Number

449-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Abstract

The company manufactures artificial fibres such as acetate yarn, and used large amounts of acetone to wash the contaminated machine parts. Acetone is highly flammable, causes serious eye irritation and has neurotoxic properties. Due to workers health concerns the company wanted to find a safer alternative. With the encouragement and support of the LIFE Fit for REACH project, the company tested an innovative cleaner containing natural microorganisms that degrade oils, greases and particle impurities. The cleaner proved to be a suitable alternative which was technologically feasible, and safer for workers and the environment.

Substituted substances

Alternative Substances

Reliability of information

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

Reason substitution

neurotoxicant
other toxic effects
other reasons

Hazard Assessment

Substances to be substituted: Acetone is harmonised classified: Flam. Liq. 2 (H225), Eye Irrit. 2 (H319), STOT SE 3 (H336). It is has neurotoxic properties (also according to RISCTOX: http://risctox.istas.net/en/dn_risctox_ficha_sustancia.asp?id_sustancia=957630). Alternative substances: There is no harmonised classification for the alternative substance. Self-classification indicate eye irritant properties (H319) and aquatic chronic and acute properties (H400, H410). There is no entry in the SUBSPORT´s database on hazardous chemicals (SDSC).

Description of Substitution

a) Motivation why to apply the alternative
The company used large amounts of acetone to soak the contaminated machine parts. The contaminated machine parts were collected in a container where acetone was added manually from another large storage container. The parts were soaked then collected manually. They were subsequently wiped with a cloth and dried before being reused in the machines. The acetone was disposed of as hazardous waste. Due to evaporation of acetone and the manual removal of the machine parts, workers were exposed to acetone mostly via inhalation and partly through the skin. The main motivation for substitution was workers health.

b) Description of procedure or technology (including pre-/post-processing)
Contaminated parts are put into the Bio-Circle device with Bio-Circle L liquid and are manually brushed. The washing liquid is reusable up to 6-8 months.

c) Way of application: Dipping and cleaning in an open washer. Manual cleaning with brush.

d) Risk management measures (technical, organizational and personal)
No need for special risk management measures as the liquid is not classified as hazardous under the CLP Regulation. It is free from solvents and VOCs. Nitrile rubber gloves to prevent skin dryness are enough after the substitution.

e) Advantage or disadvantage of alternative
Technical requirements/Advantages:

• Long bath (washing liquid) life
• Special corrosion inhibitors inside Bio-Circle washing liquid provide temporary protection after cleaning
• Washing liquid is warm more acceptable to workers (due to temp. control)

Performance:
Advantage: It is suitable for removing contamination, in particular oils, greases and particle impurities without any human health hazards

Implementation:

• Easy to start unpack, fill liquid in to tank, plug in (220V). Ready to use
• Easy and safe to use

Disposal:

• Less hazardous waste
• Lower related disposal costs

Further aspects:

• NSF-certified
• Non-flammable
• Lower requirements for use of personal protective equipment

Case/substitution evaluation

The alternative has no harmonised classification or known human health hazards and avoids the use of acute toxic VOCs in the cleaning process. It increases the safety at the workplace.

State of implementation

In use

Availability ofAlternative

The alternatives are available on the market.

Producer/Provider

Bio-Circle Surface Technology GmbH https://www.bio-circle.com/

Type of information supplier

User

Contact

The Project “Baltic pilot cases on reduction of emissions by substitution of hazardous chemicals and resource efficiency” (LIFE Fit for REACH, No.LIFE14ENV/LV000174)

Further information

SDS of applied substances - provided Equipment flyer - provided

Factsheet: Substitution of acetone used for washing contaminated machine parts

Date, reviewed

March 1, 2013