Trike users could face hefty fines, says expert

Clive Ward, general manager of the Clean-Tek product range at surface preparation specialists Wheelabrator Group, believes over half of affected companies are putting themselves and their 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 emissions 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. “When the SED was passed by the EU in 1999 it gave businesses eight years to implement changes, but a staggering number of companies still haven't done anything about it and the clock is ticking,” says Mr Ward. The EU reclassified the solvent as a category two carcinogen in June 2001, requiring UK companies to treat it as such under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations (COSHH). 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 Health and Safety Executive. Firms may also face increasing compensation claims for associated health problems from affected employees, as well as hefty fines.