Solvent Cleaner COSHH Assessment Form

A pre-filled COSHH Assessment Form for Solvent Cleaner showing, with some example text reading:

Spillage and environmental:

Readily absorbed into soil. Biodegradable. Toxic to aquatic organisms.

Mobility: Store in a cool, well-ventilated area. Keep the container tightly closed. Keep away from sources of ignition. Prevent the build-up of electrostatic charge in the immediate vicinity. Ensure lighting and electrical equipment are not a source of ignition.

Accidental release: Do not discharge into drains or rivers. Contain the spillage using bunding, then absorb it into dry earth or sand. Transfer to a closable, labelled salvage container for disposal using the appropriate method. Do not use equipment in the clean-up procedure that may produce sparks.

A solvent cleaner is a specialised type of cleaning agent that primarily uses solvents as its active ingredient. Solvents are chemical substances capable of dissolving other materials, which makes solvent cleaners particularly effective at eliminating stubborn contaminants such as grease, oils, and flux residues that are often challenging to remove through conventional cleaning methods.

These cleaners are extensively utilised across various industries, including manufacturing, automotive, and electronics, and are also available for household purposes. The mechanism of action for solvent cleaners involves the dissolution of grime, grease, or other undesirable substances, which facilitates their removal from surfaces.

Many solvents possess the desirable property of rapid evaporation, enabling them to thoroughly clean surfaces without leaving any residual moisture. Different categories of solvents, such as hydrocarbons, alcohols, and esters, offer distinct characteristics and are tailored for specific cleaning applications. For instance, some solvents may be more effective on oil-based contaminants, while others may excel with water-soluble materials.

Solvent cleaners are particularly noted for their high efficiency in tackling tough residues that often resist water and traditional cleaning agents. These cleaners can be employed on a wide range of surfaces, including metal, painted surfaces, glass, rubber, plastics, and even fabric upholstery.

In industrial environments, certain solvent cleaners are formulated in convenient spray bottles, providing easy application for degreasing and removing contaminants from machinery and tools. Their practicality and effectiveness make them a favoured choice for maintenance tasks involving heavy machinery, equipment, and various tools that accumulate substantial deposits over time.

This document is:

• Recognised by local authorities
• Recognised by principal contractors
• Suitable for CDM sites
• Approved by H&S managers

If you want others to have confidence in your company, download and buy the proper documents today.

As with all our documents, our risk assessments are in Word™ format and available for instant download and use. You only need to buy them once.

Once you buy and download this document, it's yours for life to use repeatedly.

Why not browse the HSEDocs catalogue of method statements, risk assessments, COSHH assessments, or industry-specific packages?
And for safety training relevant to your job, visit our online training courses.