Number
301-EN
Section
General Section
Use
Sector
Manufacture of basic metals, including alloys
Manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment
General manufacturing, e.g. machinery, equipment, vehicles, other transport equipment
Function
Other
Process
Manual activities involving hand contact
Other
Product category
Metal surface treatment products
Application
Substitution of a hydrocarbon-based anti-adherent
Abstract
A highly flammable anti-adherent compound containing toxic solvents used in welding was substituted by a water-based product. The eliminated product contained dichloromethane which posed serious health hazards since it is a suspected carcinogen and endocrine disruptor. The alternative product contains synthetic oils and water-based anti-corrosion additives.
Substituted substances
Dichloromethane
CAS No. 75-09-2 EC No. 200-838-9 Index No. 602-004-00-3
Chemical group
Chlorinated Halocarbons
Classification: hazard statements
H351 Suspected of causing cancer
Other adverse effects
The substance is: 2B carcinogen (IARC) as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC).
Alternative Substances
Oleic acid
CAS No. 112-80-1 EC No. 204-007-1 Index No.
Chemical group
Fatty acids
Water
CAS No. 7732-18-5 EC No. 231-791-2 Index No.
Chemical group
Non-metal oxides
Reliability of information
Evidence of implementation: there is evidence that the solution was implemented and in use at time of publication
Reason substitution
CMR
Hazard Assessment
Substance to be substituted: The substituted product contained dichloromethane. It is a Substance of very high concern and is included on the REACH restriction list, according to Article 73 of Regulation (EG) No. 1907/2006. (REACH Regulation). Alternative substance: The alternative product does not contain any substance from the SDSC list and it does not include any component classified as hazardous.
Description of Substitution
The use of anti-adherent sprays containing toxic chemicals is widespread in industrial welding. Hazardous hydrocarbon solvents which are highly flammable and hazardous to human health are commonly used. This substitution experience was carried out in a company specialised in the manufacture of storing systems located in Vizcaya (Spain). Company managers decided to substitute the solvent-based anti-adherent compound by a water-based product. The alternative product contains synthetic oils and water-based anti-corrosion additives. Advantages - Increased performance due to the bigger amount of active product contained in aerosols - Reduction of hazardous wastes, which also implies cost savings. - The product is easily cleaned with water.
Case/substitution evaluation
Substitution was successful since it eliminated a possible carcinogen (H351). The alternative product does not contain any components classified as hazardous. This case proves the existence of feasible safer alternatives for the extensive use of solvents in this given branch of industry.
State of implementation
Full capacity
Date and place of implementation
2010, Spain
Enterprise using the alternative
http://www.estanteriasyalmacenaje.com/
Availability ofAlternative
On the market
Producer/Provider
Type of information supplier
Producer / distributor
Contact
Date, reviewed
November 26, 2021