Safe use of TRI in closed cleaning equipment only

It is important to know that under the existing regulations, TRIcan continue to be used in certain situations. In that case, theEuropean producers of TRI promote the safe and continued use of TRIfor metal cleaning in closed equipment only. To that end, via theEuropean Chlorinated Solvent Association ECSA, they have developedan Industry Voluntary Commitment ("Charter for the safe use of TRIin metal cleaning") that has the support of the European Commissionand the European Member States. Under the Commitment, TRI will notbe supplied for metal cleaning or degreasing after 2010 unless theuser has a closed system and has confirmed that TRI will only andexclusively be used in closed cleaning equipment.

The industry commitment is an important step to ensure theavailability of TRI in the market-place for companies that dependon its unique properties for high-precision cleaning, while makingsure that it is used safely "TRI producers want to ensure that thebest possible product stewardship guidelines are followed along theentire supply chain", comments Andre Orban, ECSA General Manager."Using TRI in closed cleaning equipment only is fundamental tominimize workplace exposure and emissions into the environment".

"The practical bottom line is quite simple: If you use TRI formetal cleaning applications, you must use it in closed cleaningequipment. We hope this will help resolve some confusion around thecontinued use of TRI."

The Voluntary Industry Commitment is also expected to help TRIproducers prepare for REACH implementation and should help positionindustry favourably to get authorisation for the continued futureuse of TRI in closed cleaning equipment.