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Posted By Paul D
The QC dept where I work use IPA to dip small pressed parts to remove grease, oil etc so that QC procedures can be carried out.
The container which the IPA is dipped into holds approx 5 litres, and the parts are dipped using a purpose made tray.
The dipping tray (approx 10cms2) is then removed and placed next to a small heater for approx 5 mins so that the IPA evaporates to atmosphere.
My main concerns are the flammable properties of the IPA and the vicinity of the heater and the evaporation of the IPA in the QC office.
This process could be repeated 20-50 times per day depending on production levels.
The QC manager says that IPA has replaced a substance called Samsol.
Does anybody know of a suitable substance that will evaporate to air without the heater being needed?
What are the likely levels of exposure levels from the substance when it is being heated?
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Posted By Bossa nova
Paul,
Is that Green King?
There are different grades available or with a little planning evaporation could be carried out in a fume cupboard as opposed to forcing it with a heater.
Pullover
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Posted By Roger
I certainly would review your procedures fairly quickly. IPA (if you mean isopropyl alcohol) has a flash point of 12C. The scenario of 5 litres of the stuff in any close proximity to a heater isn't a good one. The fumes can also be irritant. Get a COSHH assessment carried out asap and modify the procedures.
Roger
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Posted By Paul Leadbetter
Paul
Most solvents will evaporate if you leave them long enough! IPA, by which I assume you mean isopropyl alcohol, boils at about 82º. There are a number of Samsols, one of which Samsol MC, is dichloromethane, also known as methylene chloride; MC boils at 40º. MC has been assigned risk phrase R40 - limited evidence of carcinogenic effect - so you should stay away from that.
All solvents will be harmful (to some degree) or flammable or both. Whatever you end up using, allowing it to evaporate into the office is probably not a good idea.
If you are concerned about the level of exposure, you need to measure the atmospheric concentration; colorimetric tubes (Draeger or similar) will give you a rough idea but an occupational hygienist will be able to give you a better idea and be able to provide control options.
Call me on 01905 353500 if you would like to discuss the matter further.
Paul
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Posted By Paul D
Thanks all,
The 5 litres are not in the vicinity of the heater, the tray holding the part after being dripped is, there will only be the residue of the IPA present on the tray and the part that will be placed by the heater.
The fumes issue is my main concern, looking further into the issue.
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Posted By Jeffrey Watt
Paul
Basing this on guestimates of the numbers you quote and assuming you can't just substitute soap and water for the cleaning bit....
...5 litre jar of IPA for a 10cms2 tray, ergo about 10-20 ml maximum, so one to two weeks worth of IPA in your office/lab going by the number of parts you quoted.
Experience says have a days worth of flammables in a work area, keep everything else in fire safe storage. Try spilling 5 litres of water in your lab see how far it gets- now imagine that as IPA with nice low LEL of 2% and broad range flammability up to UEL of 12%
If you are evaporating 10-20mls of IPA yeah it could go on fire but I have used 100mls for dipping and flaming glass spreaders, common practice in micro labs. If it went on fire you just set your lab book on the beaker. Not being blase but 20mls ain't a big risk.
Again if we are talking 250ml evaporating across the course of a day I would guess general ventilation would be enough.....
...but don't take my word for it go to the HSE COSHH essentials website and complete the assessment yourself with the tools available.
Kind regards
Jeff
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Posted By Ron Hunter
Check out Mykal or the likes(I have no association with the company or its products).
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