Introduction
Industries which use solvents as part of their process are now subject to the Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds from Organic Solvents Regulations 2002 S.I. 543 of 2002.
The types of business which may be subject to these Regulations include:
- Dry cleaners
- Companies involved in sheet metal work
- Manufacturers of metal gates and fencing
- Electronics manufacturing
- Medical device manufacture etc.
Many of these types of business may be included or exempted under these Regulations depending on the quantity of solvent used.
Under the Limitation of Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds due to the use of Organic Solvents in certain Paints, Varnishes and Vehicle Refinishing Products Regulations 2007, all businesses which carry out vehicle refinishing i.e. car spray painting, must be registered with the relevant Local Authority.
The onus is placed on the business/trader to secure the services of an Accredited Inspection Contractor and pay for the inspection and report.
The Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds from Organic Solvents Regulations 2002, known as the VOC Regulations are enforced by the Environmental Health Officers in Dublin City Council. The Regulations apply to a large variety of industry types and are currently being rolled out on a phased basis by category type.
Inspections
Inspections of VOC premises are carried out by an Accredited Inspection Contractor (AIC). The business then forwards the AIC inspection report, together with their application form and €50 fee to Dublin City Council. The premises may then be visited by an Environmental Health Officer to go through the report findings with the owner or manager.
If the Environmental Health Officer is satisfied with the AIC report and follow-up, then a Certificate of Compliance under the Regulations is issued to the company. The Certificate is issued for no longer than 1 year and is dated from the date of issue of the AIC report in the case of new applications, or the expiry date of the previous Certificate of Compliance in the case of renewals.
It is illegal to operate a business, which is subject to these Regulations, without a valid Certificate of Compliance. If you wish to make an application for a Certificate of Compliance, please click here to download application form or please click here to download a application for renewal
The Limitation of Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds due to the use of Organic Solvents in certain Paints, Varnishes and Vehicle Refinishing Products Regulations 2007, known as the Paints Regulations, are enforced by Dublin City Council. The Regulations apply to all businesses engaged in the process of vehicle refinishing.
Inspections
Inspections of vehicle refinishing premises are carried out by an Accredited Inspection Contractor (AIC), the business must then forward the AIC inspection report, together with their application form and €50 fee to Dublin City Council. The premises may then be visited by an Environmental Health Officer to go through the report findings with the owner or designate. If the Environmental Health Officer is satisfied with the AIC report and follow-up, a Certificate of Approval under the Regulations is issued. The Certificate is valid for no longer than 2 years and is dated from the date of issue of the AIC report in the case of new applications or the expiry date of the previous Certificate of Approval in the case of renewals.
It is illegal to operate a business, which is subject to these Regulations, without a valid Certificate of Approval. Any individual who fails to comply with or contravenes these Regulations may be prosecuted summarily, and be liable to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or up to 12 months imprisonment, or both.
If you wish to make an application for a Certificate of Approval, please click here to download the application form
Information
Further information about complying with the Regulations and guidance documents for industry can be found on the EPA’s website www.solvents.ie or contact the Environmental Health Officers through our Customer Services Centre (details below)