Norwegian OAR code: Practical experience and contribution to reducing solvent exposure Vemund Digernes Dept. of HSE Affairs Federation of Norwegian Industries

2 The Norwegian OAR code Introduced as a warning label on paints, lacquers and glues in 1970 Extended in 1982 to other applications and products No longer obligatory from 2005 as part of the hazard label Still in use as a voluntary information system (on packaging and in MSD-sheets) for certain products and applications

3 The Norwegian OAR code

4 S 23 + S 38 + S 42 + S 210 R 20

5 OAR experiences and importance The OAR system was established as an integrated part of the labelling system Integrated in campaigns about the prevention of ”solvent disease” Gave indications of content of solvents in products Gave safety precautions (safety phrases) Stimulated for increased use of PPE Used for substitution, very seldom used as an instrument for the assessment of ventilation requirements

6 OAR as a tool in the prevention of solvents disease of the brain Awareness related to solvents Grading of potential risk Precautions on the label Effects? Reduced exposure Decrease in exposure and use of solvent based products (but the same also in other countries) Health Effects Decrease in number of cases (but the same also in other countries)

7 Number of cases of occupational diseases of the central nervous system Ref. Dr. H.L. Leira, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Trondheim

8 Exposure to organic solvents in usaturated polyester applications ppm Report 2003: Solvent exposure in Norway (Institute of occupational health, Trondheim)

9 Exposures to organic solvents in offset printing ppm Report 2003: Solvent exposure in Norway (Institute of occupational health, Trondheim)

10 Exposure to organic solvents in serigraphy (printing) ppm Report 2003: Solvent exposure in Norway (Institute of occupational health, Trondheim)

11 Exposure to organic solvents in vehicle refinishing (application of coating) ppm Report 2003: Solvent exposure in Norway (Institute of occupational health, Trondheim)

12 Substitution: The increasing share of waterborne coatings on the Norwegian market %

13 Substitutions (examples) UP-Industry Dichloromethane  Offset printing Toluene , Trichloroethylene  Isopropanol  Serigraphy Xylen , Toluene , White Spirit  Glykol ethers , New technology based on UV-colorants  Lacquers for cars High solid lacquers  Water borne systems  Building industry Water borne systems 

14 Advantages and disadvantages of the OAR-system A very simple system An established system Volatility is taken into account as a risk factor Focus on solvents A very simple system Not EU-harmonised Undiscriminate use on ”all” types of products containing solvents Other health hazards are disregarded OELs are not of equal standard Not applicable for spraying Conflicting interests possible with technical applications of paints/lacquers +-

15 OAR regulations terminated in 2005 Replaced by a voluntary system (at the level of individual companies) consisting of: OAR-information in material safety data sheets, when appropriate OAR-information on packaging (not as a part of the hazard label), when appropriate To be ”driven” by market forces So far: Different approaches, no reactions from the market

16 The OAR system- Opinions of stakeholders Producers and ImportersNegativeNot harmonized Not used according to intentions Down stream users (application of finished products) PositiveSimple system AuthoritiesMixedNot harmonized Positive effects UnionsPositiveSimple system Institutions (hygiene and occupational medicine) MixedNot used according to intentions Unscientific Positive effects

17 Is there a need for an OAR-system? Development of existing tools as an alternative Recent improvements Solvents classified for acute effects on CNS VOC information (Content of solvents on the label) Suggested improvements 3 new risk phrases (low, medium, high volatility) Criteria for classification of solvents according to long term effects, and new risk phrases related to this effect Better information in material safety data sheets: Information related to long term effects of solvents Data and information related to volatility

18 Advice as related to AWARE An ”OAR system” (if any) should be strictly limited to relevant products and applications The link to OELs of different sources, ages, and quality is a very weak part of the system Is the simplification of hazards (1-5) justified?

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