Number

023-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Abstract

A solvent containing isopropanol, 2-methylpropan-1-ol and heptane was used in the cleaning of printing rolls used for bag printing. The previous substitution of organic inks by water based inks solved the problem since solvents were no longer necessary for the cleaning of rolls (the solvent is usually substituted by water and ammonia).

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

other toxic effects
ecotoxicity
physical hazards

Hazard Assessment

Propan-2-ol causes serious eye irritation (H319) and its vapors may cause drowsiness and dizziness (H336). Also it is H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapor 2-Methylpropan-1-ol is irritating to respiratory system and skin (H335 and H315) and it may cause drowsiness and dizziness (H336) . The substance causes serious eye damage (H318) and also it is flammable liquid and vapor (H226). n-Heptane is irritating to skin (H315),and it may cause drowsiness and dizziness (H336). The substance is highly flammable (H225) and may fatal if swallowed (H304) and also is very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment. Alternative substance, ammonia, aqueous solution causes burns (H314) and is very toxic to aquatic organisms (H400). Risks are largely reduced. None of the substituted and alternative substances are listed on the SDSC. » Check the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC)

Description of Substitution

The experience was carried out in a company that prints plastic bags. Substitution was carried out after the substitution explained in case 022: Substitution of toluene and butan-1-ol in the inks used to print plastic bags.First organic printing inks were substituted by water-based inks which made possible the substitution of solvents by ammonia and aqueous solution to clean the printing rolls.The solvent in question is highly toxic, it contains heptane, a neuroroxicant, and 2-methylpropan-1 which is neurotoxicant too. Besides the solvent is flammable and implies a high risk of explosion.The risk of explosion was namely one of the main factors that determined the company’s decision to substitute the solvent. The solvent (F 15) was stored in two containers with a capacity of 10,000 liters each.The company’s health and safety managers wanted to substitute the solvent and the organic inks due to their high occupational hazard but the company management initially objected to the idea. A fire alarm in the area where the containers were stored triggered concerns about the high risk of explosion and of serious accidents given the chemical composition of the solvent. The management quickly changed its position and accepted substitution. The company’s action was not a result of its intention to substitute the solvent but a decision taken to avoid the risk of explosion.The elimination of the solvent containers was considered a successful management practice.Description of procedure or technology (including pre-/post-processing)The new process required workers to clean the printing rolls with ammonia at the end of the working day. Ammonia was applied with piece of cloth and the cylinders had to be rubbed.Way of application: e.g. spraying, dipping, open/closed system etc.Risk management measures (technical, organizational and personal)The internal emergency plan has been adjusted to reduced explosion risk.Explosion protection measures in companies has been reduced.Risk reduction by alternative: Human health: e.g. more/less safety measures e.g. technical/operational/personal protection measuresElimination of explosive and harmful cleaning agents.Risk reduction by alternative: Environment: e.g. waste reduced/increasedThe volume of hazardous wastes that required specialized disposal reduced, as well as the risk of fire and explosion.

Case/substitution evaluation

Comments Due to the use of water based inks the replacement of dangerous solvents in the cleaning process of printing rollers was easy and the water based alternative is safer. Advantage or Disadvantage of alternative

Aspect	Advantage/disadvantage to conventional process
Technical requirements
Implementation	Advantages The company was no longer forced to comply with the requirement of an external emergency plan. Disadvantages Initially substitution was not welcome by workers. Ammonia has an unpleasant smell. Substitution was eventually accepted as a result of an information campaign on the risks of cancer caused by exposure to solvents. Additional comments During the substitution process the trade union (CC.OO. Aragon) carried out a series of meetings with workers to explain the differences between various types of ink and the health hazards of organic inks and solvents.
Operational expenses	The cost of company facilities was also reduced since electric parts no longer required anti-explosion protection and compliance with ATEX regulation. Good profitability.
etc.

State of implementation

Full capacity

Date and place of implementation

2007 Spain

Enterprise using the alternative

www.sphere-spain.es

Availability ofAlternative

On the market.

Type of information supplier

User

Contact

www.aragon-ccoo.es

Date, reviewed

February 27, 2020