The characteristics that make solvents so useful also make them dangerous. We explain the risks and why you should partner with Cura Terrae to manage them.
Solvents make many processes possible, from cleaning to chemical production. However, for the people carrying out these processes, their use may come at a cost. In this article, learn more about solvent vapours and why you should choose Cura Terrae to help you manage the risks.
What are solvents?
Solvents are chemicals that are used to dilute or dissolve other substances, forming a solution. Most solvents are characterised by high volatility, which means they evaporate readily. This is why they have often been used in painting, as they allow fluid paint to be applied, but then “disappear” when it dries. However, vapours also enter the body easily and those from solvents can be highly toxic.
Where are they used?
Solvents are found in many workplaces, including ones that use or produce paints, varnishes, adhesives, glues, cleaning or de-greasing agents, dyes, printing inks, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, rubber or plastic materials.
This is often in the construction, engineering, manufacturing, and textile industries, but could be within almost any industry.
Common solvents
At worksites, solvents are usually organic, which means they contain carbon. Examples include:
- Toluene
- Xylene
- Acetone
- Ethanol
- Dichloromethane
- Trichloroethylene
However, there are many more solvents than this, all with variable properties. This is why it is important to consult the relevant Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Furthermore, solvents may be known by a variety of different trade names, and are often mixtures of chemicals. Because of this, the UK Health and Safety Executive (UK HSE) has a dedicated procedure for producers and suppliers to determine the Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) for solvents that are mixtures.
What is a Safety Data Sheet? A SDS is a document provided by suppliers of chemicals that are classified as hazardous, or contain any substances that are hazardous. It contains all the information an employer needs to undertake a Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Risk Assessment. SDSs are required by the UK Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulations and help to ensure that chemicals in the workplace are used safely and without risk of harm to individuals or the environment.
What is a Workplace Exposure Limit? WELs are the concentrations of hazardous substances in air that cannot be safely – or legally – exceeded, usually during an 8-hour or 15-minute period. They are decided by the UK HSE with the aim of protecting workers’ health. You can view the WELs for about 500 substances here. However, if something doesn’t have a WEL, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is safe. It might be that there is currently insufficient data on the safety of that substance. The UK HSE revise and introduce new WELs when they have the necessary evidence.
The risks
Solvent vapours are primarily inhaled. However, skin contact with or ingestion of liquid solvent (such as via contaminated food or drink) can also be very harmful.
The health effects depend on the solvent. For example, different solvents with different chemical structures will act in different ways. Effects also depend on the extent of exposure. This can relate to the concentration of the solvent, its solubility in blood, and the breathing rate (or physical exertion) of the individual at the time.
Organic solvents’ ability to dissolve in fats (why they are often used in cleaning and de-greasing agents) means that, unlike most chemicals, once absorbed into the body, they can access the nervous system. In the short term, this can cause:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness or light-headedness
These effects may increase the risk of having an accident at work.
Irritation of the eyes, lungs, and skin may also occur, and very high concentrations of airborne solvents can even cause unconsciousness and death.
Prolonged exposure may lead to long-term neurological effects, potentially impacting a person’s cognitive and behavioural function. It can also result in liver and kidney toxicity.
Because of the widespread use of solvents, and their great potential for harm, solvent safety should be taken seriously.
Why choose Cura Terrae?
Cura Terrae are committed to keeping your workers and workplace safe. Here are some reasons to partner with us to address solvent vapour risks, and for your other occupational hygiene needs.
We’re an expert team
Our people have many years’ experience of providing occupational hygiene services of the highest standard in all sectors, including the chemical, automotive, oil and gas, aerospace and engineering industries.
We offer a range of services
A COSHH Risk Assessment must be carried out in any workplace that handles substances which have the potential to cause ill health (such as solvents). The risk assessment may indicate that workplace air monitoring should take place and/or that training should be given to employees. Cura Terrae can help with all of these, all in one service provider.
We’re accredited
Our experts are British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) registered. BOHS is the leading professional occupational hygiene body in Europe and draws on the latest science, industry trends, and regulations. We’re also ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems) certified, which means we follow an internationally-recognised occupational health and safety framework.
We’ll tailor everything to you
All our services put you, your employees, and the unique characteristics of your workplace first. This may involve site visits by our experienced Occupational Hygiene Consultants; determination of your workers’ exposure to harmful substances; compilation of reports with practical recommendations; and development of training exclusively for your workforce.
We’ll be here if you need us
We believe in good planning and clear communication to ensure that our testing proceeds safely and smoothly. We aim to be on hand when you need us and always try to add value to our service with additional support and advice.
