The impact of legislation on health,safty and environmental aspects of Essay

The impact of legislation on health,safty and environmental aspects of surface coatings - Essay Example Recently, the CEN Technical Board directed that the European standard work item should include assessment of the environmental aspect. The evaluation should be undertaken between Stage 11 (work allocated to Technical Body) and Stage 32 (working document circulated to Technical Body). This can be done by accomplishing a checklist provided by the CEN pertaining to environmental aspect. The checklist serves to ensure that the environmental aspects are in line with CEN directive seen in its system handbook guidelines. Similar to this, the ISO has come up with the ISO Guide 64 which calls for life cycle assessment to assess the environmental impact and recognized scientific technique used. (Wallstrom 2000) In terms of standards for paints and varnishes, the environmental aspect involves the minimization of pigment concentration, dispersion, grinding time and method, and durability among others. Moreover, the use of volatile organic compounds is highlighted. In relation to this, standards set acknowledge the fact the use of VOC in this industry may not entirely be avoided. However, the use of less harmful substances is encouraged. (Wallstrom 2000) The health and safety aspects concentrate on the use of reagents. The standards call for the substitution of aromatic compounds used for cleaning purposes whenever possible and the substitution of aliphatic solvent with vegetable ester with or without emulsifier. (Wallstrom 2000) All in all, majority of the technical standards set by both CEN and ISO for paints or surface coatings are focused on the test methods. However, it should be noted that these standards under test methods do not include much about environmental aspect unlike the standards for products and processes. Standards for products especially have significant impact on the choice of system and strongly encourage compliance with local and international legislations implemented. (Wallstrom 2000) The environmental, health and safety