by Jim Hingst
Identifying Airborne
Health Hazards
Depending on the type of
products that you manufacture, you and your employees can encounter a variety
of airborne hazards. Most of us know that we should wear some type of air respirator in many of our work environments. What can be difficult is identifying the particular hazards and determining what protective equipment.
Here are some of those hazards that are commonly encountered in many shops:
products that you manufacture, you and your employees can encounter a variety
of airborne hazards. Most of us know that we should wear some type of air respirator in many of our work environments. What can be difficult is identifying the particular hazards and determining what protective equipment.
Here are some of those hazards that are commonly encountered in many shops:
Dust
from Power Equipment. If your employees use power equipment, such
as an angle grinder, router or jig saw, they can generate a cloud of dust. Long-term
exposure to dust from sawing and sanding wood can cause a range of health
issues, including allergic respiratory reactions and lung cancer.
from Power Equipment. If your employees use power equipment, such
as an angle grinder, router or jig saw, they can generate a cloud of dust. Long-term
exposure to dust from sawing and sanding wood can cause a range of health
issues, including allergic respiratory reactions and lung cancer.
Welding
Fumes. Welding not only generates particulates but can give off
harmful fumes which can lead to a variety of ailments, including cancer.
Fumes. Welding not only generates particulates but can give off
harmful fumes which can lead to a variety of ailments, including cancer.
Adhesive
Removers. Vapors from some types of adhesive removers can affect
your nervous system and make you sick.
Removers. Vapors from some types of adhesive removers can affect
your nervous system and make you sick.
Solvent
Fumes. Breathing solvent fumes from airbrushing and spray
painting not only can make you dizzy but what’s worse is that protracted
exposure can result in liver damage.
Fumes. Breathing solvent fumes from airbrushing and spray
painting not only can make you dizzy but what’s worse is that protracted
exposure can result in liver damage.
Breathing
Problems. The most severe breathing problems, such as COPD, may not
surface until many years after a worker has been subjected to the hazard. (It
may interest you to learn that one of the major causes of COPD for those who
have never smoked is occupational exposure to dust and chemicals.) While
medical treatments have improved for some patients experiencing chronic
respiratory disease, these are the type of problems that will usually last your
lifetime.
Problems. The most severe breathing problems, such as COPD, may not
surface until many years after a worker has been subjected to the hazard. (It
may interest you to learn that one of the major causes of COPD for those who
have never smoked is occupational exposure to dust and chemicals.) While
medical treatments have improved for some patients experiencing chronic
respiratory disease, these are the type of problems that will usually last your
lifetime.
If you are exposed to
airborne health hazards, you should wear an air respirator. Some of the most
popular types are air purifying respirators, which filter contaminants from the
air. Other types of respirators provide the wearer with fresh air. Three types
of air purifying respirators are dust masks, half mask respirators and full
face respirators.
airborne health hazards, you should wear an air respirator. Some of the most
popular types are air purifying respirators, which filter contaminants from the
air. Other types of respirators provide the wearer with fresh air. Three types
of air purifying respirators are dust masks, half mask respirators and full
face respirators.
Developing
a Respiratory Protection Program
In light of the potential
risks to your employees, you may require your employees to wear an air
respirator on the job. If you do, OSHA demands that you establish a respiratory
protection program for your shop. Other federal and state agencies have issued
very specific regulations covering the selection, use and maintenance of the
appropriate air respirator for the work that your employees are performing.
risks to your employees, you may require your employees to wear an air
respirator on the job. If you do, OSHA demands that you establish a respiratory
protection program for your shop. Other federal and state agencies have issued
very specific regulations covering the selection, use and maintenance of the
appropriate air respirator for the work that your employees are performing.
If you run a shop and
require that employees wear an air respirator, OSHA demands that you follow a
number of procedures. Many of their regulations are common sense. The OSHA
Respiratory Protection Standard includes the following requirements:
require that employees wear an air respirator, OSHA demands that you follow a
number of procedures. Many of their regulations are common sense. The OSHA
Respiratory Protection Standard includes the following requirements:
Step
One: Develop a Program. Establish a written respiratory
protection program. You should update your written program as conditions change
in your shop. These conditions could include the use of new materials, such as
solvents or adhesive removers, the addition of new equipment or the
introduction of new manufacturing processes.
