Spray Gun Setup and Cleaning Audit

Inspection template for verifying spray gun needle/nozzle setup, fluid delivery settings, and corrosion-safe cleaning practices for waterborne and solvent-based paint systems in a body shop.

Inspection Details

• Paint system type identified
  Confirm whether the gun is being used for waterborne, solvent-based, or mixed-use coating operations.
• Inspection area and equipment identified
  Record the booth, prep area, or workstation and the spray gun identifier/asset tag.
• Technician present for demonstration
  Confirm the technician can demonstrate setup and cleaning steps during the audit.

Spray Gun Setup

• Correct needle and nozzle combination installed
  Verify the installed needle and nozzle match the coating type and manufacturer specification.
• Air cap and fluid tip are clean and undamaged
  Check for dried paint, nicks, corrosion, or wear that could affect atomization.
• Fluid pressure and fan pattern are set to specification
  Verify the gun is adjusted to achieve the required spray pattern without excessive overspray or sputtering.
• Trigger action and needle return are smooth
  Confirm the trigger moves freely and the needle returns without sticking or binding.
• Gun body, cup, and seals show no active leaks
  Inspect for drips, seepage, or air leaks at the cup, fittings, and seals.

Cleaning Method and Chemical Safety

• Fresh thinner or approved cleaner used for final rinse
  Verify the final cleaning rinse uses fresh thinner or an approved cleaner rather than contaminated solvent.
• Corrosion-safe cleaning method used for waterborne systems
  Confirm waterborne cleaning steps prevent corrosion and residue buildup in the gun passages.
• Disassembly and cleaning performed per manufacturer instructions
  Verify the gun is disassembled only to the level required by the manufacturer and cleaned correctly.
• Cleaning tools are non-damaging and appropriate
  Check that brushes, picks, and cloths do not damage precision surfaces or seals.

PPE and Respiratory Protection

• Appropriate respiratory protection worn during spraying and cleaning
  Verify the technician uses respiratory protection suitable for the coating and cleaning chemicals in use.
• Gloves and eye protection worn during cleaning
  Confirm chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection are used when handling cleaners and solvents.
• Cleaning area is ventilated and free of ignition sources
  Verify the cleaning location is suitable for flammable or volatile cleaning chemicals.

Maintenance, Storage, and Documentation

• Gun stored clean, dry, and protected from contamination
  Verify the spray gun is stored to prevent dust, moisture, and corrosion after cleaning.
• Maintenance log or cleaning record completed
  Confirm the cleaning or maintenance activity is documented according to facility procedure.
• Deficiencies corrected or escalated
  Verify any non-conformance found during the audit was assigned for corrective action.
• Reference document or SOP used
  Record the applicable manufacturer instructions, shop SOP, or maintenance standard used during inspection.