Wisconsin Automotive News Summer 2016

The Official Publication of the Wisconsin Auto Collision Technicians Association Ltd.

Summer 2016

The Most Important Tool in Your Toolbox:

WACTAL MEMBERSHIP

PLUS:

www.grecopublishing.com

WACTAL Scholarships Awarded Are You Ready for OEM Certification?

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2016-2018 WACTAL BOARD of DIRECTORS President Larry Terrien MJ Collision Center larry@mjcollisioncenter.com Vice President Mark Williams Williams Auto Body mark@williamsautobody.com Secretary/Treasurer Ronnie Goss Goss Auto Body, Inc. ronnie@gossautobody.com Treasurer Sue Black Dean’s Auto Body suzieq@deansautobody.com Directors James Bryhan Bryhan's Body & Paint Specialists Eileen Haberman Glen's Auto Body, Inc. Mike Miyagawa M & M Auto Body Inc. Michael Taylor Zimbrick Chevrolet-Sun Prairie Tracy Black Dean’s Auto Body, Inc. Association Administration Sue Peterson wactal@execpc.com / info@wactal.com (800) 366-9482 Lobbyist Jolene Plautz jplautz@aol.com

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Vol. 3, Number 4

CONTENTS PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ........................................................5 Are You Ready for OEM Certification?

by Larry Terrien

LOCAL NEWS WACTAL Scholarships Awarded................................................7

by Chloe Durante

WACTAL MEMBER BENEFIT SPOTLIGHT ......................................9 West Bend Mutual Insurance Company TALKING TECHNICAL ................................................................10 Why Scanning Matters

by Larry Montanez III, CDA & Jeff Lange, PE

FEATURE STORY ....................................................................14 Providing a Future For the Collision Repair Industry: Inside the Benefits of WACTAL Membership ENVIRONMENTALLY SPEAKING ....................................................16 Auto Body Shops May Petition USEPA for an Exemption from the Auto Body Refinishing Rule

by Renee Lesjak Bashel, WI DNR Small Business Environmental Assistance Program

WACTAL BENEFIT PROGRAM ..................................................17 PUBLISHED BY: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 244 Chestnut St., Suite 202 Nutley, NJ 07110 PHONE: 973-667-6922 • FAX: 973-235-1963

WACTAL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION ........................................18

ADVERTISING: 973-667-6922 • alicia@grecopublishing.com PUBLISHER: Thomas Greco (thomas@grecopublishing.com) SALES DIRECTOR: Alicia Figurelli (alicia@grecopublishing.com) CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Lea Velocci (lea@grecopublishing.com) EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Joel Gausten (joel@grecopublishing.com) EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Chloe Durante (chloe@grecopublishing.com) OFFICE MANAGER: Donna Greco (donna@grecopublishing.com) www.grecopublishing.com Wisconsin Automotive News is published quarterly by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc., 244 Chestnut Street, Suite 202 Nutley, NJ 07110. Distributed free to qualified recipients; $48 to all others. Additional copies of Wisconsin Automotive News are available at $5 per copy.

Reproduction of any portions of this publication is specifically prohibited without written permission of the publisher. The opinions and ideas appearing in this magazine are not necessarily representations of Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. or of WACTAL. Copyright © 2016 by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. Cover image © www.istock.com

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ADVERTISER’S INDEX Axalta Coatings........................................OBC LKQ..........................................................IBC Body Shop Supply Co. ............................6 Morrison’s Auto Parts ..............................4 Buerkle Hyundai ......................................13 P&L Consultants......................................11 Dent Clinic ..............................................8 Straight and Square ................................9 West Bend Mutual Insurance ..................IFC Dentsmart ................................................12 Zorn Compressor & Equipment ..............13 International Autos Waukesha..................5 3

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President’s MESSAGE

Are You Ready for OEM Certification?

I recently attended the SCRS Affiliate Leadership Conference in Seattle this past April. SCRS affiliates from around the country get together bi-annually to discuss trends in the industry and topics affecting state associations.

One of the highlights of the meeting was a panel discussion with representatives of some of the major auto manufacturers.

Some of the manufacturers represented were Toyota, AudiLamborghini, Tesla and Jaguar-Land Rover. They discussed repairability of today’s vehicles and the importance of factoryspecific training for repairs. Due to the complex construction methods and the variety of alternative materials used (aluminum, carbon fiber, ultra-high strength steels, etc.), factory certification training is required for many of the new models. Some manufacturers are even restricting parts sales to only certified collision repair facilities.