One: Develop a Program. Establish a written respiratory
protection program. You should update your written program as conditions change
in your shop. These conditions could include the use of new materials, such as
solvents or adhesive removers, the addition of new equipment or the
introduction of new manufacturing processes.
Step
Two: Assign an Program Administrator. Assign management of
your program to a qualified employee trained in respiratory hazards. While this
does not mean that you personally need to conduct the training sessions, as a
shop owner you just need to provide the training. To aid training, OSHA has
developed several training videos, which you can use.
Two: Assign an Program Administrator. Assign management of
your program to a qualified employee trained in respiratory hazards. While this
does not mean that you personally need to conduct the training sessions, as a
shop owner you just need to provide the training. To aid training, OSHA has
developed several training videos, which you can use.
Step
Three: Identify the Hazards. Airborne hazards will vary
from one type of shop to another. Your responsibility is to identify and
evaluate the hazards in your shop. When using raw materials, such as paints or
solvents, you should read the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and
product labels to learn about any health hazards associated with product use.
In some cases, these SDS bulletins may include air respirator recommendations.
You can also call the manufacturer, when you have questions.
Three: Identify the Hazards. Airborne hazards will vary
from one type of shop to another. Your responsibility is to identify and
evaluate the hazards in your shop. When using raw materials, such as paints or
solvents, you should read the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and
product labels to learn about any health hazards associated with product use.
In some cases, these SDS bulletins may include air respirator recommendations.
You can also call the manufacturer, when you have questions.
Step
Four: Select Appropriate Respirators. After identifying
any hazards related to specific applications, you need to select the
appropriate respirators and filter cartridges for your employees. As an
employer, you will also need to establish a schedule for changing cartridges.
Four: Select Appropriate Respirators. After identifying
any hazards related to specific applications, you need to select the
appropriate respirators and filter cartridges for your employees. As an
employer, you will also need to establish a schedule for changing cartridges.
Step
Five: Provide Training. Provide employees with respiratoryprotection training covering how to put on and remove a respirator and how to
clean and maintain their respirators. This training should be outlined in your
written program.
Five: Provide Training. Provide employees with respiratoryprotection training covering how to put on and remove a respirator and how to
clean and maintain their respirators. This training should be outlined in your
written program.
Step
Six: Maintain Respirators. To work properly, you and
your employees must maintain your respirators according to the manufacturer’s
product bulletins. Maintenance procedures, which should be explained in your
written respiratory protection program, should cover inspection, cleaning and
storage of equipment.
Six: Maintain Respirators. To work properly, you and
your employees must maintain your respirators according to the manufacturer’s
product bulletins. Maintenance procedures, which should be explained in your
written respiratory protection program, should cover inspection, cleaning and
storage of equipment.
You should clean and inspect
respirators at the end of every shift and store them in enclosed containers or
plastic bags. Damaged respirators, such as those exhibiting cracks, must be
replaced.
respirators at the end of every shift and store them in enclosed containers or
plastic bags. Damaged respirators, such as those exhibiting cracks, must be
replaced.
Over time, filter cartridges
will become clogged with contaminants. When this happens, breathing through the
respirator mask will become difficult. This is a sure sign that you should
change the filter cartridge. Another clue that a filter cartridge is not
working is when you can smell or taste a vapor or when you become nauseous or
dizzy. Irritation of your nose or throat also indicates that you should change
the cartridge.
will become clogged with contaminants. When this happens, breathing through the
respirator mask will become difficult. This is a sure sign that you should
change the filter cartridge. Another clue that a filter cartridge is not
working is when you can smell or taste a vapor or when you become nauseous or
dizzy. Irritation of your nose or throat also indicates that you should change
the cartridge.
Step
Seven: Access to Records. Provide your employees with
access to all records pertaining to your written program.
Seven: Access to Records. Provide your employees with
access to all records pertaining to your written program.
Step
Eight: Conduct Worksite Specific Training. In
directing employees, it usually is a good practice to explain what jobs need to
be done that day and what personal protection equipment is required to do that
job. Then it is up to you, if you are the supervisor, to make sure that your
employees follow the safety guidelines. When they don’t follow the rules, then
you need to take corrective action.
