a supplier will carry the "toxic" (T) symbol and the Risk Phrase R45 (may cause cancer) or R49 (may cause cancer by inhalation).Category 3, if purchased from a supplier carries the "harmful" (Xn) symbol and the Risk Phrase R40 (possible risk of irreversible effects).TRICHLOROETHYLENE - A CATEGORY 2 CARCINOGEN New classification Trichloroethylene has been reclassified as a category 2 carcinogen (from category 3) by the European Union. After a long scientific debate the revised classification was agreed, based on evidence from laboratory studies and epidemiological investigations. The new classification will take effect in the UK from spring 2002 and will affect the way that trichloroethylene can be used in workplaces. For example: there will be new labelling requirements under CHIP; the specific requirements in COSHH on carcinogens and the Carcinogens ACoP will apply to use in the workplace; and environmental legislation will need to comply with the Solvents Emissions Directive (which the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs leads on). Taken together with the reclassification, this will mean that stricter emission limits will apply to discharges of trichloroethylene. Two common uses of trichloroethylene in the UK are in metal degreasing (particularly vapour degreasing) and as a solvent in adhesives. In general, HSE urges users to consider substitutes and enclosure, but advises against a knee jerk response: trichloroethylene is not banned for degreasing operations and nor has the use of open topped baths for vapour degreasing been banned. Metal degreasing baths Metal objects often become dirty and greasy during manufacture, and solvents such as trichloroethylene can be used to clean them before further processing. As the Carcinogens ACoP recommends using enclosed systems whenever possible, firms currently using open topped baths may be considering switching to enclosed baths. Alternatively, it may be possible to substitut...
