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What are Solvent Vapours?

​Understanding the Risks of Solvent Vapours and How to Control Them

Solvents are widely used across many industries for cleaning, degreasing, painting, coating, printing and manufacturing processes. As solvents evaporate, they release solvent vapours into the surrounding air. Without effective ventilation, these vapours can accumulate in the workplace, affecting air quality and increasing risks to employee health and safety.

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Many solvent vapours are invisible, making it difficult to recognise when exposure is occurring.

At A-Mac Environmental, we design, install, test and maintain Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) and industrial ventilation systems that capture solvent vapours at source, helping businesses improve workplace air quality and support compliance with UK health and safety legislation.

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What are Solvent Vapours?

A solvent is a liquid used to dissolve, clean, thin or remove other materials.

As solvents evaporate, they produce vapours that mix with the surrounding air.

Common workplace solvents include those used in:

  • Paints and coatings

  • Cleaning products

  • Degreasers

  • Adhesives

  • Inks

  • Resins

  • Surface preparation products

  • Chemical processing

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The amount of vapour released depends on the type of solvent, temperature, ventilation and the way it is used.

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Where are Solvent Vapours Found?

Employees may be exposed in many industries, including:

  • Paint spraying facilities

  • Manufacturing

  • Engineering workshops

  • Vehicle body repair shops

  • Printing companies

  • Furniture manufacturing

  • Chemical processing plants

  • Pharmaceutical production

  • Laboratories

  • Composite manufacturing

  • Boat building

  • Aerospace engineering

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Any workplace using solvent-based products should assess the risk of airborne vapour exposure.

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Why are Solvent Vapours Hazardous?

Breathing in solvent vapours can affect employees, particularly where exposure is frequent or prolonged.

Possible effects include:

  • Eye irritation

  • Nose and throat irritation

  • Headaches

  • Dizziness

  • Respiratory irritation

  • Drowsiness

  • Reduced concentration

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The type and severity of the effects depend on the solvent involved, the level of exposure and the duration of the work activity.

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Some solvents are also flammable, making suitable ventilation an important part of workplace safety.

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Solvent Vapours and Fire Risk

Many solvents produce flammable vapours.  If these vapours build up and encounter an ignition source, there is a risk of fire or explosion.

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Employers should consider the requirements of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) where flammable substances are present.

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Effective ventilation can help reduce vapour concentrations as part of a wider risk management strategy.

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How Can Solvent Vapours Be Controlled?

The most effective way to reduce exposure is to capture vapours at the point where they are generated.

Common control measures include:

  • Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)

  • Spray booth extraction

  • Process extraction systems

  • Enclosed work areas

  • General ventilation to support extraction

  • Safe handling procedures

  • Appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE), where required

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Engineering controls such as LEV should normally be the primary method of reducing exposure.

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The Importance of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)

A properly designed Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system captures solvent vapours before they spread throughout the workplace.

An effective system can help:

  • Improve workplace air quality

  • Reduce employee exposure

  • Remove airborne vapours efficiently

  • Improve working conditions

  • Support compliance with COSHH Regulations

  • Help manage the risks associated with flammable vapours

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Each extraction system should be designed around the specific solvents, processes and workplace layout.

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Maintaining Solvent Extraction Systems

Installing an extraction system is only part of the solution.

To remain effective, systems should be:

  • Inspected regularly

  • Maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations

  • Checked for airflow performance

  • Kept clean

  • Subject to a Thorough Examination and Test (TExT) where applicable

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Routine maintenance helps ensure the system continues to operate safely and efficiently.

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Industries That Use Solvents

Solvent extraction systems are commonly required in:

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Where solvent-based products are used, suitable ventilation should always be considered.

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How A-Mac Environmental Can Help

A-Mac Environmental provides complete solvent extraction and LEV solutions throughout Scotland.

Our services include:

  • LEV system design

  • Solvent vapour extraction

  • Industrial ventilation

  • Spray booth ventilation

  • Air filtration systems

  • LEV Thorough Examination and Test (TExT)

  • Planned preventative maintenance

  • Repairs and upgrades

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Our qualified P601 and P602 engineers work with businesses to design practical, reliable ventilation systems that improve workplace air quality and support compliance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are solvent vapours hazardous?

Yes. Solvent vapours can affect health if exposure is not adequately controlled. Effective ventilation and suitable working practices help reduce employee exposure.

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Are solvent vapours covered by COSHH?

Yes. Many solvents are hazardous substances under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, and employers have a duty to assess and control exposure.

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Do solvent vapours present a fire risk?

Many solvent vapours are flammable. Employers should assess the risks and consider the requirements of DSEAR where appropriate.

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Is Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) suitable for controlling solvent vapours?

Yes. A correctly designed LEV system captures vapours close to the source before they spread throughout the workplace, making it one of the most effective engineering controls available.

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How often should solvent extraction systems be tested?

Where solvent vapours are controlled using an LEV system, a Thorough Examination and Test (TExT) is generally required at suitable intervals, with many systems requiring examination at least every 14 months.

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If your business uses solvents, paints, coatings, adhesives or cleaning chemicals, A-Mac Environmental can help you improve workplace air quality and reduce employee exposure.

Our experienced engineers provide professional LEV design, solvent vapour extraction, Thorough Examination and Test (TExT), maintenance and repairs throughout Scotland.

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Contact A-Mac Environmental today to arrange a site survey or discuss the most effective ventilation solution for your workplace.

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