How to reduce solvent exposure in Birmingham

Written by Orapi Maintenance

Every day, workers across Birmingham are exposed to harmful solvents—often without realising the long-term risks.

As a Smethwick-based manufacturer and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce member, Orapi Maintenance is dedicated to improving local workplace safety by highlighting solvent exposure risks and the safer solutions.

If you use a solvent parts washer, it’s extremely important you read on. 

The hidden risks of solvent exposure

Birmingham’s bustling industrial sector commonly uses solvents to remove grease and oils from parts and machinery.

However, the long-term health and environmental risks are becoming impossible to ignore.

Solvents contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which evaporate quickly into the air.

Workers handling solvents—especially in enclosed spaces—are at risk of inhaling these harmful chemicals. The dangers are clear:

• Workers exposed to solvents daily are 30 per cent more likely to develop neurological disorders like numbness, tingling, and memory issues.
• Up to 20 per cent of workplace dermatitis cases are linked to solvent exposure.
• Long-term exposure increases the risk of chronic solvent-induced encephalopathy (CSE) by 6 times.
• Taste, sight, and smell can all be affected. The impairment is often subtle, and workers are typically unaware.

One of the biggest contributors to daily solvent exposure is parts washers. Unlike other cleaning processes, solvent-based parts washers create repeat exposure. Despite this, the industry has been slow to adapt.

David East, UK Director of Orapi Maintenance said: “The risks also go beyond employee health. Increased regulations means businesses will face higher disposal and compliance costs, ventilation needs, and liability risks”

Solvent disposal remains a major environmental burden, contributing 1.2 million tonnes of hazardous waste annually in the UK. In the last 5 years, solvent disposal costs have risen 25 per cent, and continue to rise due to tighter regulations.

With Birmingham’s push towards safer industrial practices, businesses need to adapt quickly to dramatically reduce their solvent use and better protect their 300,000+ industrial workers.

Combatting long-standing misconceptions

Despite misconceptions, switching to a solvent-free parts washer does not mean sacrificing performance or increasing costs.

Modern, solvent-free systems often exceed the degreasing power of solvents, without the risks.

Additionally, when you factor in the true cost of solvent use—including questionable disposal contracts, hazardous waste management, and compliance costs—solvent-free washers become the more economical choice.

The OWASHER: A safer solution

Recognising the need for a safer solution, Orapi Maintenance has introduced the OWASHER – a powerful, solvent-free parts washer.

The OWASHER uses safe, solvent free biodegradable detergents and powerful microorganisms that turn oil and grease into water and Co2.

It instantly improves worker safety and reduces regulatory burdens.

With no hazardous solvents to manage, companies can cut down on waste disposal contracts and create a cleaner, safer working environment for their employees.

10 per cent discount for members

“Solvents are, and will remain, important agents in the workplace. But as a Smethwick-based manufacturer, we have an obligation to support a safer, greener industrial sector in Birmingham. Sustainable growth and industrial progress can and should go hand-in-hand”, says David East, UK Director.

To encourage local businesses to switch, Orapi Maintenance is offering GBCC members an exclusive 10 per cent discount on their best-selling 100L OWASHER.

For more information or to arrange a hands-on demo, contact Orapi Maintenance today and join Birmingham’s movement towards a safer, cleaner future.