Page 515 - Construction Waterproofing Handbook

SAFETY 14.13
Once all necessary licenses have been obtained, proper storage and periodic disposal
methods are implemented. EPA, state, and local governments regulate the amount and
means of hazardous waste storage. Only recognized authorized and licensed companies
should be used to dispose of accumulated waste materials. EPA regional offices or local
governments provide listings of such firms.
Building owners should be aware of these regulations and ensure that contractors who
complete work on their structures are in compliance with them. Additionally, owners should
not permit contractors to dump waste materials into building waste receptacles or trash dump-
sters. This action may result in fines and penalties being levied against the building owner.

VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

The Environmental Protection Agency has imposed stricter standards relating to emissions
from volatile organic compounds (VOC). The standards implemented address Section
183(e) of the Clean Air Act as amended in 1990. The new standards specifically regulate
“architectural coatings,” defined by the EPA as coatings applied to the surfaces of station-
ary structures. This includes all waterproofing and roofing products.
EPA notes that approximately 9 percent of VOC consumer and commercial emissions
come from architectural coating products. VOCs are the main component in forming
ground-level ozone. Exposure to ground-level ozone can damage lung tissue and cause
serious respiratory damage. It is the intent of these new regulations concerning VOC to
limit the creation of ground-level ozone in the immediate future.
The new regulations have directly affected most waterproofing products, with the
exception of water-based coatings and sealers. Any product with VOCs, such as liquid-
applied below-grade membranes, deck coatings, clear repellents, and adhesives used to
apply materials are now regulated by EPA. Many waterproofing products are now being
reformulated to meet the standards, and this may result in inferior products until manu-
facturers are able to perfect their new formulations and test the product to ensure it meets
industry standards.
All waterproofing product containers must carry labels that clearly display the maxi-
mum VOC content in the coating. EPA regulations limit the weight of VOC in the water-
proof coatings as listed in Section 183(e). This weight limit includes: 5.0 lb/gal of VOC
for waterproofing products; 3.3 lb/gal for concrete protective coatings; and 7.1 lb/gal for
clear repellents.
Contractors and building owners should carefully consider the implications of this new
regulation, and ensure that products or systems selected meet the code while still meeting
the service requirements for providing the necessary waterproofing protection.