Finding an industrial strength degreaser that does not harm the environment was once impossible.
Today, several degreasers are available that are not harmful to the environment, or to human health.
If your company needs new degreasing solutions, it is important to choose organic solvents or solutions that are environmentally preferred.
Doing so will ensure that Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations are met, and no harm comes to those who use the solutions.
If you need help finding a non-toxic degreasing solution, consider the tips below.
Shop for Organic Solutions First Organic solutions are harmless to the environment.
Their fumes should be ventilated from the work environment, and workers should be instructed to use them as directed.
When these conditions are met, the solutions are also harmless to humans.
Using organic solutions is the best way for companies to avoid fines from the EPA.
Using organic solutions also helps companies save money on waste disposal.
Shop for Environmentally Preferred Solutions Second Some organic solvents do not have the necessary cleaning power.
When this is the case, a company should target solutions that are environmentally preferred.
Environmentally preferred solutions contain some ingredients that are not environmentally friendly, but contain the ingredients at low levels.
Using environmentally preferred degreasers is an effective way for companies to remain under emission caps.
Choose a Solution that Contains No HAPs Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) are dangerous to the environment and human health.
In the natural environment, HAPs cause air pollution.
In the human environment, they cause people to develop short-term maladies such as dizziness and respiratory distress, and long-term maladies such as nerve damage and brain damage.
Using solutions that contain HAPs increases the likelihood of companies being fined by the EPA for emission violations, and sued by employees who develop chronic health problems due to HAP exposure.
Select a Solution that has a High Flash Point The flash point is the temperature at which a solution ignites.
A degreaser that is used to treat energized equipment (e.
g.
aircraft engines) should have a high flash point, but even solutions that are not used on energized equipment should have a high flashpoint if at all possible.
If a building fire spread to an area where a solution having a high flashpoint is stored, the solution could cause the fire to burn out of control.
Select a Solution that Leaves No Residue Solutions that leave a residue are undesirable for two reasons: the residue can attract dirt to sensitive equipment parts, causing them to wear prematurely; and it can accumulate on the floor in work areas where it is applied, causing workers to slip and fall.
Non-residue solutions help to protect equipment components and the workers who operate the equipment.
Conclusion Using degreasers that contain harmful chemicals place a company at risk for EPA violations and liability lawsuits from injured workers.
When a company needs a new degreasing solution, it should first shop for organic solvents.
If an organic solvent with the necessary cleaning strength is not available, the company should shop for environmentally preferred solvents.
If your company needs a new, safer degreasing solution, the tips described above are helpful for finding it.