General Precautions
Dangerous substances
Modern vehicles contain many materials and liquids which if not handled with care can be hazardous to both personal health and the environment.
WARNING:
- Many liquids and other substances used in motor vehicles are poisonous and should under no circumstances be consumed and should, as far as possible, be kept from contact with the skin. These liquids and substances include acid, anti-freeze, asbestos, brake fluid, fuel, windscreen washer additives, lubricants, refrigerants and various adhesives.
- Always read carefully the instructions printed on labels or stamped on components and obey them implicitly. Such instructions are included for reasons of your health and personal safety. Never disregard them.
Synthetic rubber
Many 'O' rings, seals, hoses, flexible pipes and other similar items which appear to be natural rubber, are in fact, made of synthetic materials called Fluoroelastomers. Under normal operating conditions this material is safe and does not present a health hazard. However, if the material is damaged by fire or excessive heating, it can break down and produce highly corrosive Hydrofluoric acid.
Contact with Hydrofluoric acid can cause serious burns on contact with skin. If skin contact does occur:
- Remove any contaminated clothing immediately.
- Irrigate effected area of skin with a copious amount of cold water or limewater for 15 to 60 minutes.
- Obtain medical assistance immediately.
Should any material be in a burnt or overheated condition, handle with extreme caution and wear protective clothing (seamless industrial gloves, protective apron etc.).
Decontaminate and dispose of gloves immediately after use.
Lubricating oils
Avoid excessive skin contact with used lubricating oils and always adhere to the health protection precautions.
WARNING:
- Avoid excessive skin contact with used engine oil Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin cancer or other serious skin disorders.
- Avoid excessive skin contact with mineral oil. Mineral oils remove the natural fats from the skin, leading to dryness, irritation and dermatitis.
Health protection precautions
The following precautions should be observed at all times.
- Wear protective clothing, including impervious gloves where practicable.
- Avoid prolonged and repeated contact with oils, particularly used engine oils.
- Do not put oily rags in pockets.
- Avoid contaminating clothes (particularly those next to the skin) with oil.
- Overalls must be cleaned regularly. Discard heavily soiled clothing and oil impregnated footwear.
- First aid treatment should be obtained immediately for open cuts and wounds.
- Apply barrier creams before each work period to help prevent lubricating oil from contaminating the skin.
- Wash with soap and water to ensure all oil is removed (proprietary skin cleansers and nail brushes will help).
- Use moisturisers after cleaning, preparations containing lanolin help replace the skin's natural oils which have been removed.
- Do not use petrol/gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, oil, thinners or solvents for cleaning skin.
- Where practicable, degrease components prior to handling.
- If skin disorders develop, obtain medical advice without delay.
- Wear eye protection (e.g. goggles or face shield) if there is a risk of eye contamination. Eye wash facilities should be provided in close vicinity of the work area.