Panelbeating business fined after explosion

The company was sentenced in the Nelson District Court. Photo / File

A panelbeating business has been fined $15,000 for spray-painting in an unsafe way that could have caused an explosion and serious health issues.

The Nelson company, L&L Marriott Holdings Ltd, was sentenced in the Nelson District Court today for breaching a work ban three times in 2014.

WorkSafe inspectors visited the panelbeating and spray-painting business in March last year - and stumbled across a number of unsafe practices.

The spray-painting was taking place in a workshop area with no extraction system, near unsafe lights and electrical sources that were creating a risk of explosion, WorkSafe said.

One spray-painter was wearing an unsuitable half-mask respirator and another employee was walking around the workshop area with no protective clothing or respiratory equipment at all.

Paint fumes were clearly visible in the building, WorkSafe chief inspector Karen Davidson said.

Poor hazardous material management was a significant contributor to the estimated 600 to 900 New Zealanders who die every year from work-related ill heath, she said.

"Many workers suffer ill health and premature death from workplace exposure to chemicals and isocyanate-based paints like those used by L&L Marriott Holdings Limited," she said.

WorkSafe issued a prohibition notice, forbidding all spray painting until a compliant spray booth was installed.

But the company breached the notice three times throughout 2014, putting employees at "significant risk", Ms Davidson said.

"Prohibition notices are there for a reason - to keep workers safe."

The Dangers:

•Solvent vapours are particularly dangerous for people who work with them regularly.

•Breathing in solvent vapour fumes can result in long-term effects such as memory loss, fertility problems, loss of concentration and moodiness. Short-term effects include headaches, dizziness and nausea.

•Isocyanates, found in spray paint, can lead to chronic asthma and respiratory problems.