Keywords
Citation
(2003), "New guidance on solvent degreasing plants", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 50 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2003.12850eab.007
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2003, MCB UP Limited
New guidance on solvent degreasing plants
New guidance on solvent degreasing plants
Keywords: Health and safety, Solvents
New guidance on the safe use and cleaning of solvent degreasing plants has been published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Safe use of solvent degreasing plant (HSE ref: EIS40) summarises the main precautions required when carrying out solvent degreasing, while the existing leaflet maintenance and cleaning of solvent degreasing plant (EIS20) has been revised and updated.
Both guides, which are supported by a cross-industry surface cleaning working group, explain what constitutes good practice in the use of solvent degreasers and complement earlier HSE advice on surface cleaning of metal articles and components (EIS34).
If possible, solvent degreasing should be carried out in an enclosed system. When open-topped degreasers are used, they should be enclosed as far as is reasonably practicable. Retrofitting of an enclosure on a conventional open-topped degreaser can significantly reduce both operator exposure and vapour emissions into the workplace if designed, installed and operated correctly.
Solvent degreasing plants require routine maintenance and cleaning if they are to perform and run effectively and safely. Maintenance and cleaning procedures should be designed to eliminate or minimise the need to enter the degreaser.
Dr John Powell, Head of HSE's national engineering group, said: "Failure to maintain and operate a degreaser properly can result in exposure to high concentrations of organic solvent vapours, which exert a narcotic effect and can be fatal."
"Poorly maintained degreasers are still found in some workplaces. Some are in such poor condition that their use is prohibited by HSE. This new guidance summarises the main precautions required when operating solvent degreasing plants and will help users meet their legal obligations."