Paint Shop Passes First Audit with Flying Colors

The MPW paint shop passed its first EPA audit with zero violations. Until this year, the EPA did not require a regular environmental audit on the MPW paint shop because it was too small; however, when the paint shop renewed its existing permits and added two new permits for two new recently added paint booths, it qualified for an EPA inspection.

Body Shop Supervisor Brian Adkins and HS&E Specialist Hunter Cain were not intimidated and worked together to make sure the EPA had absolutely no complaints. Adkins managed the physical operations of the paint shop, maintaining compliance and organization, while Cain focused on regulatory adherence. He ensured the permit was consistently followed and created an Excel spreadsheet to track usage data, facilitating easy monitoring and ongoing compliance.

“Brian and Hunter’s diligence and comprehensiveness in maintaining records and data proved to be well worth it,” said EHS Manager Anthony Tagliaferro. “Their attention to detail made this EPA audit a breeze. We learned from this initial audit, and we’ll be prepared for future audits.”

Cain said the EPA gave him and Adkins about two weeks’ notice before the audit, but the duo was well prepared ahead of time. “We didn’t have anything to worry about,” Cain said. “This is something that we started preparing for with the construction of the new paint booths. So, we were already tracking numbers and ensuring compliance for about two years or so.”

When the EPA representatives arrived, they reviewed Cain’s data and then walked the paint booths to see the process. “They were seeing how things worked and if there were things out of place or if there were any areas of concern,” Cain said. They found none.

Director of Training and Safety Matt Dawson said the clean audit is cause for celebration. “It’s a reminder of the ESG Program (Environmental, Social and Governance) with a demonstration that good work can be done sustainably and safely with the right people and a strong focus on the tasks,” he said.

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