Health and Safety Conditions

Health And Safety Conditions

Health and Safety
Where legislation governing working conditions and practices is applicable, it should be observed, not forgetting that you have a duty, to yourself and those around you, to act in a responsible manner in the workplace.

In the United Kingdom the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) places a duty on employers and employees to ensure, whenever possible, safe working conditions and practices. Wherever a potential hazard is notified to, or identified by the operator, he must employ the correct safety procedures and equipment.

Should a personal injury occur as a result of any workshop activity, seek medical help as soon as possible and do not attempt self treatment other than by the application of first aid.

With the constant introduction of new materials in the manufacture of vehicles, it is important that potential risks are identified and precautions made known.

Applied Heat (Welding)
There is considerable risk of damage to eyes and skin when welding or flame cutting.

Fire is a serious danger and many materials or fluids within the vehicle are highly flammable.

Toxic and dangerous fumes may be liberated when any of the following are subjected to heat:
- Expanded foam
- Corrosion protection
- Trim and seat materials
- Paints which contain isocyanates
- Adhesive and sealing compounds

When heated to a temperature of 300 deg. C, polyurethane based compounds may liberate small quantities of isocyanate. Many types of nitrogen containing chemicals may be liberated as breakdown products; these chemicals can contain isocyanates, oxides of nitrogen and hydrogen cyanide.

Potentially toxic or asphyxiant fumes and gasses are produced by welding, for example; zinc oxide with zinc coated panels, and ozone gas from the MIG process.

When welding, flame cutting, brazing etc., the operator should use as appropriate, goggles, mask/fume extractor and flameproof protective clothing. It is especially important when working with polyurethane compounds to use air fed breathing equipment.

Ensure that at all times the appropriate fire fighting equipment is available and that personnel are trained in its use.

Metal Repair
Appropriate eye and hand protection should be worn when sanding, drilling, cutting, chiselling, flatting or welding.

Operators should wear a face mask or air fed visor when sanding or flatting either body solder or filters.

When a soldering operation has been completed, swarf must be removed from the work area and the operator must wash his hands thoroughly.

There is considerable risk of damage to eyes, ears and skin when metal cutting, forming, or dressing is being carried out.

Soldering may be hazardous because of heat generated fumes and skin contact with the materials.