Guidance on the use of trichloroethylene

The guidance, produced by EEF along with the SEA, and the government departments responsible for environment (DEFRA) and health and safety (HSE), covers the use of trichloroethylene (trike) as a vapour degreasing solvent.

More stringent restrictions on emissions from surface cleaning operations came into force this week. Complying with these environmental restrictions should also mean that workplaces meet health and safety requirements.

The guidance describes the restrictions which have been introduced under the EU Solvent Emissions Directive. In certain cases trike, which is categorised as a ‘higher risk solvent’, must have been substituted by 31 October 2007.

The guidance also draws attention to the voluntary agreement which has been signed by all European Producers of trike with the commitment that it will not be supplied for surface cleaning after 2010 unless users have a ‘closed system.’