Solvent Emissions Directive
November 1st 2006

UK manufacturing and engineering companies using carcinogenic solvent trichlorethylene could face prosecution under new legislation, warns, Clive Ward, general manager of the Clean-Tek product range at surface peparation specialists Wheelbarator Group. Clive believes that over half of affected companies are putting staff at risk, by failing to prepare for the Solvent Emissions Directive (SED), which comes into force on October 31 next year.

The SED restricts emisions from organic solvents, such as trichloroethylene, more commonly known as 'trike', to limit worker exposure and protect health. In the UK, trike has been used for industrial component cleaning for many years, frequently in open top vapour degreasing tanks, some over 40 years old.

Under COSHH employers must consider whether it is reasonably practical to prevent exposure to trike, by switching to an alternative substance or format, and if not, whether they can enclose the process completely.

Companies failing to comply with the emission limits set under the SED will face investigation and possible prosecution by the Heath and Safety Executive.

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