Read Time
3 minutes
TL;DR
- There are multiple benefits to incorporating a specialized mix room for storage and mixing of volatile compounds within a finishing operation, including significant improvements in worker safety.
- Key features of mix room design are constant ventilation, spill containment, and good lighting.
- Flexible design and placement is an advantage for a mix room when considering where and how paint is stored within the room.
- The primary benefit of a mix room is to ensure a safe and clean environment for all workers on the premises.
- Many companies that require more than a day’s supply of paint, must use a mix room to comply with NFPA 33 and local fire department regulations.
- Aside from increasing workplace safety, mix rooms can also improve the quality of paint and finish compounds by reducing the risk of contamination.
Most companies that use spray paint booths should carefully consider adding a paint mix room to their floor plan from the beginning. There are numerous benefits to incorporating a mix room for storage and mixing of volatile compounds into the workplace, including significant improvements in worker safety.
In many cases these specialized rooms are required by law, so including one is essential for conducting operations in compliance with legal codes.
Mix Room Design Basics
Key features:
- Constant ventilation
- Spill containment
- Good lighting
- Flexible design and placement
Much like normal spray booths, mix rooms are subject to a variety of regulations regarding construction materials, ventilation, and filtration.
Mixing and open storage of paint compounds create a significant amount of toxic fumes so these rooms must be actively ventilated constantly during operations. Typically, they rely on exhaust fans to direct the flow of air through the system to maintain a safe level of solvent vapors.
Since mix rooms are also storage sites for large quantities of paint containers, they must be designed to contain spills.
Lighting in a mix room, as in a spray booth environment, is critical when operating equipment as well as reading labels to ensure proper mixing of paint compounds.
All mix rooms designed by Spray Systems include a 3-inch high spill barrier to mitigate the risks of workplace contamination. Our mix room design is also highly flexible so operators can set their mixing room up as a stand-alone unit, or can be attached directly to an adjacent spray booth.
Improve Worker Safety
The primary benefit of a mix room is to ensure a safe and clean environment for all workers on the premises. Confining dangerous paint and volatile compounds to a dedicated space reduces toxin exposure risks throughout the workplace. The advanced supply and filtration system also ensure that potentially harmful fumes are vented in a safe and clean manner.
Despite consistent ventilation inside the mix room, workers should still take precautions to protect themselves from unnecessary exposure. Individuals who enter the mix room should wear suitable protective gear, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), consisting of respirators, gloves, and full-body suits.
Even limited exposure to paint compounds can have immediate and long-term health consequences so it’s important to reduce this risk whenever possible.
Ensure Code Compliance
Many companies that require more than a day’s supply of paint, must use a mix room to comply with NFPA 33 (National Fire Protection Association) and local fire department regulations.
Paint and spray environments are subject to various codes, including those set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) among others. All paint and spray booth operators should consult with industry experts to ensure their work environment meets all of the applicable fire and safety codes according to their location.
Other Benefits and Considerations
Aside from increasing workplace safety, mix rooms can also improve the quality of paint and finish compounds by reducing the risk of contamination.
This is especially important in industries with delicate manufacturing requirements, including aerospace and certain types of industrial equipment. Creating a sanitary and isolated space for storage cuts down on the risk of dust, debris or other compounds from corrupting the paint or finish before it is applied.
How to Add a Mix Room
When selecting a mix room or any kind of paint booth, operators have to consider various factors that weigh on their decision. Size limitations on-site are certainly a concern, especially if the room is being added to a functioning workplace. Operators also need to estimate usage rates and other key logistical information to ensure their room will scale with their needs.
Our industry experts help operators develop a deeper understanding of the factors shaping their decision, so they can find a solution that provides the most value. Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about the advantages our mix rooms and other paint booth products provide to manufacturing and maintenance facilities.