OAR 340-232-0180: Degreasers

Cold cleaners, open top vapor degreasers, and conveyorized degreasers are exempt from this rule if they use fluids which are not photochemically reactive. These fluids are defined in the definition of VOC under OAR 340-200-0020. (1) The owner or operator of dip tank cold cleaners must comply with the equipment specifications in this section: (a) Be equipped with a cover that is readily opened and closed. This is required of all cold cleaners, whether a dip tank or not; (b) Be equipped with a drain rack, suspension basket, or suspension hoist that returns the drained solvent to the solvent bath; (c) Have a freeboard ratio of at least 0.5; (d) Have a visible fill line. (2) An owner or operator of a cold cleaner must follow the required operating parameters and work practices. The owner must post and maintain in the work area of each cold cleaner a pictograph or instructions clearly explaining the work practices in this section: (a) The solvent level may not be above the fill line; (b) The spraying of parts to be cleaned must be performed only within the confines of the cold cleaner; (c) The cover of the cold cleaner must be closed when not in use or when parts are being soaked or cleaned by solvent agitation; (d) Solvent-cleaned parts must be rotated to drain cavities or blind holes and then set to drain until dripping has stopped; (e) Waste solvent must be stored in covered containers and returned to the supplier or a disposal firm handling solvents for final disposal, such that no greater than 20 percent of the waste by weight can evaporate into the atmosphere. Handling of the waste must also be done in accordance with DEQ's solid and Hazardous Waste Rules, OAR 340 division 100. (3) The owner or operator must maintain cold cleaners in good working condition and free of solvent leaks. (4) If the solvent has a volatility greater than 2.0 kPa (0.3 psi) measured at 38° C. (100° F.), or if the solvent is agitated or heated, then the cover must be designed so that it can be easily operated with one hand or foot. (5) If the solvent has a volatility greater than 4.3 kPa (0.6 psi) measured at 38° C. (100° F.), then the drainage facility must be internal, so that parts are enclosed under the cover while draining. The drainage facility may be external for applications where an internal type cannot fit into the cleaning system. (6) If the solvent has a volatility greater than 4.3 kPa (0.6 psi) measured at 38° C. (100° F.), or if the solvent is heated above 50° C. (120° F.), then one of the following solvent vapor control systems must be used: (a) The freeboard ratio must be equal to or greater than 0.70; or (b) Water must be kept over the solvent, which must be insoluble in and heavier than water; or (c) Other systems of equivalent control, such as a refrigerated chiller. NOTE: This rule is included in the State of Oregon Clean Air Act Implementation Plan that EQC adopted under OAR 340-200-0040.