Number

445-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Abstract

Mixtures containing boric acid are widely used in metal processing. Boric acid is a substance of very high concern: it is toxic to reproduction and, therefore, included on the REACH candidate list for authorisation, as well as on the SIN list (https://sinsearch.chemsec.org/chemical/10043-35-3).
The company is working mainly with the refurbishment of various car parts, and aimed to avoid this hazardous substance in their daily work. As a result of changing the polishing technologies, the work environment is safer because emulsions, including ones containing boric acid, does not have to be used at all to repair car clutch parts.

Substituted substances

Reliability of information

Evidence of implementation: there is evidence that the solution was implemented and in use at time of publication

Reason substitution

CMR

Other type of alternative

Switching to alternative technology which allows surface treatment by mechanical-abrasive means. Flywheel and clutch pressure plate grinder with standard equipment.

Hazard Assessment

Substances to be substituted:
Boric acid is harmonised classified as Repr. 1B (H360FD).
Other adverse effects according to SDSC: EC endocrine disruptors database cat. 1

Alternative substances are not mentioned in this case study.

Description of Substitution

a) Motivation to apply the alternative: The company wanted to phase out use of mixture containing boric acid and increase the efficiency of the car clutch repair.

b) Description of procedure or technology (including pre-/post-processing): The circular grinder manufactured in Italy and purchased with the support of the LIFE FitforREACH project, is intended for the repair of the car clutches and does not require a special emulsion, i.e. boric acid mixture used for cooling-lubricating. The previous equipment used at least 30 liters per week of the cooling-lubricant containing boric acid to grind clutches on a conventional lathe. When using the new equipment, the car clutch parts are taken apart and cleaned with the circular grinder for repeated use. This circular grinder does not require the use of a cooling lubricant.

c) Way of application: e.g. spraying, dipping, open/closed system etc., Mechanical grinding/polishing

d) Risk management measures (technical, organizational and personal): Additional respiratory personal protective equipment is necessary for operators of circular grinders because more dust is generated.

e) Advantage or Disadvantage of alternative
technical requirements: The polishing quality of the new equipment is comparable or slightly better than the traditional polishing technique (conventional lathe).
Implementation: Initial investment for the necessary technological changes cost around 12 500 EUR.
Operational expenses: Lower costs/less raw materials needed; considerably higher work efficiency, i.e. more units can be cleaned per time unit; and easier to operate and train new employees.

Case/substitution evaluation

The alternative describes an alternative process avoiding the use of a reprotoxic substance, increasing chemical work place safety and causing waste reduction.

State of implementation

In use

Availability ofAlternative

technology (equipment) available on the market

Producer/Provider

Comec S.r.l. – Automotive Machine Tools, Corso Italy. www.comecpn.com

Type of information supplier

User

Contact

Proring, Ltd. Gan?bu dambis 19, R?ga, Latvia, www.proring.lv

Further information

Measurement data ? C1 report of Life FitforREACH project (risk assessment data) Expert reports e.g. project report - C2 social-economic cost analysis ? report
Examples of successful implementation (anonymous, source or company name)
etc.- Company in Latvia ? Proring Ltd. The company refurbishes various metallic car parts.

Factsheet: Substitution of boric acid in metal processing

Publication source: author, company, institute, year

EU-project LIFE Fit for REACH; https://www.fitreach.eu/

Date, reviewed

March 1, 2013