There was also a discussion on the costs of these certification programs. The average cost of a four-day factory certification can run upwards of $10,000 to $20,000, with some programs lasting two weeks and costing much more than that. Then

there are the staggering costs of tools, equipment and facility modifications that are required for these programs. These costs, combined with the pricing of the programs themselves, can run upwards of $250,000 or more. In addition to all of these initial investments, shops must stay up-to-date. Most of these certification programs require the added costs of annual re-certifications, which often involves re-inspection of the facility by the manufacturer.

The panel members agreed that, because of these factors, they are seeing more and more of a segmented industry between the shops that obtain factory certifications and those that do not.

So how will this affect your business? Are you ready to make the commitment for OEM certification?

Larry Terrien President WAN

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WACTAL Scholarships Awarded

by Chloe Durante

For nearly 20 years, WACTAL has been awarding annual scholarships to dedicated students pursuing careers in collision repair in Wisconsin. With over 35 scholarships being given to deserving students over the years, the association’s “desire to offer financial assistance for post-secondary education to young people” will continue to grow.

Each scholarship is valued at over $5,000—which includes $2,000 towards tuition and a $3,667 set of tools, donated by Snap-on Corporation headquartered in Kenosha. As in past years, the association worked with the Foundation of the Wisconsin Automobile & Truck Dealers (WATDA) to determine who would receive the scholarship for 2016. This year, the competition was so stiff that WACTAL decided to honor two worthy candidates. This year’s recipients were Jacob Falk and Ivan Gomez.

According to WACTAL Administrator Sue Peterson, “WACTAL knows that GPA isn’t the end all be all—some students just do not do as well as others in high school, but you put them in a hands on trade program and they can really excel. We really look at the whole person when ranking potential candidates—not only their intellectual abilities, but their dependability, leadership skills and most importantly their motivation and desire to learn.”

Jacob Falk graduated from Lomira High School in June of this year and will be attending Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton this fall. Jacob was lucky enough to have been offered on-the-job training and mentoring at Dreher Collision Center, Inc. in Brownsville.

“Jacob is so excited and I can’t even tell you how proud he is to have been the recipient,” noted a representative from the management team of Dreher Collision Center. Jacob has been with Dreher Collision Center since he was 12 years old and over the years, he has proven that he is the one they can count on. He always asks questions about something he’s unsure of and always gets the job done—correctly.

2016 WACTAL scholarship winners Jacob Falk “He’s not afraid (pictured here with Bill Dreher of Dreher Collision to get his hands Center) and Ivan Gomez, showcasing his skills in the dirty—to make auto body shop class at Fox Valley Technical College.

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Local

NEWS

something good out of something that was junk,” they added. “He’s just a great kid—very fair, calm, respectful and honest. On top of that, he’s pretty smart, too.”

In a thank you letter to WACTAL, Jacob said, “Thank you for choosing me as the recipient for this scholarship—I am so excited to learn and apply these new skills in my career.”

Because the association offers this scholarship to not only students fresh out of high school, but also to adults already working in the industry who are looking to advance their knowledge and training, Ivan Gomez was chosen as the second recipient. Ivan is a second year student enrolled in the Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing program, also offered at Fox Valley Technical College. In addition, Ivan will also be receiving on-the-job training, but from Kolosso Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. “I am so thankful for this scholarship as it gives me the financial support I need in reaching my goal of earning a technical diploma in Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing,” said Gomez in a thank you letter received by WACTAL. “Since there are so many tools and equipment required for these classes, the awesome tool kit will be put to great use and be used for many years to come.”

Working part-time and going to school full-time simultaneously can be challenging for anyone; however, Ivan is so pleased that all of his hard work has finally begun to pay off. After graduation next spring, Ivan plans to work in the Fox Valley area so that he can service his community.

For more information on WACTAL scholarships and their membership benefits, please visit www.wactal.com/?s=scholarship.

2016 Robert Author Smith Golf Outing Highlights

On Thursday, June 30, over 80 golfers gathered at the Irish Waters Golf Course in Freedom, WI to honor the memory of instructor Bob Smith at the Robert Author Smith Memorial Golf Outing.

Presented with support from the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) and I-CAR, the event was organized to remember Smith, a visionary for advancing collision repair training. The longtime instructor at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton was instrumental in the creation of the I-CAR Tech Center, and remained a longtime supporter and proponent of industry education. A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Fox Valley Technical College as well as Freedom High School.