Eight: Conduct Worksite Specific Training. In
directing employees, it usually is a good practice to explain what jobs need to
be done that day and what personal protection equipment is required to do that
job. Then it is up to you, if you are the supervisor, to make sure that your
employees follow the safety guidelines. When they don’t follow the rules, then
you need to take corrective action.
Step
Nine: Fit Testing. Provide employee to be fit tested with
any tight fitting respirator selected for their use. This is important, because
if the mask does not fit tightly contaminants can leak past the seal. A number
of factors can affect how well a respirator mask fits on your face. The most
obvious variable is the shape of the wearer’s face. If one type of mask does not fit an employee
properly, you need to find one that does work. Other factors can compromise a
tight seal including facial hair, piercings, scars, glasses and jewelry. Fitting,
which includes qualitative and quantitative (measurable) testing, should ensure
a proper fit.
Nine: Fit Testing. Provide employee to be fit tested with
any tight fitting respirator selected for their use. This is important, because
if the mask does not fit tightly contaminants can leak past the seal. A number
of factors can affect how well a respirator mask fits on your face. The most
obvious variable is the shape of the wearer’s face. If one type of mask does not fit an employee
properly, you need to find one that does work. Other factors can compromise a
tight seal including facial hair, piercings, scars, glasses and jewelry. Fitting,
which includes qualitative and quantitative (measurable) testing, should ensure
a proper fit.
When you perform fit
testing, you must conduct the test under the exact conditions in which the mask
will be worn. That means that you must conduct the test using the same make and
model that your employee will use. What’s more, if your employee wears glasses
or jewelry, you must conduct the test as he or she is wearing these items. Employees must be retested every 12 months.
NOTE: The loose fitting type of respirator, such as a respirator hood or helmet,
does not need to be fit tested.
testing, you must conduct the test under the exact conditions in which the mask
will be worn. That means that you must conduct the test using the same make and
model that your employee will use. What’s more, if your employee wears glasses
or jewelry, you must conduct the test as he or she is wearing these items. Employees must be retested every 12 months.
NOTE: The loose fitting type of respirator, such as a respirator hood or helmet,
does not need to be fit tested.
Step
Ten: Annual Medical Evaluation. Air-purifying respirators,
which utilize filtering cartridges or canisters, can make breathing more
difficult. This added stress creates an increased risk for any employee dealing
with an existing health issue, such as heart problems. For this reason, if you
require an employee to wear a respirator, OSHA regulations oblige you to provide
him or her with an annual medical evaluation.
Ten: Annual Medical Evaluation. Air-purifying respirators,
which utilize filtering cartridges or canisters, can make breathing more
difficult. This added stress creates an increased risk for any employee dealing
with an existing health issue, such as heart problems. For this reason, if you
require an employee to wear a respirator, OSHA regulations oblige you to provide
him or her with an annual medical evaluation.
Respiratory Protection Handbook
● Explains how to establish and implement an effective
respiratory protection program.
respiratory protection program.
● Reviews the development of respiratory protection
devices.
devices.
● Describes how to select appropriate filters.
● Explains fit testing methods.
Dust Masks
When you are sawing, grinding or sanding, you can
generate a dust storm. The tiniest of these airborne contaminants are the most
hazardous, because they settle in the bottom of your lungs and do the most
damage.
generate a dust storm. The tiniest of these airborne contaminants are the most
hazardous, because they settle in the bottom of your lungs and do the most
damage.
The simplest type of air purifying respirator is a
disposable cloth dust mask that fits over your mouth and nose. A
NIOSH-certified N95 respirator is acceptable for many applications. These masks
are only designed for one use and should be discarded at the end of a work
shift. A much better choice is to wear either a half mask respirator or full
face mask with a particulate filter, which provide a better seal so there is a
lower risk of contaminant leakage.
disposable cloth dust mask that fits over your mouth and nose. A
NIOSH-certified N95 respirator is acceptable for many applications. These masks
are only designed for one use and should be discarded at the end of a work
shift. A much better choice is to wear either a half mask respirator or full
face mask with a particulate filter, which provide a better seal so there is a
lower risk of contaminant leakage.
