|
|
Environment, Health & Safety
With proper risk management, chlorinated solvents can be used in a safe manner.
From their use in simple ballpoint pens and life-saving air bag systems to precision medical equipment, DOW chlorinated solvents provide high quality performance in precision cleaning. In the metal and dry cleaning industry, chlorinated solvents have established a standard for surface treatment and cleaning that is practically unmatched by alternatives.
Chlorinated solvents are non-flammable, and offer high solvency and low surface tension, which improves process efficiency. They are easily recycled, ensuring the sustainable management of resources.
Due to their product-specific properties, the use of chlorinated solvents requires safety precautions to protect people and the environment. SAFECHEM Europe GmbH has "closed the loop" with a system that allows the continued safe use of chlorinated solvents. The SAFE-TAINER™ system consists of a container for fresh solvent and a container for used solvent, as well as technical support and service throughout the cleaning process.
SAFECHEM’s contribution to the protection of the environment is apparent in the German national initiative for "the environmental protection and safe use of chlorinated solvents." The program is a joint effort of:
- AUBET (an association of organisations committed to delivering and recycling solvents to and from dry cleaners in an environmentally friendly way);
- TÜV (a technical supervisory association);
- the associations of dry cleaners, and;
- the Ministry of Environment.
 |
 |
Mrs. Bärbel Höhn, former environmental minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
|
Environmentally responsible dry cleaners are awarded a certificate, endorsed by Bärbel Höhn, former environmental minister of North Rhine-Westphalia. To obtain this certificate, dry cleaners must demonstrate their commitment to the safe supply and take-back of perchloroethylene in a closed-loop safety system, such as the SAFE-TAINER system. For more information on how to obtain this certificate, please visit www.aubet.de.
The SAFE-TAINER System:
- Ensures the safe, easy filling and emptying of the cleaning machine
The appropriate accessories of the SAFE-TAINER system ensure that the solvent is transferred easily to and from the machine without risking air emissions, spills or leaks.
- Prevents the contamination of soil and water:
The double-walled containers form a secondary containment system that protects against damage, which avoids spills and leaks.
- Reduces the risk during internal transport and storage
Both containers are equipped with a special base construction that allows easy transport with a forklift truck or pallet lifter.
- Prevents unauthorised people from using the product
Both containers can be locked and the system can only be used with appropriate accessories, preventing the unauthorised removal of solvent.
- Ensures the return of waste and simplifies waste-management service
SAFECHEM offers a waste-management service to ensure that no used solvent remains on the premises longer than needed. Either the distributor or waste-manager handles both fresh and waste material.
More details can be found in the description of the SAFE-TAINER system. For a multiple-language CD describing the complete SAFE-TAINER system, please contact us.
Never handle any chlorinated solvent before you have read the relevant SDS.
®™* Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow
|
 |
