Solvent directive

Organic solvents vapour emissions regulations enforcement 

Galway County Council, play a role in regulating the use of solvents by businesses. They ensure that businesses adhere to environmental standards and regulations. This includes the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 

Businesses that comply with the regulations and successfully manage their solvent emissions are issued an Organic Solvents Vapour Emissions Certificate. This certificate is a testament to the business’s commitment to environmental protection and public health safety. 

Businesses that are not registered or fail to comply with the regulations, Galway County Council has the authority to impose penalties. These measures are in place to encourage all solvent-using businesses to follow the Best Practice Guidelines for Dry Cleaning and other relevant regulations. It reduces the impact of their operations on the environment. 

Organic solvents vapour emissions certificate

The businesses that use solvents are as follows: - 

• Dry cleaners,
• Printers,
• Surface coaters
• Pharmaceutical companies,  

They are required to apply for an Organic Solvents Vapour Emissions Certificate. This certificate ensures that the business complies with regulations limiting the content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This will reduce health risks and environmental impact. 

The Solvents Regulations specifically target the reduction of VOC emissions into the environment.  Dry cleaners are one of the main sectors affected by these regulations. Galway County Council issues certificates to businesses that meet the standards set for solvent emissions. 

Dry cleaners

Additionally, the Best Practice Guidelines for Dry Cleaning are available to help businesses understand and implement the necessary measures to control and reduce VOC emissions. 

For more detailed information on solvents and related regulations, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website is a valuable resource. They offer technical overviews, regulatory definitions, and classifications of VOCs.  

Vehicle refinishers 

There is guidance on how to manage VOC emissions effectively. European Union (Paints, Varnishes, Vehicle Refinishing Products and Activities) 
Regulations, 2012 S.I. 564 of 2012 

These regulations limit the total content of volatile organic compounds in certain paints and varnishes and vehicle refinishing products. This prevents and reduces air pollution resulting from the contribution of volatile organic compounds to the formation of tropospheric ozone. 

The list of approved Vehicle Refinishers under these regulations is as follows: 

Best Practice Guidelines for Vehicle Refinishing- Video 

Best-Practice-Guidelines-for-Vehicle-Refinishing-2013 (1).pdf (PDF, 763.81KB)