regulations exist to help ensure the proper construction, operation and maintenance of spray booths to further limit liability.

Naturally, there are a lot of regulations to consider when evaluating the efficacy of a spray booth. So many, that it can often feel overwhelming and even at times unfair for operators that lack the means to contract proper guidance. Below is an easy-to-use paint booth regulations checklist designed to help overcome some of these initial frustrations and further ensure proper compliance.

Spray Booth Construction

  1. Spray booths should be constructed with securely and rigidly supported steel, concrete or similar masonry. [29 CFR 1910.107(b)(1)]
  2. All spray booth floor and baffle plates (grates) should be constructed with noncombustible material. [29 CFR 1910.94(c)(3)(iii)]
  3. Spray booth interiors should be designed to be continuously smooth and without edges to prevent accumulation of residues. [29 CFR 1910.107(b)(2)]
  4. To reduce hazard, spraying operations and booths should be separated from other operations by at least three feet in space, or by a suitable partition or wall [29 CFR 1910.107(b)(8)]
  5. Spray booths should be installed so that all portions are readily accessible for cleaning. [NFPA 1 and 33]
  6. Spraying areas should be illuminated through glass panels or other translucent materials, and only fixed lighting units should be used as a source of illumination. [29 CFR 1910.107(b)(10)]
  7. All motors, wiring and lighting fixtures that are not separated by a partition and located within 20 feet from spray finishing operations should be explosion proof. Expert opinion may be required. [29 CFR 1910.94(c)(3) and 1910.107(c)(6)]
  8. Spray booth interiors should be protected with an automatic fire sprinkler system. [29 CFR 1910.107(b)(5)(iv)]
  9. All hot surfaces (such as steam pipes, appliances and space heaters) should be located away from spray-finishing operations. [29 CFR 1910.107(c)(3)]
  10. All metal parts of spray booths, exhaust ducts and piping systems should be permanently and effectively grounded. Expert opinion may be required. [29 CFR 1910.107(c)(9)(i)]