On your Trike?
October 1st 2007

All solvent using companies must now have written documentation in place setting out how they will restrict the use of trike in business practice by October 2008, under the Solvents Emissions Directive (SED).Wheelabrator Group's Clive Ward believes companies still flouting the new legislation have until the end of the year,before it will become impossible to comply with the ban in 2008

October 31 2007 marks a turning point for all UK manufacturers using trichloroethylene (Trike). All solvent using companies must now have written documentation in place setting out how they will restrict the use of trike in business practice by October 2008, under the Solvents Emissions Directive (SED).

Clive Ward, general manager of the Clean-Tek product range at surface preparation specialists Wheelabrator Group, believes companies still flouting the new legislation have until the end of the year, before it will become impossible to comply with the ban in 2008.

"The SED restricts emissions from organic solvents, such as trike, to limit worker exposure and protect health. It was passed by the EU in 1999 and gave businesses eight years to implement changes. Late last year more than half of the UK's manufacturing and engineering companies using trike were failing to prepare for the SED.

By giving companies a grace period to make alternative arrangements, the SED has unknowingly encouraged firms to leave planning to the very last minute.We have seen a 30 per cent rise in enquiries over the last six weeks alone, and I can safely say it's because the first deadline is approaching.

With such surging demand it's going to be very difficult for all companies to implement plans and have machines installed in time.

Despite this, I urge firms to think beyond profit margins and avoid falling into the trap of solvent swapping.

Many solvent companies are now offering chemical alternatives, which are a tempting and quick fix solution.However, these come with their own longer-term implications.

No solvents can be used in an open-air system, so it is likely that many businesses will have to consider costly equipment upgrades anyway. I think it is also very obvious that the EU is continually recommending measures to reduce the use of solvents, and with fewer companies using them, the price is sure to increase.

On top of cost barriers, managers need to consider employees' health and safety too. Exposure to solvents is highly dangerous and is one of the reasons for trike legislation to be introduced.

The potentially cancer-causing metal degreaser contributes to almost a third of industry deaths. So, as well as hefty fines from the HSE, firms may be hit by increasing compensation claims for associated health problems from affected employees.

I think this is an opportunity to evaluate long-term use of solvents and eradicate them completely by harnessing alternative methods and putting safety ahead of short-term profit.

Aqueous cleaning, for example, is no longer the costly process it once was and is highly effective at removing grease, oil, dust, tar, carbon, dirt and other contaminants.The time to remove solvents from industry is now.

Water-based systems, such as the Clean-Tek ranges of top-load, front-load and conveyor spray wash cleaning systems and ultrasonic tanks, are easy to install into established production lines and require minimal training.They also help companies minimise the environmental impact of their operations, by using 95 per cent water and five per cent aqueous non-hazardous detergent.

In addition to escaping prosecution and lowering running costs comes the benefits of being able to draw a 'competitive advantage'by using 'green-ness' in advertising campaigns and other promotional events, as well as being safe in the knowledge staff are protected." Call the number on the right for further information.