Hazardous materials ordinance

We rely on recognized substitute substances

The use of solvents and hazardous substances in relation to occupational health and medicine are summarised in the technical guidelines for hazardous materials (German TRGS). These contain guidelines for using substitute substances and processes for materials with a high solvent content.

Primers and adhesives for wood flooring and other floor coverings are taken into account in the technical rules. TRGS 610 divides substances according to the amount of solvent in four categories:

 

• Solvent free: 0 to 0.5% Solvent

• Low solvent content: up to 5 % solvent

• Contains solvent: 5 to10% solvent

• High solvent content: more than 10% solvent

 

If high solvent content primers and adhesives are used, according to TRGS 610, the applicable workplace limits are exceeded. In order to avoid excessive concentrations of liquid, volatile and organic materials, substances with high levels of solvent should be substituted, according to TRGS 610. 

Recognised substitute substances

Alternative substances are those materials, preparations or products that have a low health risk. These include solvent-free dispersion adhesives with the GISCODE D 1 label, SMP adhesives (GISCODE RS 10) or solvent-free polyurethane adhesives (GISCODE RU 0.5 and RU 1).

STAUF products are free of strong solvents

STAUF foregoes low volatile solvents for all approved products using recognised substitute substances instead. Our products are labelled with the appropriate GISCODE.

Further information:

Chemikaliengesetz (ChemG)
Technische Regel Gefahrstoffe 610 (TRGS 610)