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Paint

Painting the Eiffel Tower

In any industry painting (and decorating) operations play a crucial role in facility management by enhancing the overall appearance, protecting surfaces, and maintaining a healthy and conducive environment.  In the education industry we find these operations in both the business and academic units; often co-mingled with sign-making shops.   

  • Aesthetics and Branding: Fresh coats of paint revitalize the appearance of walls, ceilings, doors, and other surfaces, creating a clean and inviting environment. Painting can also be used strategically to incorporate branding elements, such as company colors or logos, to reinforce brand identity throughout campus.  Bright, vibrant colors can stimulate creativity and engagement, while well-chosen color schemes can create a sense of calm and focus.
  • Surface Protection: Color coatings are a protective barrier for surfaces, shielding them from environmental factors like moisture, sunlight, dust, and regular wear and tear. It helps prevent structural damage, corrosion, and deterioration, extending the lifespan of various components in the facility, including walls, floors, metal structures, and equipment.
  • Maintenance and Preservation: Regular painting operations are part of preventive maintenance programs in facility management. By addressing minor issues like peeling, cracks, or stains on surfaces, painting helps maintain a well-maintained and professional appearance. It prevents further damage and the need for costlier repairs in the future.  Using environmentally conscious paints contributes to sustainable practices and healthier indoor air quality.
  • Functional Differentiation: Painted color variations are utilized to differentiate various spaces within a facility. By using different colors, patterns, or textures, specific areas can be designated for different purposes, such as work zones, storage areas, or recreational spaces. This assists with wayfinding and enhances overall functionality.

Today at 15:00 UTC we review best practice literature for large-scale painting operations — an exploration different than the one undertaken during our Fine Art and Signs, Signs, Signs colloquia — with attention to worker and chemical safety.  Among these considerations:

  • Falls from Heights: When painting large structures such as buildings or bridges, workers often need to work at elevated heights using ladders, scaffolding, or aerial lifts. Falls from heights are a significant hazard, and proper fall protection systems, such as guardrails, harnesses, and safety nets, should be in place to prevent accidents.  Large-scale painting operations may require workers to access or work on structures that have structural weaknesses, corroded surfaces, or unstable platforms. 
  • Inhalation of Hazardous Substances: Paints, coatings, solvents, and other chemicals used in large-scale painting operations can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful substances. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals, particularly in poorly ventilated areas, can lead to respiratory problems, dizziness, skin irritation, or other health issues. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) like respirators, gloves, and protective clothing should be provided and used to minimize exposure risks.
  • Skin and Eye Irritation: Contact with paint, solvents, or other chemicals can cause skin irritation, dermatitis, or allergic reactions. Splashes or spills can also result in eye injuries. Workers should wear appropriate protective clothing, such as gloves, coveralls, and safety goggles, to protect their skin and eyes from direct contact with hazardous substances.
  • Fire and Explosion Risks: Some paints and solvents are flammable or combustible, posing fire and explosion risks, especially in enclosed spaces or areas with inadequate ventilation. Strict adherence to fire safety measures, including proper storage and handling of flammable materials, use of spark-proof tools, and implementing effective fire prevention protocols, is crucial.
  • Weather Conditions: Outdoor large-scale painting operations are often subject to weather conditions, such as extreme temperatures, high winds, or rain. Adverse weather conditions can pose risks to workers’ safety and affect the quality of paint application. Adequate weather monitoring and planning, along with appropriate safety measures and protective equipment, are necessary to mitigate these hazards.

Open to everyone.  Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.

Relevant standards:

Chemistry

ASTM D-series titles

EN 1504-2: Products and systems that are graffiti-resistant

ISO 12944: Paints and varnishes

Application and Fire Safety

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers: Self-Operating Paint Bot

National Fire Protection Association

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Color Metrology

Color and Appearance

Range of colors chart used in NIST measurements

The National Institute of Standards and Technology measures color through a combination of sophisticated instrumentation and established standards:

1. Standards and Calibration

    • Primary Standards: NIST maintains primary color standards, such as spectral reflectance and transmittance standards, that are traceable to international measurement systems.
    • Calibration of Instruments: Instruments used for color measurement are calibrated using these standards to ensure accuracy and consistency.

2. Instrumentation

    • Spectrophotometers: These instruments measure the intensity of light at different wavelengths. They are used to obtain the spectral reflectance or transmittance of a sample.
    • Colorimeters: These are simpler instruments that measure color using a few broad wavelength bands. They are often used for less precise applications.

3. Measurement Process

    • Sample Preparation: The sample to be measured is prepared according to specific protocols to ensure uniformity and consistency.
    • Spectral Measurement: The spectrophotometer or colorimeter measures the light reflected or transmitted by the sample across the visible spectrum.
    • Data Collection: The data collected includes the spectral power distribution, which indicates how much light is reflected or transmitted at each wavelength.

