During seeding and sowing season, the use of cleaning chemicals and degreasers is common for maintaining equipment and removing soil build up and residue from fertilisers and contaminants that accumulate in the planting fields.
The oils, greases, and lubricants used to improve the performance of machined parts and components inevitably require cleaning and degreasing once its service life has expired.
The primary role of degreaser is to safely remove built up dirt and debris accumulated on equipment and components without damaging the surface finish or components of what’s being degreased, explains Steve Keown, national product manager for Lubricants and Chemicals at Motion.
However, with each power wash and rinse down using harsh degreasing chemicals, the run-off can eventually end up in local waterways and contributes to groundwater contamination and water pollution, he warns.
“For this reason, there has been a noticeable shift toward using more environmentally sound degreasing solutions over the last decade,” said Keown.
“This is particularly true for those working within the agricultural segment because the industry’s core operations are intrinsically linked to the earth and the topography of the land, as well as the other elements – air, water, and fire – particularly where it pertains to preventing bushfires and the risks associated with flammable chemicals, oils, and gases.”
According to research conducted by Better Health in Victoria, supported by WorkSafe Victoria, common agricultural chemicals (agrichemicals) such as fuels, solvents, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, fertilisers, and veterinary chemicals, can lead to serious long-term health effects.
Data shows that prolonged exposure to agrichemicals absorbed through the skin or inhaled through mist, vapour, or dust, can result in respiratory illnesses, poisoning, chemical burns, birth defects and damage to the liver and kidneys.1
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