For more information on future events or to find out how you can contribute to the Robert Author Smith Memorial Fund, please contact Jerry Goodson at (920) 993-5163 or Ronnie Goss at (920) 725-2022.

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WACTAL Member Benefit Spotlight: West Bend Mutual Insurance Company

WACTAL’s Business Insurance Program is offered by West Bend Mutual Insurance Company through local independent insurance agencies. For those members who are eligible, the program includes a seven percent discount on garage coverages, plus coverage enhancements unique to the WACTAL program. Although workers’ compensation and umbrella premiums are not included in the group experience discount plan, participants in the program may receive dividends on their workers’ compensation coverages.

WACTAL’s Personal Lines (home and auto) Insurance Program: West Bend’s Home and Highway® program is available to WACTAL member owners and key employees. In addition to many benefits and discounts, qualifying members who participate in this program will receive an eight percent association discount.

Visit www.thesilverlining.com for an insurance agent near you.

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Talking

TECHNICAL

By Larry Montanez III, CDA and Jeff Lange, PE

Why Scanning Matters Every day, we see posts on multiple collision-related social media sites regarding vehicle electronics. We regularly receive phone calls from technicians about electronic issues on vehicles they’re attempting to repair. The places we rarely hear from are the European OEM-Certified Collision Repair Facilities (CCRFs). Why is that? Well, this article offers a possible explanation.

A large percentage of American repair facilities are under-tooled, under-equipped and under-trained to repair modern vehicles, and the extensive use of electronically controlled systems adds to this issue.

Many shops and technicians assume that if there is no Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated, then everything is working properly (just like they assume that there is no structural damage if they don’t see it.) This is not only incorrect, but extremely dangerous and potentially costly. Most of the European OEM CCRFs are not only trained, but required by their CCRF program contracts to pre-scan the collision-damaged vehicles in their shop.

Pre-scanning and pre-measuring a vehicle are the two most important procedures to perform prior to writing a damage report (estimate).

Why do you need to perform a prescan on collision-damaged vehicles?

Today’s automobiles are equipped with multiple computer-controlled systems that oversee a variety of safety systems, which require maintenance and updates as part of their normal operation. But in the event of a collision (and after repairs and/or replacement of components), the electrical systems will require resetting or reinitializing to ensure the system is operating cor10

rectly. The Electronic Control Modules (ECMs) operate vehicle systems including adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane assist, vehicle stability, collision avoidance, blind spot detection, back-up cameras, front and rear radar, DISTRONIC cruise control, discriminatory SRS, PRE-SAFE, heads-up display and more.

What is unknown to most technicians and insurance companies is that many vehicles hold diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) or fault codes and history codes. In many cases, they may or may not illuminate an MIL. Facilities must have the equipment and ability to read these codes to determine if they are a result of the collision event or an operational issue prior to the accident. Once the repairs are completed, a post-scan is required to ensure that all codes have been identified and cleared and/or other system problems have been identified. Additionally, systems often need a relearn or initializing after repairs are completed. If post-scans are not performed, collision repair facilities may be unaware of any symptoms or inoperative functions. Symptoms will sometimes be noticed by the vehicle owner while operating the automobile, and/or warning lights will illuminate soon after delivery. This will cause the customer to return to the body shop. Sometimes the vehicle owner will bring his or her vehicle to a dealer for warranty repairs, thinking the issue is not accident-related. But as we all know, the dealer eventually finds out the vehicle was in an accident and then claims it is related to that collision event. Oftentimes, the shop gets involved and says it can’t be related to the incident, and an argument ensues. The issue with a

particular system is very often related to the collision event, but many shops do not know how the system operates, and this leads to confusion.

Here are examples of problems or inoperative systems that do not illuminate an MIL/warning light: Auto/express power windows Auto-adjust mirror functions/curb parking Satellite radio reception/updates Passive entry/auto approach entry Hands-free calling/bluetooth/voice command Puddle lamps/approach warning Auto A/C blower functions/ambient temperature climate control Passenger presence disable/ occupant weight system

Let’s look at a few examples of prescanning, post-scanning and relearning.

Many vehicles require fuel management systems to be reinitialized or reprogrammed after certain sensors or modules are disconnected or replaced.

Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles: After any collision event, these vehicles require a reweighing of the passenger seat Occupant Weight System (OWS) for the passenger airbag discriminatory system. Many other OEMs also require this procedure. A pre-scan is required to determine what other systems are inoperative after a collision event. These include (but are not limited to) seat belt buckles, pretensioners and the airbag control module.

