Massachusetts Bill Banning the Use of Flammable Wood Lacquer Sealer Floor Finishing Products Awaits Governor's Signature

Massachusetts regulations banning the use of flammable wood lacquer sealer floor finishing products that advocates say will prevent house fires is expected to be signed by the governor.

The legislation would effectively ban the use of any flammable wood lacquer sealer with a flashpoint below 100° F for any commercial floor finishing operation. Fines and penalties are severe and include possible jail terms.

ACA and its Massachusetts Paint Council strongly opposed the bill noting that the fires which this legislation is intended to mitigate were caused by the improper use of flammable lacquer sealers, and that "the real problem is lack of training for workers in the safe handling and use of such products." Since the release of communications from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the State Fire Marshall informing workers to extinguishing pilot lights and ventilate work areas, there have not been additional fires. ACA maintains that banning useful floor finishing products is not the answer; instead focus should remain on improved training and communication requirements.

HB 4565 (Walsh) was passed on June 24 and awaits the Governor's signature. The law would prohibit the use and sale of highly flammable wood lacquer sealer floor finishing products that can ignite at temperatures less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

For more information: contact ACA's David Darling or Alison Keane.

Date Posted: June 29, 2010