Respirators must be properly tested and maintained, and workers must be properly trained in their use. Protective equipment provided must be appropriate to the solvent being used, must fit properly and be properly maintained. Employees should be properly trained and instructed in the safe use of hazardous chemicals in the workplace prior to their use. Do Not use solvents instead of soap or hand cleaners enter confined spaces where fumes have collected. If large amounts of solvents are used in the workplace, vapour levels should be regularly monitored.
Most solvents are flammable and some emit toxic gas when heated.
Solvents should be stored in cool, secure areas, separate from other chemicals. Smoking should not be permitted near solvents. Some areas in which solvents are used include paint manufacture, spray painting and smash repair, paint stripping, dry cleaning, fibreglassing, furniture making, laboratories, metal cleaning, pharmaceutical, printing, refrigeration and adhesive manufacture. Copies of this publication may be freely printed and distributed provided that WorkSafe Western Australia receives appropriate acknowledgement, and that no substantial changes are made to the text. Copies of this publication may be freely printed and distributed provided that WorkSafe Western Australia receives appropriate acknowledgement and that no substantial changes are made to the text.