Safety Solvent Degreasers: What are Their Essential Characteristics?
All industrial grade degreasers have one thing in common: They excel at cutting through tough accumulations of grease and leaving the material underneath free of greasy residue. However, apart from this basic trait, industrial degreasers differ markedly in several ways, one of the most obvious of which is their safety profile. Sometimes referred to as “safety solvent degreasers,” degreasers that have an excellent safety profile have the following essential characteristics.
- No Hazardous Air Pollutants
Hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) are harmful to human health and can have a negative impact on the environment. Old generation degreasers that contain HAPs are often cheaper than newer, safer degreasers, but the money you save can be a pittance compared to the cost of settling lawsuits and paying workers compensation claims due to chemical injuries in the workplace. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains an official list of HAPs.
- Low Volatile Organic Compound Content
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are naturally occurring substances that typically vaporize at room temperature. However, their compositional instability isn’t the only thing that makes them “volatile”. They can also be volatile to human health, especially when they vaporize in high volume. This is why it is essential to use a degreaser that has no VOCs or low VOC content.
- High Flash Point
A degreaser that has a high flashpoint is harder to ignite than a degreaser that has a low flashpoint. If the degreasing process occurs in an environment that has heat sources that could ignite the cleaning solution, using a cleaning agent that has a high flash point or no flashpoint is absolutely essential. This type of agent also supports fire safety in the degreaser storage area.
- Safe for Material That is Degreased
When they shop for safety solvent degreasers, end users typically focus on finding degreasers that have an excellent safety profile for workers. But it is also important to consider the safety of degreasers in terms of their compatibility with the material that must be degreased. In addition to being safe for workers, a degreaser should be safe for the material that you need to clean.
- Safe for Parts Washing Systems
If you need a degreaser for a parts washing system, it is important to choose one that is as compatible with the equipment as it is with the material that must be degreased. Industrial parts washers are often comprised of different types of metal, plastic and rubber. Be sure to choose a degreaser that is compatible with any material in the parts washer that the degreaser contacts.
Shopping for Safety Solvent Degreasers?
Using safety solvent degreasers helps companies and organizations avoid the dangers of using degreasers that have a poor safety profile. In addition to posing minimal harm to workers and the environment, as safety solvent degreaser also has the characteristics of being safe for the material that is cleaned and the method of cleaning (e.g., using a parts washer). For assistance selecting safe degreasers for your cleaning operations, call Ecolink today at (800) 563-1305.