4. Data Analysis

    • Color Spaces and Models: The raw spectral data is converted into color space coordinates (e.g., CIE XYZ, Lab) using mathematical models. These models account for human vision characteristics and provide a numerical representation of color.
    • Comparison and Reporting: The measured color can be compared to standard references or reported in various formats depending on the application (e.g., color difference ΔE).

5. Quality Control and Assurance

    • Repeatability and Reproducibility: NIST ensures the repeatability and reproducibility of color measurements by using rigorous quality control protocols.
    • Uncertainty Analysis: The uncertainty associated with the measurements is analyzed and reported to provide a clear understanding of the precision of the measurements.

Example Instruments and Techniques

    • Goniospectrophotometers: These measure the color of materials that change appearance with viewing angle.
    • Integrating Spheres: These are used with spectrophotometers to measure diffuse reflectance or transmittance.
    • Laser-based Systems: Advanced systems that use lasers for highly precise color measurements.

NIST’s methods are designed to provide highly accurate and reliable color measurements that can be used across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, textiles, and digital imaging.

Standards Michigan: National Institute of Standards and Technology

 

Color Calculation Standard E3415

New Standard Will Aid in Color Calculation of Objects

ASTM Committee E12 on Color and Appearance


According to ASTM member Hugh Fairman, legacy standard E308 gathered data and pre-calculated weight sets for doing what is called “tristimulus integration,” which determines the actual color of a measured spectral reflectance or spectral power curve. While this standard is still useful in certain cases, a need has grown for the more updated practice described in E3415 to respond to interest in how illumination is perceived on painted surfaces.

Standards Michigan: ASTM International

Related:

A RAL number is part of a standardized color matching system developed by the RAL Deutsches Institut für Gütesicherung und Kennzeichnung (German Institute for Quality Assurance and Certification) used primarily in Europe. It is widely used for defining colors for paint, coatings, and plastics.

Powell

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Harju County

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Budget Laboratory

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Marathonradio steunt studenten

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Barbering & Cosmetology Academies

‘The Barber of Seville’ by Luis Alvarez Catalá

Codes, standards and licensing for barbering schools and cosmetology academies are governed by local regulations; or local adaptations of national standards-setting organizations.  

Northern Michigan University | Marquette County

Building Codes

  1. Minimum Floor Space
    • Schools must provide adequate space for instruction and practice. For example, California requires a minimum of 3,000 square feet for cosmetology schools (which often include barbering), with at least 2,000 square feet dedicated to working, practice, and classroom areas. Additional space (e.g., 30 square feet per student beyond the first 50) may be required as enrollment increases.
    • Rooms for practical work must be sized appropriately, such as at least 14 feet wide for one row of barber chairs or 20 feet for two rows (California standard).
  2. Ceiling Height
    • Practice and classroom areas often require a minimum ceiling height, such as 9 feet, to ensure proper ventilation and comfort (e.g., California Building Code).
  3. Floor Finish
    • Floors in areas like restrooms or workspaces must be made of nonabsorbent materials (e.g., tile) to facilitate cleaning and maintain hygiene.
  4. Separation from Other Uses
    • Barbering schools must be distinct entities, not combined with residential spaces or unrelated businesses (e.g., Nevada’s NAC 643.500).
  5. Compliance with Local Building and Zoning Codes
    • Facilities must adhere to local ordinances for construction, occupancy, and zoning, ensuring the building is structurally sound and legally permitted for educational use (e.g., Virginia’s 18VAC41-20-270).
  6. Accessibility
    • Buildings must comply with accessibility standards (e.g., ADA in the U.S.), providing ramps, wide doorways, and accessible restrooms.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Bloodborne Pathogen Safety Standards


Safety

  1. Fire Safety
    • Compliance with the State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (e.g., New York’s 19 NYCRR Parts 600-1250) or equivalent, including fire exits, extinguishers, and alarms.
    • Emergency exits must be clearly marked and unobstructed.
  2. Electrical Safety
    • All electrical equipment (e.g., clippers, dryers) must be regularly inspected (e.g., PAT testing in some regions) to prevent shocks or fires.
  3. Ventilation and Temperature Control
    • Adequate ventilation systems are required to maintain air quality and a safe working temperature, protecting students and instructors from fumes or overheating.
  4. First Aid and Emergency Preparedness
    • A stocked first aid kit must be available, and schools should have protocols for handling accidents or emergencies.
  5. Equipment Safety
    • Tools and workstations (e.g., chairs, sinks) must be maintained in good condition to prevent injuries. Hazardous tools like razor-edged implements for callus removal are often prohibited (e.g., California regulations).
  6. Occupational Safety
    • Compliance with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) or state equivalents, such as Virginia’s Department of Labor and Industry standards, to protect against workplace hazards like chemical exposure or repetitive strain.


