Auto Repair and Body Shops
Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School Auto & Collision Shops Switch to Safer Products
Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough received two TURI grants. The auto repair shop used the funds to switch to a bio-based cleaning system. The auto collision shop purchased a water-based paint gun system. Both projects eliminated the use of solvents for cleaning.
Mike's Auto Body in Fall River was recognized as a Champion of Toxics Use Reduction at the State House. From left, Rep. Paul Schmid III, Steve Madeiros and Mike Penacho of Mike's Auto Body, and Rep. Alan Silvia. Download the case study.
More Auto Shop Projects
Auto repair and body shops are an important part of a community, providing needed services and jobs. However, they also use many substances that pose a hazard to workers and can potentially pollute the environment. TURI helps auto shops reduce the use of toxic chemicals by offering technical assistance and small business grants. For example:
- Mike’s Auto Body in Fall River received a TURI grant to purchase safer alternatives for wheel weights, wheel cleaning, paint gun washing, brake cleaning and general degreasing. Read the case study. Mike's Auto Body also received recognition for its accomplishments in the July 2016 issue of New England Automotive Report.
- 912 Auto in Dorchester received a TURI grant to demonstrate to other body shops the use of an EPA DfE (Design for Environment) approved paint gun wash solution. The shop is saving over $3,000 annually by moving away from harmful solvents with excellent results. A case study describes the changes made by the shop including the financial savings.
- The Boston Public Health Commission's Safe Shops program has received TURI grants to help Boston shops reduce the use of solvents. The program has many excellent resources for shops looking to create a safer and healthier work environment.
- The town of Watertown received a TURI grant to help shops move away from lead wheel weights to safer alternatives.