With prevailing issues surrounding the continued use of Trichloroethylene (Trike) for vapour degreasing the same questions seem to arise all the time for users.

Looking at trends in Western Europe the volume of sales has reduced dramatically. (See Graph)

From a starting point in 1998 when 101,000 tonnes were sold the decline by 2003 was to 38,000 tonnes. With predictions set for 2007 to be between 10,000 to 15,000 tonnes this produces a near 90% reduction!

What does this tell us?

Clearly, there is a mass move away from Trike as users recognise the risk of cancer.

 Why has Trike never had a Chemical Hazard Alert Notice (CHAN) issued when other less dangerous solvents have?
CHANs are only advisory. They appear in the absence of an established exposure standard. As Trike has a Maximum Exposure Standard of 100 parts per million and carries the risk phrase R45-May Cause Cancer, this is considered sufficient to guide users to their obligations.

Is it right that my supplier encourages the continued use of Trike?
It is  doubtful  a supplier would admit to encouraging the use of Trike. The legal position is clear and to conform with the Solvents Emission Directive (SED) legislation users must seek a safer alternative. Suppliers should be discussing other options, generally Methylene Chloride, EnSolv and Perc.
 As a user of Trike it is you who must justify why you are unable to replace Trike with a safer alternative.
A few years ago, chlorinated solvent manufacturers predicted perchloroethylene (Perc) would become the popular alternative to Trike for vapour degreasing. Unless users have an unusual application requiring temperatures of 121 ° C this is not a suitable alternative with increased production times to heat parts to vapour temperature, difficult handling, long cooling times and increased energy with the higher temperatures involved.

Methylene Chloride is an alternative to be considered However it has a very low vapour temperature which makes it unsuitable for vapour degreasing which relies on condensation of the solvent to dissolve the oil on the surface of the parts being cleaned. It can be used where immersion cleaning is used.
For vapour degresing only EnSolv offers a realistic drop in alternative for trichloroethylene with little if any modifications required to equipment apart form resetting temperature sensors.

What legislation must I consider?
The Solvents Emissions Directive. (SED)  If you use 1 tonne  of Trike or more  per year  you need to understand your obligations. Two are very clear :
Firstly , you must replace Trike in the " Shortest possible time"  or
Second ensure no further use beyond 2010  unless it is in a totally enclosed cleaning machine with very low emissions to atmosphere .These machines cost in excess of £100,000.
See guidance note : www.defra.gov.uk/environment/airquality/lapc/aqnotes/aq09(04).htm
If you are below the 1 tonne threshold you are not required to register with your local Environmental Office under this legislation, which originated in 1999 and demanded compliance by 2007. This has been extended by agreement with the EU Commission to 2010 but with restrictions on equipment as explained above.

Also the EU Cancer Directive requires replacement of Trike and overlaps other legislation. It is unavoidable.

In short, you must substitute with a safer alternative unless you can argue some unique inability to replace Trike or are able to afford the totally sealed machines. The risk phrase for Trike R45 - May Cause Cancer  means handling the product is clearly part of essential risk assessment. Sealed drum containment was designed primarily for sealed cleaning systems or similar. They offer no benefits with open topped equipment which now cannot be used with trichloroethylene beyond 2010.   The sealed machines must  be  installed with  a  containment system attached to the machine, which holds the  sealed drum and prevents losses when filling and emptying,  These systems limit the suppliers you can use and the contracts for hire add considerably to the costs of usage and lock you into considerable price rises in the future. Removing these systems to resolve this will be problematic.

The legal obligations, are your responsibility not your suppliers .  Never be misled.

How can I avoid misinformation? Be alert. Demand validation. Confirm things in writing.
Contact an independent specialist in all aspects of surface cleaning such as Core-Chem Limited, Tel 01753 819496. Email sales@core-chem.com
Are there any websites worth viewing?
Look at:
www.core-chem.com
www.ensolv.com
Also remember the DEFRA site listed earlier.

Meeting legal obligations protects staff, community and our environment.
© Copyright Enviro Tech Europe Limited. 2009

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page last modified on 20/12/09