HSE advise on solvents in construction

Exposure to solvents can have serious effects on construction workers' health, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has warned.

An information sheet has been published on the HSE website advising on the use of solvent-based products in construction activity.

In construction products, solvents act as carriers for surface coatings such as paints, varnishes, adhesives and pesticides. Substances commonly found singly or combined are:

• White spirit in paints, varnishes and cleaning products.
• Xylene in paints, adhesives and pesticides.
• 1-butanol in natural and synthetic resins, paints and lacquers.

Construction Information Sheet 27 advises on how to use solvents safely, health effects, legal provisions, precautions, spillages, fire, PPE, hygiene and first aid.

Copies of the information sheet can be obtained from the HSE's website, www.hse.gov.uk.