Construction Information Sheet 27 (rev1) Solvents

Publication Year

2000

Document Status

Withdrawn

Abstract

Solvents are chemical substances. In construction products they act as carriers for surface coatings such as paints, varnishes, adhesives and pesticides. The most common solvents encountered in construction are: white spirit - found in paints, varnishes and cleaning products; xylene - found in paints, adhesives and pesticides; 1-butanol - found in natural and synthetic resins, paints and lacquers. Many construction products contain mixtures of solvents. Exposure to solvents can have serious effects on workers' health. Anyone who uses solvents, or is responsible for managing of supervising their use, should be aware that they may be a hazard to health and that safe working practices must be used to minimise the risk. This sheet advises on how to use solvents safely.

Document History

Supersedes the 1998 edition.

Publisher Information