Solvents and Paints Legislation
If your business necessitates the use of these and other substances, it must operate in compliance with the regulations below. They include some important revisions and improvements, especially in relation to the inspection and certification of different types of installations, e.g. dry cleaners and car sprayers.
Solvents
The Solvent Regulations require dry cleaners and other industries who use solvents containing volatile organic compounds as part of their operation to obtain a Certificate of Compliance from their Local Authority.
These regulations apply to a large variety of industry types, including:
- Dry cleaners
- Companies involved in sheet metal work
- Manufacturers of metal gates and fencing
- Electronics manufacturing
Vehicle Refinishers and the Deco Paints Regulations
The Deco Paints Regulations require vehicle refinishers who use paints or solvents containing volatile organic compounds as part of their process to obtain a Certificate of Compliance from their Local Authority.
Inspections
An Inspection must be carried out by an approved assessor. The business/trader then forwards the approved assessor’s inspection report, together with the application form and appropriate fee:
1. New applications: €70
2. Renewal applications: €50
Where an application for a renewal is not submitted prior to the expiration of the certificate of compliance then the subsequent application will be considered a new application and be subject to the higher fee.
The premises may then be visited by an Environmental Health Officer who will go through the report findings with the owner or designate. If the Environmental Health Officer is satisfied with the approved assessor’s report and follow-up, then a certificate of compliance under the regulations is issued. The certificate may be issued for up to 3 years and is dated from the date of issue of the approved assessor’s report in the case of new applications, or the expiry date of the previous certificate of compliance in the case of renewals. Certificates of shorter duration may be issued by Dublin City Council if there are concerns over an individual installation, or if there is a history of former late application.
It is illegal to operate a business which is subject to these regulations without a valid certificate of compliance. Any individual who fails to comply with or contravenes these regulations may be prosecuted summarily and be liable to a fine not exceeding €5,000 or up to 6 months imprisonment, or both.
Instances of non-compliance may result in a fixed payment notice (on-the-spot fine) of up to €1000. To avoid a fixed payment notice, you must be registered with your local authority for a valid Certificate of Compliance. Please refer to the above legislation for a full list of activities that require a certificate.
It is the responsibility of the business/trader to secure the services of an approved assessor and pay for the inspection and report.
Approved Assessors
- Amtivo (Ireland) limited Phone Number: 01-2707980 Email: [email protected] Website: https://amtivo.com/ie/
- Synergy Environmental Limited trading as DNV (formerly Enviroguide) Phone Number: 01-5654730 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.dnv.com/energy/services/biodiversity-and-environment/audits…
Useful links:
For more detailed information in relation to the Paints Regulations please click here
Best-Practice-Guidelines-for-Vehicle-Refinishing-2013.pdf
Vehicle refinishing leaflet (polish)
Best Practice Guidelines for Dry Cleaners | Environmental Protection Agency
An Information video has been produced by the EPA to assist vehicle refinishers to meet their responsibilities under the Decorative Paints Directive and can be viewed here