Posted By Tina Hansen Hello, We are currently searching for a product to replace the use of trichloroethylene in our facility. We are currently using it for as a quick-drying cleaner for machines in the metal industry. We are/have tried several products which seem to be almost as toxic or extremely flammable. Does anyone of a good alternative? Best regards Tina

Posted By Diane Thomason Hi Tina, I just found this: http://www.cleanersolutions.org/ If you click on find a replacement, you can select the solvent you currently use and what you use it for, i.e. process and materials, and the database suggests alternatives. Looks like it could be useful. Cheers Diane

Posted By Alexander Falconer I was faced with the same problem some years ago, whilst working for an engineering company in Scotland. We went for an environmentally friendly substitute called citrosol, which was a citrus based, it was an adequate degreasing cleaner, but not as good as trike. Supplier was a D Fraser & Co in Hamilton, 01698 459003. Why not give them a call and see what they could do for you (or at least point you in the right dirsction) Alex

Posted By AJM Hi, I myself went through this process 10 months ago and did get a replacement which has served us well If you would like any info please e-mail me direct. To answer you Chris. Yes we used the citrus based product that worked well and was more cost effective and last but most importantly, yes it is an irritant but its better to substitute it for that rather than the toxic and cancerous Trichloroethylene. Alan

Posted By Chris Packham Alan I entirely agree with you. The point I was concerned about is that these products are sometimes promoted as "safe" or "natural", with the implication that they do not present any hazards to health. What I hoped my posting indicated is that even these products need to be treated with caution. I have had cases with clients where oxidised citrus oil has resulted in occupational allergic contact dermatitis. In all cases the client was unaware of the change that could occur to create the sensitiser, nor was this indicated on the safety data sheet. Chris

Posted By JWG Why whats wrong with Trichloroethylene? When I worked for a furniture foam company we used to wash our hands in it. I now know it's nasty stuff. It's probably the main culprit as to why many staff were forced to retire or sacked because they failed the peak expiratory flow test.

Posted By Chris Packham Does it actually have to be a chemical? As an example, it is possible to remove printing ink from rollers on presses using dry ice and compressed air. No solvents, no flammable substances, much reduced volume of waste to dispose of etc. The same technique can be used to clean machinery, remove anti-fouling from boats etc. In kitchens it is now common to find steam, without any chemical additive, being used to clean cooker hoods etc. Perhaps we need to "think outside the box" and, at least, keep ourselves informed as to what alternatives appear from time to time. Chris

Posted By Jeffrey Watt Chris Some great points. We used dry ice shot blasting to clean equipment with caked on polish slurry. As the dry ice sublimes to gas the velocity drops off within Cm's of the area (so no nasty projectile hazards) you are blasting with no grit and no residue. Oxygen depletion was non existent when measured in our scenario as general ventilation was adequate in the large work area. General clean down of oil based coolant on our lathes and robots was done with 30% Isopropyl alcohol soaked polypropylene wipes (like baby wipes in appearence), disposed of as flammable rags in FM approved bins. IPA was effective and in 5 years no detected problems in occ health. Just on baby wipes, I have used them to get selotape residue off windows (when white spirits, vinegar, windowlene and razor blades couldn't shift it) and remove oil out of carpet. Kind regards Jeff

Posted By Jeffrey Watt Yeah Chris,you should see the shine on the dog.