Number

336-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Abstract

This experience involved the substitution of solvents in paints used in a company specialised in the manufacture of car wash tunnel systems. Several workers were exposed to naphtha light aromatic fraction (carcinogenic and mutagen) and to hexamethylene diisocyanate (sensitiser and endocrine disruptor). Trade union intervention managed to achieve the substitution of these paints by Tribo system electrostatic powder coatings that do not require solvents.

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
skin/respiratory sensitizing

Other type of alternative

Electrostatic coatings

Hazard Assessment

Substances to be substituted: Naphtha (light aromatic fraction) is the most dangerous chemical substituted in this experience. Naphtha may be fatal if swallowed and enters airways, may cause genetic defects and may cause cancer.). It is listed in the hazardous Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). Hexamethylene diisocyanate is a sensitiser (H334/317 ) and endocrine disruptor according to Scorecard records. It is also toxic if inhaled, causes serious eye irritation, causes skin irritation, may cause an allergic skin reaction, may cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled and may cause respiratory irritation. Alternative substance: The new alternative paint system introduced does not require solvents (only water).

Description of Substitution

Substitution was implemented in a company that manufactured car wash tunnels. The painting sections used solvents and polyurethane-based paints in amounts that implied health risks for operators, due to the exposure to carcinogens and endocrine disruptors contained in such products. The solvents also represented a serious environmental risk due to the release of large amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOC). The substitution process was organised and led by the trade union’s (CC.OO.) health and safety department. It began with an accurate study of the safety data sheets of the products used in the paint spraying booths. The health and safety representative arranged a visit to the company facilities for the union advisor to observe the working process and the way chemicals were handled by operators. Workers were exposed to epoxy isocyanates and naphtha (light arom. fraction), a carcinogenic substance contained in all paints used in the facility. Isocyanates may cause irritation, sensitization and lung damage. Epoxy compounds may cause intense irritation, are depressors of the central nervous system and may cause contact allergies. They also have potential carcinogenic and mutagenic effects and are endocrine disruptors. The union expert drafted a report with a substitution proposal that was presented to the company’s health and safety committee meeting in February 2009. The data on the toxicity of the products used in the paint spraying booth and the fact that the company was in the deadline period for the implementation of regulation RD 117/2003 (on the limitation of VOC emissions for certain activities) determined the decision to search for safer alternatives. Trade union experts presented company managers with three alternatives: water-based paints, paints with a high percentage of solid components and electrostatic powder coatings. During the meeting company managers announced the start of the substitution process. The chosen alternative was the application of Tribo system electrostatic powder coatings. Electrostatic powder coatings partly reduce the costs of the process. Solvents are no longer required and there is no need for a mixing room. They require, however, a significant investment to modify the process. The quality and effective service time of coatings increased, as well as their anti-corrosive properties. The use of electrostatic powder coatings eliminates the release of volatile organic compounds. The company completed the substitution process before the second trimester of 2009 and workers are no longer exposed to dangerous solvents and VOCs. One of the paint spraying booths was kept to recoat used tunnels. Health and safety representatives (reps) regarded workers’ participation as very positive, although employees seem to be less aware of “invisible risks”. According to safety reps toxicity bonuses hinder workers’ perception and risk awareness. Safety reps reported an increased participation of workers in health and safety issues which had an influence on the stricter control of union reps’ activities by employers. The assistance of trade union experts (regional health and safety department) was valued positively by safety reps. The company’s work council relies largely on the advisory of the regional trade union health and safety department (CC.OO. in the region of Valencia), although they have a solid experience in this field. In specific situations trade union’s help is of significant value.

Case/substitution evaluation

Substitution proved valuable and positive due to the elimination of solvents that implied health and environmental risks. Trade union intervention was also essential to raise workers awareness of chemical risks.

State of implementation

Full capacity

Date and place of implementation

2009 in Spain

Availability ofAlternative

In the market.

Type of information supplier

User

Other solutions

Water-based paints. The company rejected this alternative as it is considered a less efficient method.

Date, reviewed

November 26, 2021