TSS Develops Thermal Spray PPE Guidelines

Aug. 11, 2008
The ASM Thermal Spray Society (TSS) developed a new, free safety document, “Guidelines for the Use of Personal Protective Equipment in Thermal Spraying,” to help protect workers in thermal spray operations.

“It is the belief of the Thermal Spray Society Safety Committee that every person is entitled to work in a safe and healthful environment,” said committee chairman Gregory Wuest of Sulzer Metco (US) Inc. “People are the most important assets in the thermal spray community, and their health and safety are the community’s greatest responsibility.”

The document provides guidelines for establishing PPE programs for thermal spraying, assessing hazards associated with thermal spray operations and training workers about PPE, as well as guidelines for selecting, using and maintaining PPE. The information is consistent with OSHA’s Personal Protective Equipment Standard (29 CFR 1910.132-138).

Copies of the guidelines, designation SG003-03, may be downloaded free of charge from the Safety Guidelines collection provided by TSS at http://www.asminternational.org/TSS/safety.

The Safety Guidelines Committee comprises expertise from across the thermal spray community. Members include Richard Neiser, Sandia National Laboratories; Aaron Hall, Sandia National Laboratories; Lysa Russo, SUNY at Stony Brook; Daryl Crawmer, Thermal Spray Technologies, Inc.; Douglas Gifford, Praxair Surface Technologies Inc.; Donna Guillen, Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratories; and Larry Pollard, Progressive Technologies Inc.

Founded in 1994 as an Affiliate Society of ASM International, TSS is comprised of 1,500 individuals around the globe representing over 500 leading companies, research institutions and universities.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.

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