LR3/Disco 3
Legal Aspects
There are many laws and regulations relating to health and safety in the use and disposal of materials and equipment in a
workshop.
For a safe working environment and to avoid environmental pollution, workshops should be familiar, in detail, with the
many health and safety laws and regulations within their country, published by both national and local authorities.
Lubricants and Greases
Avoid all prolonged and repeated contact with mineral oils. All lubricants and greases may be irritating to the eyes and
skin.
Used Engine Oil
Prolonged and repeated contact with engine oil will result in the removal of natural fats from the skin, leading to dryness,
irritation and dermatitis. In addition, used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin
cancer. Adequate means of skin protection and washing facilities must be provided.
Do not employ used engine oils as lubricants or for any application where appreciable skin contact is likely to occur.
Health Protection Precautions
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Avoid prolonged and repeated contact with oils, particularly used engine oils.
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Wear protective clothing, including impervious gloves where practicable.
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Do not put oily rags into pockets.
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Avoid contaminating clothes, particularly underpants, with oil.
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Heavily soiled clothing and oil-impregnated footwear should not be worn. Overalls must be cleaned regularly.
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First Aid treatment should be obtained immediately for open cuts and wounds.
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Use barrier creams, applying them before each work period, to help the removal of oil from the skin.
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Wash with soap and water to make sure all oil is removed (skin cleansers and nail brushes will help). Preparations
containing lanoline replace the natural skin oils which have been removed.
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Do not use gasoline (petrol), kerosene (paraffin), diesel fuel (gas oil), thinners or solvents for cleaning skin.
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If skin disorders develop, obtain medical advice without delay.
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Where practicable, degrease components prior to handling.
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Where there is a risk of eye contact, eye protection should be worn, for example chemical goggles or face shields;
in addition an eye wash facility should be provided.
Environmental Precautions
This section provides general information which can help to reduce the environmental impacts from the activities carried
out in workshops.
Emissions to air
Many of the activities that are carried out in workshops emit gases and fumes which can contribute to global warming,
depletion of the ozone layer and/or the formation of photochemical smog at ground level. By considering how the
workshop activities are carried out, these gases and fumes can be minimised, thus reducing the impact on the
environment.
Exhaust fumes
Running car engines is an essential part of workshop activities and exhaust fumes need to be ventilated to atmosphere.
However, the amount of time engines are running and the position of the vehicle should be carefully considered at all
times, to reduce the release of poisonous gases and minimise the inconvenience to people living nearby.
Solvents
Some of the cleaning agents used are solvent based and will evaporate rapidly to atmosphere if used carelessly, or if