Many OEMs have procedures for Summer 2016

“Inspections Required after a Collision” that explain the scanning and testing that should be performed (such as static testing of the seat belts and checking the system for fault codes, and the deployed airbag module mounting areas for misalignment, to name a few.)

BMW vehicles equipped with turning headlamps require a scan and relearn to align the turning lamps with the GPS and steering angle sensors after removal, installation or replacement. Additionally, the electric power steering in many BMW models requires resetting once it is disconnected and/or replaced.

Almost every OEM with a guided back-up camera requires it to be aligned with the steering angle sensor after the decklid, tailgate or hatch is removed and reinstalled or replaced. Audi, Porsche and VW vehicles require the parking sensors to be aligned after just removing and reinstalling the bumper fascia.

Certain Audi and Porsche vehicles have radar sensors in the fascia that require a specific aim in procedures after the fascia have been removed and reinstalled.

Additionally, Audi A8 Ls require a specific Audi computer program to set the ride height, headlamp aiming, distance control and pre-crash system while the wheel alignment is being performed.

Certain equipped Mercedes-Benz vehicles require three or four systems reinitialized after replacement of windshield glass. These systems can be lane departure, PRE-SAFE and rain sensors.

These are just a few examples.

Please remember that checking with OEM repair procedures will allow the damage assessors to know what needs

Summer 2016

to be done. Pre-scanning will also ensure that any inoperative systems are noted and addressed. Technicians and insurance adjusters must understand that there will be no so-called “idiot light,” “malfunction lamp” or “warning lamp” illuminated. If certain systems (such as precrash/accident avoidance, distance cruise control and lane departure, to name a few) are not re-aimed, reinitialized or reset, a collision event could occur due to the vehicle not identifying another vehicle or object in its path. This

could be extremely dangerous.

We have written about the importance of sending the vehicle to the dealer after repairs for these types of systems.

We all must remember that vehicles starting in the $18,000 range have some of these systems. We can no longer assume and say, “I don’t see any warning lights; it must be all good.” This way of thinking must stop; it is negligent to use old technology and thoughts on new advanced systems. continued on next page

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If you were walking around your house and your laptop fell out of your hands, you would be out of your mind worrying that the laptop may not work, right? You would turn it on and try a few programs out (or restart it) and do a scan, right? If a vehicle contains 25-50 computers and modules and it is involved in a collision event, wouldn’t you think the bare minimum you should do is check the system? There are general scan tools from OTC and Snap-On that will allow some programming and resetting. There is even the all-new AsTech2, which works as an interface to AsTech to read vehicle systems with OEM computers and software programs over the Internet. There are multiple choices for collision repair professionals. The one choice they don’t have is to neglect making the investment.

A damage assessor who does not pre-measure and pre-scan a vehicle (and check with the OEM repair procedures) is not only negligent, but is also putting the consumer and the general motoring public at risk.

Larry Montanez III, CDA is co-owner of P&L Consultants with Peter Pratti, Jr. P&L Consultants works with collision repair shops on estimating, production and proper repair procedures. P&L conducts repair workshops on MIG & resistance welding, measuring for estimating and advanced estimating skills.

P&L also conducts investigations for insurers and repair shops for improper repairs, collision repairability and estimating issues. P&L can be reached by contacting Larry at (718) 891-4018 (office), (917) 860–3588 (cell), (718) 646–2733 (fax) or via email at larrygoju@aol.com. The P&L website is www.PnLEstimology.com.

Jeff Lange, PE is president of Lange Technical Services, Ltd. of Deer Park, NY (www.LangeTech.net). Jeff is a Licensed New York State Professional Engineer who specializes in investigating vehicle and component failures. Lange Technical Services, Ltd. is an investigative engineering firm performing forensic vehicle examinations and analysis for accident reconstruction, products liability and insurance issues. Jeff can be reached at (631) 667-6128 or by email at Jeff.Lange@LangeTech.net.

SAVE THE DATE! “Material Caps: What to Do and Why They Are Illegal” Presented by Tony Passwater, AEII Wednesday, September 14, 2016 6pm - 9pm Weston Lanes - Schofield, WI For more information, contact the Central Wisconsin Auto Body Association (CWABA) (715) 355-4611 / Brenda@paulspaint.com

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Feature

STORY

Providing a Future For the Collision Repair Industry: Inside the Benefits of WACTAL Membership What’s the most important tool in your toolbox?