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3M 8511PB1-A-PS Particulate N95 Respirator with Valve
|
● Two-strap design provides a secure seal.
● The adjustable metal nosepiece allows for a tight fit.
● Better fitting mask than other disposable masks.
● Breather valve reduces breathing effort.
● Pliable construction fits tightly around the face
preventing contaminant leakage to your nose and mouth.
preventing contaminant leakage to your nose and mouth.
● Thick, two part construction traps 95% of non-oil
particulates.
particulates.
Half Facepiece Reusable Respirators
Half-facepiece respirators provide many advantages over a
dust mask. It fits tighter onto your face so the risk of contaminants is
reduced. It accepts a variety of filter cartridges, so you can use it to filter
dust as well as gases and vapors. Half masks can also be reused after cleaning.
dust mask. It fits tighter onto your face so the risk of contaminants is
reduced. It accepts a variety of filter cartridges, so you can use it to filter
dust as well as gases and vapors. Half masks can also be reused after cleaning.
The 3M 6000 Series and 7500 Series Half Facepiece
Reusable Respirators are popular choices. Here’s why:
Reusable Respirators are popular choices. Here’s why:
● Soft hypoallergenic face piece is very comfortable even
for extended use.
for extended use.
● Snug fitting for secure protection compared to cheap
dust masks.
dust masks.
● Lightweight.
● Easy-to-adjust head straps.
● Versatile. Great for sanding, grinding or painting
applications when used with approved cartridges and filters.
applications when used with approved cartridges and filters.
● Affordably priced for any budget.
The 3M 7500 Series Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator is
3M’s top-of-the-line half face mask, which features a softer silicone plastic
construction for extended wear. This mask is also preferred by painters,
because paint is less likely to adhere to its slick does silicone surface.
3M’s top-of-the-line half face mask, which features a softer silicone plastic
construction for extended wear. This mask is also preferred by painters,
because paint is less likely to adhere to its slick does silicone surface.
Full-Facepiece Spray Paint Respirator
Many painters select a full face mask because it provides
both eye and respiratory protection. The 3M 7162 Full-Facepiece Spray Paint
Respirator is recommended for spray painting lacquer and enamel paints. Its
design accepts a variety of changeable filter cartridges. Here are some of the
features of this full face respirator:
both eye and respiratory protection. The 3M 7162 Full-Facepiece Spray Paint
Respirator is recommended for spray painting lacquer and enamel paints. Its
design accepts a variety of changeable filter cartridges. Here are some of the
features of this full face respirator:
● Provides both eye and respiratory protection.
● Accepts a variety of bayonet type filter cartridges.
● Replaceable film covers protect the clear plastic
facepiece from overspray.
facepiece from overspray.
● Fits securely to
many wearers with facial hair.
many wearers with facial hair.
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3M 7162 Full-Facepiece Spray Paint Respirator
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Filter Cartridges for Particulates
There are two different types of filters. One type
filters solid particles. The other type is a chemical cartridge, which filters
gases. Cartridges are labeled and color-coded for easy identification. Some
cartridges can be stacked one on top of another to filter multiple types of
contaminants.
filters solid particles. The other type is a chemical cartridge, which filters
gases. Cartridges are labeled and color-coded for easy identification. Some
cartridges can be stacked one on top of another to filter multiple types of
contaminants.
If you purchase a reusable face mask, a wide variety of
filter cartridges are available. You must use the appropriate cartridge for
specific applications, such as grinding, welding or spray painting. Cartridges
for particulates will filter dust, but they will not protect you from vapors,
when you are spraying paint or cleaning with solvents. By conducting a thorough hazard assessment of
your shop environment, you can determine which types of cartridges should be used.
filter cartridges are available. You must use the appropriate cartridge for
specific applications, such as grinding, welding or spray painting. Cartridges
for particulates will filter dust, but they will not protect you from vapors,
when you are spraying paint or cleaning with solvents. By conducting a thorough hazard assessment of
your shop environment, you can determine which types of cartridges should be used.
