Vol. 474 No. 6
236 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he intends to introduce new regulations controlling the use of spray paints by panel beaters and garages; and whether regulations are currently in place. [3809/97]
My responsibilities in relation to regulations controlling the use of spray paints by panel beaters and garages relates only to the occupational health and safety aspects of these activities.
In this regard, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, outlines the general duties of employers in ensuring the health and safety of all employees (Part II, Section 6). Under the same Act an employer must prepare a safety statement the purpose of which is the identification of hazards and the assessment of risks to the safety and health of employees (Part II, Section 12).
In Part V, regulation 21, schedule 6, of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations, 1993, (S.I. No. 44 of 1993), provision is made for the use of personal protective equipment by the employee when undertaking such activities as spray painting. Part VIII, regulation 37 of the same regulations also provides that electrical equipment which is exposed to hazardous environments, including flammable or explosive substances or atmospheres, must be constructed and installed with due regard to preventing danger arising from such exposure.
In addition, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations, 1994 (S.I. No. 445 of 1994) outline clearly the duties of employers in relation to the prevention and limitation of exposure of employees to chemical agents in the workplace. These activities are also governed by the Cellulose Solutions Regulations, 1939, (Statutory Rules and Orders No. 385 of 1939).