Like many collision repair professionals, you likely have an array of equipment, products and instruments that help optimize daily life in the shop. But there’s another tool out there that helps promote the success of you, your facility and the repair industry at large through discounts, incentives, educational programs, advocacy on a legislative level and much more. It may not “fit” in a standard toolbox, but membership in the Wisconsin Auto Collision Technicians Association Ltd. (WACTAL) is certain to be a perfect fit for you and your shop, as well as a wise investment to secure your success into the future.

Established in 1971, WACTAL was initially formed by a group of collision shop owners with a common vision: To promote and enhance the future of their trade. The association currently represents more than 200 collision repair member companies, unifying over 1,000 repairers throughout Wisconsin.

“For me, the biggest advantage to being a part of WACTAL is in having a unified voice as industry members,” notes longtime member Mike Miyagawa (M&M Auto Body Inc., Madison). “The ability to bounce ideas off of one another and see what’s trending in my area versus another shop’s location is hugely helpful in my day to day operations.”

WACTAL currently works to promote the professionalism and longevity of member shops by offering a number of incentives that help cut costs, educate consumers and provide opportunities for networking, education and communication. WACTAL members are afforded a variety of exclusive benefits and programs including:

Personal Concierge App WACTAL member shops are eligible for special pricing on the Personal Concierge phone app, designed to help prevent insurer steering by informing motorists of their rights before, during and after a collision event. The app explains the repair and claims process, what to do (and what not to do) following an accident, and the importance of contacting your preferred shop at the scene of the collision. The app even features a one-touch dialer that will contact the shop on the consumer’s behalf.

For more information, visit www.personalconcierges.net (or check out page 17 of this issue).

Savings on Business Services West Bend Mutual Insurance Company has created an effective 14

partnership with WACTAL that has been specifically designed to help members save money and even receive dividends, all while using their own preferred local agent. The WACTAL Business Insurance Program offers members a seven percent discount on garage coverages, as well as additional coverage enhancements, presented with the convenience of being able to do business with a local, independent insurance agency. As an additional incentive, participants in the program are also

eligible to receive dividends on Workers Compensation coverages.

Outside of the shop, West Bend’s Home & Highway policy program - available to WACTAL member owners and key employees offers coverage on valuables outside the business including homes, valuables, RVs, boats, motorcycles and more, all with one premium, one deductible and the member’s preferred local agent. WACTAL members receive discounted pricing; visit www.thesilverlining.com for further information.

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WACTAL also helps members strengthen their bottom lines through partnerships for both credit card processing during the repair and CSI audits following the job’s conclusion. TSYS Merchant Solutions is the endorsed provider of an exclusive credit card processing program specifically designed for association members, offering low rates by using the collective volume for all members. Contact TSYS’ Wisconsin representative, at (262) 646-0054 for more information or a free rate analysis. Following the repair, the WACTAL Customer Service Survey (CSS) Program extends the opportunity for members to learn from customers’ experiences at their shop at a reasonable price.

“We’ve taken advantage of the many WACTAL member benefits for years,” notes Board member Ronnie Goss (Goss Auto Body, Menasha). “We receive great savings on our insurance costs through using West Bend, and the credit card processing program actually helps to benefit the WACTAL Scholarship Fund [a portion of the funds collected help fund that intiative]. It’s one of the many ways that WACTAL helps itself.

“We also participate in the CSS Program, which I find tremendous value in,” Goss continues. “It’s so easy and requires so little effort; we

hand out postcards (provided by WACTAL) to customers, who then complete and return the survey to the association. We are notified of their responses immediately, which allows us to contact them right away and maintain communication. I hope WACTAL members are taking advantage of this program - and all of the great benefits offered through the association.”

For those members looking to revamp, create or enhance their web presence, the association has fostered a relationship with Fox Valley Web Design LLC to provide special pricing to WACTAL members Summer 2016

in the areas of web design, hosting, social media marketing and other digital services. FVWD offers a number of services including search engine optimization (SEO), email setup, social media promotion and more. To learn more, visit www.foxvalleywebdesign.com.

In addition to the aforementioned benefits, WACTAL members are privy to a number of additional perks including The Consumer’s Guide to Auto Collision Repair (a brochure available to members for in-shop distribution), a membership sign, access to the current WACTAL membership directory and a free subscription to Wisconsin Automotive News, the official publication of the association. Members and supporters alike are also offered regular opportunities to better themselves through training and educational events throughout the year, including the association’s annual Convention every spring.

