Wurth Australia’s decision to replace all Yellow Chromate (YCR) finishes on hardware with alternative finishes is inline with RoHS & EOLV (EU and other Directives) and our Environmental & OHS Policies.
RoHS & EOLV Compliance
What are RoHS and EOVL?
Restriction of Hazardous Substances (EU Directive 2002/95/EC) and End Of Life Vehicles (EU Directive 2000/53/EC) are European Directives aimed to control and eliminate the use of certain substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) and “Vehicle” manufacturing. (See EU Directives WEEE EU 2002/96/EC and EOVL 2000/53/EC). While RoHS/EOVL are European Union directives, other countries/US States are drafting similar legislature which parallels and/or exceeds these requirements. The present deadline for RoHS compliance is July 1, 2006, while the EOVL deadline for compliance is variable.
What are the Restricted Substances?
1.) Lead (Pb)
2.) Mercury (Hg)
3.) Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6)
4.) Cadmium (Cd),
5.) Poly Brominated Bipheynl flame retardants (PBB)
6.) Poly Brominated Dipheynl Ether flame retardants (PBDE).
Some exceptions have been made. See Annex A of EU 2002/95/EC RoHS Directive.
What is the Purpose of these Directives?
The scientific community has concluded that refuse that enters landfills containing these “hazardous substances” will result in long term negative effects to humans and the environment. Because EEE and “vehicles” have relatively short life cycles, these products enter landfills at a very high rate, and therefore have been specifically targeted.
Are Fasteners affected by RoHS/EOVL?
Yes! If fasteners are specified with an electroplating of zinc, zinc & yellow or cadmium, these parts may not be in compliance. Cadmium is used on fasteners because of its conductivity and corrosion resistant properties and Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6) is used in electroplating zinc as a conversion coating that enhances corrosion resistance. There are alternate finishes and processes which are now available.
Chromium (VI) compounds fact sheet link:
http://www.npi.gov.au/database/substance-info/profiles/25.html
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