§ Mr. CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what risk assessments have been carried out into the inhalation of trichlorotrifluroethane vapours; and how many accidents involving this chemical have been reported to her Department in each of the last three years. [48007]
§ Angela EagleTrichlorotrifluroethane was reviewed in 1990 by the International Programme on Chemical Safety of the World Health Organisation. This covered hazard identification and qualitative risk assessment of the chemical for the general population, workers and the environment. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is also aware of reviews of trichlorotrifluroethane by the German MAK Commission and the USA American Conference of Industrial Governmental Hygienists.
Occupational exposure to trichlorotrifluroethane is controlled under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994. There are occupational exposure standards for this solvent of 1000 ppm (8-hour Time Weighted Average) and 1250 ppm Short Term Exposure Limit (15-minute reference period).
In the period 1 April 1995 to 31 March 1998 there were no cases of injury caused by trichlorotrifluroethane reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations.