Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

Briefing Note for trades involving Building, Refurbishment, Decorators & Painters

PAINT STRIPPERS CONTAINING DICHLOROMETHANE

Dichloromethane                    CAS No 75-09-2         EC No: 200-838-9

1. Paint strippers containing dichloromethane in a concentration equal to or greater than 0,1 % by weight shall not be:

(a) placed on the market for the first time for supply to the general public or to professionals after 6 December 2010;

(b) placed on the market for supply to the general public or to professionals after 6 December 2011;

(c) used by professionals after 6 June 2012.

For the purposes of this entry:

(i)            “professional” means any natural or legal person, including workers and self-employed workers undertaking paint stripping in the course of their professional activity outside an industrial installation;

(ii)           “industrial installation” means a facility used for paint stripping activities.

A professional shall hold a training certificate or provide other documentary evidence to demonstrate proper training and competence to safely use paint strippers containing dichloromethane. The training referred to shall cover as a minimum:

(a) awareness, evaluation and management of risks to health, including information on existing substitutes or processes, which under their conditions of use are less hazardous to the health and safety of workers;

(b) use of adequate ventilation;

(c) use of appropriate personal protective equipment that complies with Directive 89/686/EEC.

Please contact Acorn today if you are using products containing dichloromethane