There are different types of particulate filters. The
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has developed a
rating system for particulate filters. This rating is comprised of a number and
a letter. The number indicates how much of particulates the cartridge or dust
mask filters. The number 95 means that the cartridge filters 95% of the
particulates in the air. 100 indicates that virtually 100% of the particulates
are filtered. The letter in front of the number tells you what type of
particulate is filtered. N means non-oil proof. R indicates that the filter is
oil resistant up to 8 hours. P is for oil proof past 8 hours.
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has developed a
rating system for particulate filters. This rating is comprised of a number and
a letter. The number indicates how much of particulates the cartridge or dust
mask filters. The number 95 means that the cartridge filters 95% of the
particulates in the air. 100 indicates that virtually 100% of the particulates
are filtered. The letter in front of the number tells you what type of
particulate is filtered. N means non-oil proof. R indicates that the filter is
oil resistant up to 8 hours. P is for oil proof past 8 hours.
P100 cartridges filter both oil and non-oil based
particulates. These are ideal for woodworking and welding applications.
particulates. These are ideal for woodworking and welding applications.
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3M Particulate Filter 7093B,P100 Respiratory Protection
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3M Particulate Filter 2097, P100
One of the more popular types of particulate cartridge
filters among woodworkers and welders is the 3M 2097 cartridge. The filter
provides respiratory protection against a number of airborne hazards, including
lead, asbestos, cadmium and arsenic. In addition to trapping oil and non-oil
based particles, this P100 magenta colored filter includes a very thin layer of
charcoal to absorb odors and metal nuisance vapors created during welding.
Although the 2097 filter absorbs low levels of organic vapors, it is not
suitable for spray painting applications. Here are some of the 3M Particulate
Filter 2097, P100 features:
filters among woodworkers and welders is the 3M 2097 cartridge. The filter
provides respiratory protection against a number of airborne hazards, including
lead, asbestos, cadmium and arsenic. In addition to trapping oil and non-oil
based particles, this P100 magenta colored filter includes a very thin layer of
charcoal to absorb odors and metal nuisance vapors created during welding.
Although the 2097 filter absorbs low levels of organic vapors, it is not
suitable for spray painting applications. Here are some of the 3M Particulate
Filter 2097, P100 features:
● An excellent filter choice for welding applications.
● Filters oil and non-oil particulates.
● Reduces nuisance odors from organic vapors.
● Satisfies NIOSH P100 standards, providing 99.7% filter
efficiency.
efficiency.
● Bayonet design is compatible with many 3M half and full
facepiece designs.
facepiece designs.
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3M Particulate Filter 2097, P100
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Organic Vapor Filter Cartridges
For airbrushing or spray painting with some paints, you
will need to buy an organic vapor (OV) cartridge. These cartridges include a
layer of activated carbon, which absorb certain organic paint and solvent
vapors. The OV cartridge should be used in conjunction with a particulate
filter.
will need to buy an organic vapor (OV) cartridge. These cartridges include a
layer of activated carbon, which absorb certain organic paint and solvent
vapors. The OV cartridge should be used in conjunction with a particulate
filter.
OV cartridges with a carbon filter have a limited life.
This life expectancy varies on several factors, such as relative temperature
and humidity, breathing rate, type of chemical vapor and the concentration of
the chemical vapor. For example, ambient
humidity above 85% can cut the service life of an OV cartridge in half. One rule of thumb is if you can smell a vapor
while wearing your mask, it is time to change the cartridge. Typically an OV
cartridge will last 30 to 40 hours or 30 days, whichever comes first.
This life expectancy varies on several factors, such as relative temperature
and humidity, breathing rate, type of chemical vapor and the concentration of
the chemical vapor. For example, ambient
humidity above 85% can cut the service life of an OV cartridge in half. One rule of thumb is if you can smell a vapor
while wearing your mask, it is time to change the cartridge. Typically an OV
cartridge will last 30 to 40 hours or 30 days, whichever comes first.
As long as the OV filter is exposed to the atmosphere, it
continues to absorb gases and vapors. For this reason, when you are not using
your air respirator mask, always store the OV cartridges in either an airtight
container or a zip-lock type of plastic bag.
continues to absorb gases and vapors. For this reason, when you are not using
your air respirator mask, always store the OV cartridges in either an airtight
container or a zip-lock type of plastic bag.
