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LARRYL  
#1 Posted : 07 August 2013 12:41:43(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
LARRYL

We use this is as a cleaning agent, applied by hand on to the material, not massive amounts but enough for our insurers to insist on more stringent controls when using it, ideally I would like to replace it all together both for our staffs benefit and to reduce the fire risk. Has anyone else had any success it replacing it with a less flammable substance but with similar cleaning qualities, thanks.
User is suspended until 03/02/2041 16:40:57(UTC) Ian.Blenkharn  
#2 Posted : 07 August 2013 13:23:32(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ian.Blenkharn

There is a rather old-fashioned remedy that you might consider. It does away with solvents and is inherently safe, though it is not always the best economic option. Best Universal Grit Grime and Effluent Remover is not widely advertised, but you will find it if you look hard enough. I recall the advertising slogan. If spirit doesn't whiten it, and soap doesn't brighten it....
LARRYL  
#3 Posted : 07 August 2013 15:27:46(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
LARRYL

I will put your suggestion forward though I fancy it will be met with some strange looks !
chris.packham  
#4 Posted : 07 August 2013 16:13:29(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris.packham

Larryl What are you trying to remove and off what surface? Without this information it is difficult to suggest an alternative that will both achieve the cleaning standards, not damage the material and be safer. If you don't want this to be on the forum PM me. Chris
LARRYL  
#5 Posted : 07 August 2013 16:34:10(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
LARRYL

Chris We are cleaning acrylic worktop (Hi-Macs etc.) joints prior to bonding, it is reccomended by the supplier with no other alternative offered. Larryl
A Kurdziel  
#6 Posted : 08 August 2013 09:38:16(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
A Kurdziel

I’d have though that ethanol was one of the gentler organic solvents and its flammability is not that high. You mention that the process is one recommended by the supplier; I’d be loath to use something else as you cannot guarantee that any alternative would work as well or as safely. You need to talk to your insurer. On the scale of things ethanol is not that hazardous (or dangerous) and I can’t think of an alternative that is better.
chris.packham  
#7 Posted : 08 August 2013 11:09:44(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris.packham

Depending upon the size, consider using a downdraft bench. This will draw any solvent vapour away, reducing the probability of a build-up that might represent a fire or health hazard. I once saw such a system being used to clean printing rollers, using xylene. Given the volumes of solvent used they had installed a solvent recovery system. Interestingly they found that they had actually recovered more solvent than they had used for cleaning in the first place! Airborne monitoring did eventually establish where the extra solvent vapour was coming from! Chris
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