Environment, Health and Regulatory Guide

Fillers, primers, clear coats, hardeners and thinners are professional chemicals containing resins, solvents and reactive components. Used with the right knowledge and the right protective measures, they are safe. This guide summarises volatile organic compounds (VOC), the safety data sheet, label pictograms, isocyanate safety, storage and waste management, together with everyday workshop practice.

This guide is for general information only. For legal obligations, always refer to the legislation in force, the product label and the product's Safety Data Sheet.

Volatile organic compounds (VOC)

Volatile organic compounds are organic substances that evaporate readily under room conditions and mix with the air. In paint and varnish legislation, a VOC is defined as an organic compound with an initial boiling point of 250 °C or less at standard pressure (101.3 kPa). Most of the VOC in paints comes from the solvents that dissolve the resin and give the product its application viscosity.

VOC matters for two reasons:

• Environment: VOCs react with sunlight and contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and photochemical smog.
• Worker health: Solvent vapours can cause headaches, dizziness and, with prolonged exposure, health problems. Good ventilation and suitable respiratory protection are therefore essential.

VOC content is expressed in grams per litre (g/L) of the ready-to-use product (the mix after hardener and thinner have been added).

Reference limit values for vehicle refinishing products

In the European Union, the VOC content of vehicle refinishing products is limited by Directive 2004/42/EC. The following values are widely used as a reference in the industry:

In practice, the most effective ways to keep VOC low are:

• High-solids (HS) products: The same film thickness is achieved in fewer coats and with less solvent.
• Correct thinning: Not exceeding the thinner ratio given in the Technical Data Sheet reduces both VOC and the risk of sagging.
• Closed containers: Do not leave the lids off products that are not in use; evaporation is a loss in terms of both health and product quality.

To find out a product's VOC value and classification, you can request its Technical Data Sheet via the Technical Documents page.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

A Safety Data Sheet is the official document that describes a chemical's hazards, the conditions for its safe use and what to do in an emergency. In Turkey, SDSs are prepared by certified SDS preparers under the Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, known as KKDİK (Turkey's REACH regulation). KKDİK is the Turkish counterpart of the European Union's REACH Regulation.

Every SDS consists of the same 16 sections:

The Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and the SDS are different documents: the TDS explains how to apply the product (mixing ratio, pot life, drying), while the SDS explains how to use it safely. It is advisable to keep the current version of both in the workshop.

Labels and hazard pictograms

In Turkey, chemicals are classified and labelled in accordance with the SEA Regulation (Turkey's equivalent of the EU CLP Regulation). The label shows hazard pictograms, the signal word "Danger" or "Warning", and hazard (H) and precautionary (P) statements.

Pictograms commonly found on paint and body repair products:

The exact classification of a product is always given on its own label and in Section 2 of its SDS.

Isocyanate safety

The hardeners for 2K primers and clear coats contain aliphatic polyisocyanates. Isocyanates can cause sensitisation both through inhalation and through skin contact: in a person who has become sensitised, even very low exposure can trigger asthma-like reactions. When working with 2K products, protective measures must therefore be taken from the outset, not after symptoms appear.

In the European Union, since 24 August 2023, workers who use products containing diisocyanates above a certain concentration in a professional capacity have been required to complete safe-use training. This shows how much importance is attached to training when working with isocyanates.

Recommended measures:

• Respiratory protection: When spraying 2K products, the highest level of protection is provided by a fresh-air-fed mask. If a filter mask is used, select the filter type specified in Section 8 of the SDS and observe the manufacturer's service life.
• Skin protection: Wear chemical-resistant nitrile gloves and long-sleeved overalls; do not reuse contaminated gloves.
• Eye protection: Wear safety goggles when mixing and pouring.
• Work area: Carry out application in a spray booth with adequate air exchange; if you prepare the mix outside the booth, make sure the area is well ventilated.
• Hygiene: Do not keep food or drink in the work area; wash your hands before breaks.

Solvents and fire safety

Thinners and solvent-based products are flammable liquids; their vapours are heavier than air and can accumulate close to the floor.

• Keep products away from heat sources, sparks and naked flames; do not smoke in the work area.
• Use earthed equipment when decanting and mixing to guard against static electricity.
• Keep containers that are not in use closed, and keep no more product in the work area than is needed for the day.
• Collect spills with a non-combustible absorbent material; do not let them run into the drains.

Storage

• Store products in their original containers at 5–25 °C in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area.
• Hardeners react with moisture in the air: close the lid tightly immediately after use and do not use product that has turned cloudy or gelled.
• BPO hardener pastes contain organic peroxide: keep them away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Work on a first in, first out (FIFO) basis to avoid using products that are past their shelf life.

Waste management

Paint and solvent waste is classified as hazardous waste; it must not be disposed of with household waste or poured into the drains. Waste must be disposed of through licensed waste management contractors. Commonly used waste codes:

The asterisk (*) indicates that the waste is hazardous. Empty containers should be completely emptied, closed and collected separately, and gun-cleaning thinners should be collected in separate containers for recovery or disposal.

Zenova's approach

We supply the Technical Data Sheets and Safety Data Sheets for our products on request, and our labels clearly state hazard and precautionary information. When developing our formulations, we prioritise lower VOC, user health and transparent information. For questions about safe use and choosing protective equipment, please contact our technical team.