Hygiene

  1. Sanitation of Facilities
    • Schools must be kept clean and sanitary at all times, including floors, walls, furniture, and workstations (e.g., Virginia’s 18VAC41-20-270).
  2. Disinfection of Tools
    • Each student or instructor must have a wet disinfection unit at their station for sterilizing reusable tools (e.g., combs, shears) after each use. Disinfectants must be EPA-registered and bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal.
    • Single-use items (e.g., razor blades) must be discarded after each client in a labeled sharps container.
  3. Hand Hygiene
    • Practitioners must wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer before services (e.g., Texas Rule 83.102).
  4. Client Protection
    • Sanitary neck strips or towels must be used to prevent capes from contacting clients’ skin directly (e.g., California regulations).
    • Services cannot be performed on inflamed, broken, or infected skin, and practitioners with such conditions on their hands must wear gloves.
  5. Product Safety
    • Cosmetic products containing FDA-banned hazardous substances are prohibited, and all products must be used per manufacturer instructions (e.g., Virginia’s 18VAC41-20-270).
  6. Waste Management
    • Proper disposal of soiled items (e.g., hair clippings) and hazardous waste (e.g., blades) is required, often daily or after each client.
  7. Health Department Compliance
    • Schools must follow state health department guidelines and report inspection results (e.g., Virginia requires reporting to the Board of Barbers and Cosmetology).
  8. Self-Inspection
    • Annual self-inspections must be documented and retained for review (e.g., Virginia mandates keeping records for five years).


Discussion

  • State-Specific Variations: Always consult your state’s barbering or cosmetology board for exact requirements. For instance, Texas (TDLR) emphasizes signage and licensing display, while California focuses on detailed sterilization methods.
  • Inspections: Schools are subject to regular inspections by state boards or health departments to ensure compliance.

Cosmetology (as time allows)

 

A Gentleman’s London

Sports Equipment & Surfaces

Student Membership | @ASTMStudentFans

“The National Game” 1889 Arthur Streeton

 

 

 

Sport is the bloom and glow of a perfect health.

—Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Sport programs, facilities and equipment support one of the most visible and emotionally engaging enterprises in the education communities.   These programs are central to the brand identity of the community and last, but not least, physical activity keeps our young people healthy in body and mind.

ASTM International is one of the first names among the 300-odd ANSI accredited standards setting organizations whose due processes discover and promulgate the standard of care for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of the facilities that support these enterprises.   The parent committee is linked below:

ASTM Committee F08 on Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities

While ASTM bibliography is largely product-oriented, there are many titles that set the standard of care for sport enterprises and the accessories to these enterprises.  To identify a few:

ASTM 1487-17 Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use

ASTM F1774  Standard Specification for Climbing and Mountaineering Carabiners

ASTM F2060-00(2011) Standard Guide for Maintaining Cool Season Turfgrasses on Athletic Fields

ASTM F1703-13 Standard Guide for Skating and Ice Hockey Playing Facilities

ASTM F1953-10 Standard Guide for Construction and Maintenance of Grass Tennis Courts

ASTM F1081-09(2015) Standard Specification for Competition Wrestling Mats

ASTM F2950-14 Standard Safety and Performance Specification for Soccer Goals

ASTM F2461-16e1 Standard Practice for Manufacture, Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of Aquatic Play Equipment

When the General Requirements of an athletic facility construction project indicates: “Conform to all applicable standards” then, in the case of an sport facility, the ASTM title is likely the document that defines the standard of care from a product standpoint.  Interoperability of the products in a sport setting are quite another matter.

At the international level, we track action in ISO/TC 83 Sports and other recreational facilities and equipment administered globally by the Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V.   ASTM International is ANSI’s Technical Advisory Group for  this committee.

University of Maine

The ASTM standards development process depends heavily on face-to-face meetings — typically two times per year – in different parts of the United States.   The benefit of this arrangement lies in the quality of discussion among subject matter experts that results produced from face-to-face discussion.  The price to pay for this quality, however, lies in the cost of attendance for the user-interest in the education industry.   Relatively few subject matter experts directly employed by a school district, college or university who are charged with lowering #TotalCostofOwnership can attend the meetings.   Many of the subject matter experts who are in attendance at the ASTM meetings from the education industry tend to be faculty who are retained by manufacturers, insurance, testing laboratories, conformity and compliance interests.  (See our discussion of Incumbent Interests)

That much said, ASTM welcomes subject matter experts on its technical committees (Click here)  We encourage participation by end users from the education industry — many of them in the middle of athletic facility management organization charts.   The parent committee meets twice a year; after which we usually find public review redlines developed during those meetings to hit our radar.  The link to the schedule of face-to-face meetings appears below:

F08 Meetings

Note that the August 2020 cancelled but the November 2020 meeting still appears on the schedule.  It is likely that much of the committee work will be done online.

We are required to review draft ASTM consensus products with some care — owing to copyright restrictions — so we do it interactively online during teleconferences devoted to Sport.  See our CALENDAR for the next online meeting; open to everyone.

Issue: [7-7] [10-32] [13-165] [20-156] 

Category: Sport, Management, Risk Management

Contact: Mike Anthony, Jack Janveja, George Reiher, Richard Robben

Synthetic Turf Guidelines

 

 

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