“The convention is one of the most valuable aspects of membership,” adds Miyagawa. “There are always a lot of new ideas presented and discussed, and attendees are given a great deal of important information on what’s happening in and around the industry just by attending.”

Part of WACTAL’s mission to further the professionalism of its members and the industry includes diligent advocacy fighting for the issues affecting shop owners throughout the state and beyond. The association’s work with lobbyist Jolene Plautz - not to mention grassroots efforts by the WACTAL board itself - has yielded impressive results, including the recent signing of The Auto Body Shop Choice Bill into law in November 2015. Senate Bill 93 “prohibits an insurer that issues a motor vehicle insurance policy that covers repairs to a motor vehicle from: 1) requiring that repairs must be made by a particular contractor or repair facility as a condition of that coverage; or 2) failing to initiate or conclude with due dispatch an investigation of a claim for repairs on the basis of whether the repair will be made by a particular contractor or repair facility.” This anti-steering bill also establishes that “a consumer has the right to select the motor vehicle repair facility of his or her choosing.”

WACTAL’s efforts extend beyond assisting the current workforce to also offer a helping hand to future technicians. To date, the association has awarded over $50,000 in scholarships to “offer financial assistance for post-secondary education to young people preparing for a career in collision repair.” This year, the association awarded not one but two deserving recipients with scholarships to help further their careers.

More information on the 2016 winners and the program itself can be found on page 7.

With so many challenges facing today’s collision repair professionals, there has never been a more important time to band together as a united industry. With the backing of hundreds of voices and a variety of tremendous member benefits, you simply cannot afford to not be a WACTAL member in order to remain successful now and into the future.

So what are you waiting for? Contact the WACTAL office today at (800) 366-9472 or complete and return the membership application on page 18. Invest in the multi-faceted tool of WACTAL membership, and align yourself with a group working tirelessly to ensure the future success of the collision repair industry.

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Environmentally

SPEAKING

by Renee Lesjak Bashel, WI DNR Small Business Environmental Assistance Program

The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has a rule – also called the Auto Body Refinishing rule –which regulates hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating that affects auto body refinishing shops nationally. This rule includes an exemption for shops that do not use any paints containing compounds made with the heavy metals cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese and nickel.

Since the rule was first issued in 2008, many paint manufacturers have made changes to nearly all of their paint lines and removed the HAPs listed in the rule. It might be a good idea to review your paint lines to see if they no longer contain the heavy metal HAPs. A shop owner can review their paints and figure out whether they are exempt in one of the following ways:

Auto Body Shops May Petition USEPA for an Exemption from the Auto Body Refinishing Rule • Review all of their current paint Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on their own, • Check with their paint vendor to see if the paint lines they purchase have the listed HAPs, or • Go to the Auto Body Shop webpage provided by the National Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs and look for the “6H petition for exemption resources” link available at http://tinyurl.com/ztcy4g3.

(The “6H petition for exemption resources” file is a list of all paint manufacturers with links to webpages where they post information on paint lines that no longer contain the HAPs.) In order to be considered exempt from the rule, a shop must first petition USEPA by filing a Petition for Exemption; USEPA provides an example form, available at http://tinyurl.com/zu2xpbt.Wisconsin

shops should submit this form, or similar information in another format, to the EPA Region V address provided at the end of the form. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources does not process these requests.

Once USEPA Region V approves the Petition for Exemption, the shop must ensure that new paints or paint lines that they purchase do not contain any of the HAPs for as long as the shop conducts collision repair activities. This can be particularly important with specialty paint requests from a customer; be sure to have a conversation with the paint vendor before completing any new paint purchase.

It is important to note that if paints with heavy metal HAPs are used, the shop must use only allowed equipment or processes for paint application, paint overspray control, and paint gun cleaning, as well as ensure their painters are trained every five years. For information on the painter training requirements, refer to the Summer 2015 edition of the Wisconsin Automotive News. Switching to waterbased coating systems does not automatically exempt facilities from the rule requirement; some water-based coatings may contain the listed metal compounds in their pigments.

For more information on the Auto Body Refinishing Rule, visit the Wisconsin Small Business Environmental Assistance Program web page at http://tinyurl.com/ hsuzazq, USEPA’s rule information web page at www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/6h/6hpg.html, or the Collision Repair Campaign page with training and additional resources: www.epa.gov/collision-repair-campaign.

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