Engineering controls for solvents

In case a facility is using solvents or solvent-based formulations, specific engineering controls for solvents should be installed, including monitoring of VOC emissions at the facility.

Employees may come into contact with solvents while working either due to leaks or evaporation losses. Therefore, engineering controls for emission and exposure control to solvents are extremely important.

Recommendations

  • Use automated dispensing, handling, collecting and discharging systems.
  • Separate the solvent and workers by enclosing or isolating the task (1) and using local exhaust ventilation (LEV) (2) to minimise the vapour concentration in a worker’s breathing zone. 
Local exhaust ventilation and use of local fume arm (photo courtesy of Nike Inc.)
Local exhaust ventilation and use of local fume arm (photo courtesy of Nike Inc.)
Isolating the task by local exhaust ventilation (photo courtesy of Nike Inc.)
Isolating the task by local exhaust ventilation (photo courtesy of Nike Inc.)
  • Use of appropriate PPE for inhalation should be done by the workers in this isolated work area.
Local exhaust ventilation and use of local fume arm (photo courtesy of Nike Inc.)
Local exhaust ventilation and use of local fume arm (photo courtesy of Nike Inc.)
  • Local exhaust ventilation can include:
    • Capture hoods and duct systems to remove solvent vapours.
    • Increasing supply of fresh air to the isolated work area.

(The emphasis should be placed on the collection effect of the exhaust gas while following the local norms for fugitive emission of VOCs.)

  • Enclosure of the process in a dedicated work area with zero exposure of the worker.
  • Regular maintenance and inspection of equipment and pipelines to prevent leaks, along with prompt repair for any leak detections.

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emission monitoring

An important aspect of worker safety when using solvents or solvent-based formulations is VOC emissions monitoring. The supplier has to consider the following points while VOC emission monitoring:

  • VOC in the workplace and ambient air to control emissions and perform corrective actions.
  • Ensure compliance with local regulatory norms and national standards for VOC emissions as required by regulatory bodies.
  • Engage a third-party service provider, qualified as an occupational hygienist, to measure occupational exposure to VOCs.
  • Use portable or fixed measuring devices to monitor and record VOC emissions in indoor workplaces and ambient air.
  • Identify different risk areas where VOCs may be released within the facility. Typical risk areas include:
    • Locations where formulations containing solvents come in contact with heat.
    • Areas with limited air circulation.
    • Confined spaces by design.
    • Storage areas for raw materials/articles for extended periods.
    • Intersections of hot and cold zones.
  • Seek assistance from experts for effective VOC emissions monitoring and analysis. Installing VOC analyser’s requires an expert's visit, opinion, and detailed analysis of on-site conditions.
  • The supplier is required to conduct two types of VOC emissions monitoring.
    • VOC monitoring in the formulations.
    • VOC monitoring at workplace.