Answer to Question 2:

Hi Fergal,

The legislation you are talking about would come under the EPA (Environmental Protection Authority) as The Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) from Organic Solvent Regulations 2002 SI No. 543 of 2002 covering the limitation of emission of volatile organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents (spray paints) in certain activities and installations from members of the public and staff. New installations shall be registered before commencement and existing ones have to register with the competent authority (local county council) by 31st October 2007. This will entail inspections and checks with regard to emissions and solvent use. What the legislation is looking at is the reduction of VOC’s classified as carcinogens, mutagens or toxic to reproduction under Directive 67/548. EEC2 is assigned or needs to carry risk phrases R45, R46, R49, R60, R60 shall be replaced as far as possible by less harmful substances. All chemicals on your site should be accompanied by a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provided by the manufacturer and this gives you the important information regarding Risk phrases from the chemicals in use. You might want to check the EPA site www.epa.ie this is an excellent information resource.

Regards,
Paul