Spray gun cleaning exposes workers to concentrated solvent vapours during disassembly, flushing, and reassembly of spray equipment. Traditional open-pot cleaning methods generate vapour concentrations that can exceed workplace exposure limits for xylene, toluene, and MEK within minutes in a poorly ventilated area. Isocyanate residues in uncured paint within gun passages and cups present an additional respiratory hazard during cleaning. This template covers spray gun cleaning procedures with controls that prioritise enclosed gun washing systems and proper solvent waste management.
WHS Regulation 2025 Part 7.1 — Hazardous Chemicals; Environmental Protection Regulations — Waste Solvents
Work involving hazardous chemicals (solvents, isocyanate residues)
Spray Painting and Powder Coating; Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals (binding 1 July 2026 under Section 26A)
Yes — Spray Painting and Hazardous Chemicals codes binding July 2026.
| Hazard | Consequence | Likelihood |
|---|---|---|
| Solvent vapour inhalation during open-pot gun flushing | CNS depression, headache, liver and kidney damage | Likely |
| Isocyanate residue exposure when cleaning guns used for two-pack paint | Respiratory sensitisation, occupational asthma | Possible |
| Skin absorption of solvents through unprotected hands | Dermatitis, systemic solvent absorption | Likely |
| Fire from solvent vapour ignition during cleaning | Burns, explosion | Unlikely |
| Environmental contamination from improper solvent waste disposal | EPA prosecution, soil and water contamination | Possible |
Workshop disposed of waste solvent from gun cleaning into stormwater drain. Environmental investigation revealed soil and groundwater contamination requiring remediation.
2023 — EPA NSW Prosecution Database
Our WHS consultants develop gun cleaning SWMS with enclosed washer protocols and waste solvent management procedures.
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