Introduction

Introduction

This section contains information for the body repair and rectification of the vehicle. Wherever possible the vehicle must be returned to its original manufactured condition. Following repair the vehicle must be fully checked and, if necessary, the braking system and steering must be fully reset.

Health and Safety

Ensure that the correct working practices are established before beginning work.

Observe that the correct working practices are followed whether they be legislative or common sense.

Be aware of the potential risks of using materials used in the manufacture and repair of vehicles and take the appropriate precautions.

Warning: Make sure that the working practices for the air conditioning system are followed: do not vent the refrigerant directly into the atmosphere and always use the approved recovery/recycle /recharge equipment, always wear suitable protective garments to prevent injury to the eyes and the skin.

Potential Risks

Paint

If the organic solvents, contained in paints, are inhaled for any length of time damage can be caused to the liver, kidneys, respiratory tract and the digestive system.

Prolonged exposure to isocyanates can cause lung sensitisation and asthma-like symptoms can develop with subsequent re-exposure to even low concentrations.

Solvent inhalation can cause dizziness or loss of consciousness.

Inhalation of spray dust and sanding debris can cause lung damage.

Paint activators and additives will damage the eyes or can cause dermatitis if allowed to splash and come into contact with these areas. Peroxide and acid catalysts can cause burns.

Applied heat

There is considerable risk of damage to the eyes and skin when welding or flame cutting.

Fire is a serious danger as many materials and fluids in the vehicle are inflammable.

Toxic and dangerous fumes can be liberated when the following are subjected to heat; expanded foam, corrosion protection, adhesive and sealing compounds, trim, seat material and paints that contain isocyanates.

When heated to a temperature of 300°C, polyurethane based compounds can 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 gases are produced by welding, for example; zinc oxide with zinc coated panels and ozone gas from the MIG process.

Metal repair

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

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