Product Stewardship
at ESIG
ESIG has updated the Flammability Best Practice Guidelines!
ESIG provides a single point of contact for information on oxygenated and hydrocarbon solvents in Europe. Our work with industry and industry partners promotes best practices in solvent usage, health, safety, and environmental protection. Its main aims are to support responsible care in the use of solvents and to provide advocacy on issues affecting the producers of solvents.
Flammability is one of the main hazards associated with industrial solvents. ESIG has updated the Flammability Guidelines to explain the main characteristics of solvent flammability and provide recommendations for safe handling and use. It includes:
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- a summary of the key recommendations that should be borne in mind when handling flammable solvents;
- information on solvent flammability characteristics for readers who need a more detailed understanding of the background to the recommended handling procedures;
- information on the ignition hazards presented by static electricity and details of the associated risk management measures.
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The guidelines are only available in English. Printed versions can be ordered at the ESIG secretariat: mailto:esig@cefic.be
ESIG Solvents Human Exposure Database
In May 2022, the ESIG Solvents Human Exposure Database has been updated with data from 2020 and 2021.
The updated version now contains data extracted from 331 publications and includes 3,766 samples and 11,990 measurement results. This makes our database the largest single source of solvent exposure data available to industry and a broader audience.
The database contains detailed information and measurements from literature on oxygenated and hydrocarbon solvents exposure published over the past 22 years (from 1998 until today), including a quality assessment.
The data demonstrate that the Chemical Safety Assessments under REACH are accurate and qualitative enough to ensure the reliability of assessments of safe use for workers and consumers.
ESIG continues to support the EU OSHA
“Healthy Workplaces: Lighten the Load” campaign
On June 13th, ESIG received the certificate for being once again a partner of the EU-OSHA “Healthy Workplaces – Lighten the load” campaign. The certificate was awarded to ESIG Secretary General, Cornelia Tietz, during a good practice exchange event with other leading European companies and organisations.
For many years, at ESIG, we have promoted occupational health and safety best practices, as workers’ well-being is one our top priorities. The health crisis of the last two years made the issue even more prominent. And so, last year, besides promoting the campaign amongst ESIG members and raising awareness of best practices, we also distributed small sets of sports equipment to our members, encouraging physical exercise.
Background
The 2020-22 “Healthy Workplaces” campaign focuses on the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
MSDs continue to be one of the most prevalent types of work-related health problems in Europe.
Posture-related risks, exposure to repetitive movements or to tiring or painful positions, carrying or moving heavy loads — all of these very common workplace risk factors can cause MSDs. Given how widespread work-related MSDs are, it’s clear that more needs to be done to raise awareness of how they can be prevented.
The campaign takes a comprehensive view of the causes of this persistent problem. It aims to disseminate high-quality information on the subject, encourages an integrated approach to managing the problem, and offers practical tools and solutions that can help at workplace level.
Solvents training with SIA
In October, the UK-based Solvents Industry Association (SIA) will organise our Solvent Training courses in cooperation with ESIG. They will take place in Brussels at the Cefic offices on the 11th & 12th of October 2022.
Day 1: Introduction to the Solvents Industry
This first training course is an introductory course designed for newcomers in the solvents sector and other professionals looking to ‘refresh’ their knowledge about solvents. This course is helpful to those in commercial or administrative areas.
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Content of this one-day course:
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Day 2: Solvents and their applications
This training is designed to support the previous ‘Introduction to the Solvents Industry’ course and is aimed at anyone within the solvents industry who would like to understand better where solvents are used in the manufacture of everyday items. It provides an insight into the many uses of solvents in our everyday lives.
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Content of the one-day course:
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Even if you haven’t previously attended the ’Introduction to the Solvents Industry’ course, this is a must-attend event for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of the beautiful world of solvents and their uses.
The courses are purposely kept small to encourage interaction and ensure dynamic discussions and are usually booked quickly, so don’t hesitate to register. Courses are free for ESIG members. A contribution that includes lunch and materials of the contribution of 250€ will be asked to non-ESIG members.