PCB Disposal & Removal Polychlorinated Biphenyls
Power Efficient Systems Ltd offer a range of services to safely & legally deal with PCB contaminated oils and PCB capacitors form identification, preparation, removal and safe disposal.
PCB officially known as Polychlorinated Biphenyls was first introduced as an insulating oil and was widely used in the manufacture of capacitors and transformers through the 1950s and most recently in the UK up to 1978
Polychlorinated Biphenyls, PCB capacitors were manufactured in the UK between 1958 and 1978 although the import of Polychlorinated Biphenyls PCB capacitors only ceased around 1982.
Identification can be difficult although our experience and detailed knowledge of the many trade names associated with Polychlorinated Biphenyls normally would enable an accurate and true identification.
Were identification cannot be verified or an accurate date of manufacture cannot be verified through detailed paperwork or where the find is small and uneconomical to carry out testing procedures on the oil, the find should be treated as contaminated and dealt with accordingly.
PCB capacitors were effectively banned at the end of 2002 although as in many cases, isolated finds do still occur which warrant immediate specialist disposal.
There is very stringent legal legislation covering the movement & disposal of PCB which must be adhered to in order to avoid prosecution.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls PCB Characteristics & Effects
- PCB is non biodegradable and permanent in the environment when exposure occurs
- PCB is absorbed by the skin, can be inhaled and can be accidentally consumed via hands
- PCB causes Liver Damage, Cancer and Increases Blood Fats leading to Heart Disease.
- PCB can cause a severe rash called Chloracne
- If involved in fire, PCB creates Potychlorinated Dibenzoflurons and Potychlorinated Dibenzodioxins, both much more deadly than PCB alone and likened to Cyanide Gas.
- Once identified, the fire service may not enter a building with PCB contamination, instead they may contain the fire only.
- A PCB fire can cause permanent long lasting contamination of surroundings leading to a termination of business, litigation and possible death of personnel.
For more information on Polychlorinated Biphenyls PCB in capacitors or transformers, pleas contact a member of our team on 01695 559785, email us on postpesgroupltd.co.uk or contact the Environment Agency.