For your shop, you should establish a change-out schedule
for replacing OV cartridges. This schedule should be part of your written
respiratory protection program.
for replacing OV cartridges. This schedule should be part of your written
respiratory protection program.
As a word of caution, if you are spraying urethane paint,
carbon filters will not protect you from the dangerous isocyanates in the
paint. For this type of paint, you need a different type of respirator. Instead
of filtering contaminated air, these respirator supply the wearer with clean air.
carbon filters will not protect you from the dangerous isocyanates in the
paint. For this type of paint, you need a different type of respirator. Instead
of filtering contaminated air, these respirator supply the wearer with clean air.
Spraying urethane paint generally requires a spray booth
and an airline respirator that provides clean air from an air cylinder or pumps
clean air from outside a paint booth through a hose to the wearer. OV cartridges also do not provide protection
from vapors and gasses, such as ammonia, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide gas and
sulfur dioxide.
and an airline respirator that provides clean air from an air cylinder or pumps
clean air from outside a paint booth through a hose to the wearer. OV cartridges also do not provide protection
from vapors and gasses, such as ammonia, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide gas and
sulfur dioxide.
3M 6001 Organic Vapor Cartridges
Organic Vapor cartridges protect against gases and
vapors, but will not filter particles. The solution is to use a
pre-filter. The 3M Paint Respirator
Supply Kit includes replaceable pre-filters for particulates and retainers
that fit over the 6001 filter
cartridges.
vapors, but will not filter particles. The solution is to use a
pre-filter. The 3M Paint Respirator
Supply Kit includes replaceable pre-filters for particulates and retainers
that fit over the 6001 filter
cartridges.
This kit is a good selection for painters. The 3M Paint Respirator Supply Kit consists
of two 6001 OV cartridges, 2 pair of 5P71 particulate P95 filters along with
a pair of 501 retainers.
of two 6001 OV cartridges, 2 pair of 5P71 particulate P95 filters along with
a pair of 501 retainers.
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| 3M Paint Respirator Supply Kit |
Organic Vapor Cartridge/Particulate Filter
Another option is to select a 3M Organic Vapor
Cartridge/Particulate Filter, which combines an OV filter with a P100
particulate filter. The particulate filter cartridge strains any oil and non-oil particulates. The Oganic Vapor
cartridge filters certain solvent vapors. This type of combination filter is a
good choice for spray painting or airbrushing applications.
Cartridge/Particulate Filter, which combines an OV filter with a P100
particulate filter. The particulate filter cartridge strains any oil and non-oil particulates. The Oganic Vapor
cartridge filters certain solvent vapors. This type of combination filter is a
good choice for spray painting or airbrushing applications.
3M Organic Vapor Cartridge/Filter 60921 Product Features:
● Protects against certain organic vapors and
particulates.
particulates.
● Covers several applications to reduce your inventory.
● Compatible with many 3M half and full facepiece
respirator masks.
respirator masks.
● Bayonet fitting allows for easy installation.
● NIOSH approved.
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3M Organic Vapor Cartridge/Filter 60921, P100 Respiratory
Protection |
Vinyl Sign Techniques by Jim Hingst
Here is a comprehensive guide to the vinyl sign and
graphics business. Compiled from 54 Vinyl Graphics columns in Signs of the
Times, edited, updated and condensed here into 39 chapters, Vinyl Sign
Techniques is an essential resource. The book is divided into four sections:
sales & marketing, materials, fabrication, and vinyl application &
removal. Every important aspect to running an efficient and profitable vinyl
sign business is covered in detail, often including valuable charts, tables and
photos for reference.
graphics business. Compiled from 54 Vinyl Graphics columns in Signs of the
Times, edited, updated and condensed here into 39 chapters, Vinyl Sign
Techniques is an essential resource. The book is divided into four sections:
sales & marketing, materials, fabrication, and vinyl application &
removal. Every important aspect to running an efficient and profitable vinyl
sign business is covered in detail, often including valuable charts, tables and
photos for reference.
About Jim Hingst: After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.
Hingst began his career 45 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer. Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.
Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 150 articles for publications, such as Signs Canada, SignCraft, Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 450 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published. Vinyl Sign Techniques is available at sign supply distributors and at Amazon.