Technician Safety Information

POISONOUS SUBSTANCES
Many liquids and other substances used are poisonous and therefore must not be consumed. It is also advisable to keep all substances away from open wounds. These substances among others include anti-freeze, brake fluid, fuel, windscreen washer additives, air conditioning refrigerant, lubricants and various adhesives.

OIL AND LUBRICANTS HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

WARNING
^ Prolonged and repeated contact with engine or motor oil will result in the removal of natural fats from the skin, leading to dryness, irritation and dermatitis.
^ Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin cancer. Adequate means of skin protection and washing facilities should be provided.

1. Avoid prolonged and repeated contact with oils, particularly used engine oils.
2. Wear protective clothing, including impervious gloves where applicable.
3. Do not put oily rags in pockets.
4. Avoid contaminating clothes, particularly underwear, with oil.
5. Overalls must be cleaned regularly. Discard un-washable clothing and oil impregnated footwear.
6. First aid treatment must be obtained immediately for open cuts and wounds.
7. Use barrier creams, before each work period, to help the removal of oil from the skin.
8. Wash with soap and water to ensure all oil is removed (skin cleansers and nail brushes will help). Preparations containing lanolin replace the natural skin oils which have been removed.
9. Do not use gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, gasoline, thinners or solvents for washing the skin.
10. If skin disorders develop, obtain medical advice.
11. Where practicable, degrease components prior to handling.
12. Where there is a risk of eye contact, eye protection should be worn, for example, goggles or face shields; in addition an eye wash facility should be provided.


FUEL HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
The following information provides basic precautions which must be observed if fuel is to be handled safely. It also outlines the other areas of risk which must not be ignored.
^ This information is issued for basic guidance only, and in any case of doubt, appropriate inquiries should be made of your local Fire Officer or Fire Department.
^ Fuel vapor is highly flammable and in confined spaces is also very explosive and toxic.
^ When fuel evaporates it produces 150 times its own volume in vapor, which when diluted with air becomes a readily ignitable mixture. The vapor is heavier than air and will always fall to the lowest level. It can readily be distributed throughout a workshop by air current, consequently, even a small spillage of fuel is very dangerous.
^ Always have a fire extinguisher containing FOAM Co2 GAS, or POWDER close at hand when handling fuel, or when dismantling fuel systems and in areas where fuel containers are stored.


WARNING: It is imperative that the battery is not disconnected during fuel system repairs as arcing at the battery terminal could ignite fuel vapor in the atmosphere. Always disconnect the vehicle battery BEFORE carrying out work on the fuel system.

^ Whenever fuel is being handled, transferred or stored, or when fuel systems are being dismantled all forms of ignition must be extinguished or removed, any work lamps used must be flame proof and kept clear of spillage.
^ No one should be permitted to repair components associated with fuel without first having had fuel system training.

HOT FUEL HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

WARNING: Before commencing any operation requiring fuel to be drained from the fuel tank, the following procedure must be adhered to:

1. Allow sufficient time for the fuel to cool, thus avoiding contact with hot fuels.
2. Vent the system by removing the fuel filler cap in a well ventilated area. Install the filler cap until the commencement of fuel drainage.

FUEL TRANSFER

WARNING: Fuel must not be extracted or drained from any vehicle while it is standing over a pit.

The transfer of fuel from the vehicle fuel tank must be carried out in a well ventilated area. An approved transfer tank must be used according to the transfer tank manufacturer's instructions and local regulations, including attention to grounding of tanks.

FUEL TANK REMOVAL
A FUEL VAPOR warning label must be attached to the fuel tank upon removal from the vehicle.

FUEL TANK REPAIR
Under no circumstances should a repair to any tank be attempted.