The European Union (Installations and Activities Using Organic Solvents) Regulations 2012 – S.I No. 565 of 2012aim to assist in implementing a European Directive on reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to the air from the consumption of organic solvents.
ECOS regularly assists our clients to apply for, manage and renew their Solvents Certificate of Compliance.
If you carry out a non-EPA licensed activity which involves the use of solvents you are legally obliged to comply with the requirements set out in the Solvents Regulations if the amount of solvent used is above the threshold limit for the activity undertaken. Amongst other obligations, operators of installations using solvents to which the Regulations apply, are required to:
- Comply with specific emission limit values.
- Demonstrate compliance through the adoption of a solvent management plan or an approved reduction plan
- Where applicable, meet specific emission limit values for waste gas emissions.
- Obtain a certificate of compliance from their relevant Local Authority.
Key areas to be addressed include:
- Identification of type of activities carried out at the installation carried out and the associated thresholds and emission limit values as presented in the European Union (Installations and Activities Using Organic Solvents) Regulations 2012 – S.I No. 565 of 2012.
- Quantify the amount of solvents used and identify whether these have specified risk phrases or hazard phrases.
- Waste disposal, legal compliance and audit trail.
- Mass balance of solvent inputs and outputs.
- On site storage of solvents.
- Training records.
- Controls, abatement measures and emergency response procedures.
For more information on cost effectively comply with the Solvents Regulations, please contact us.