The Factories Act (1961).
The Asbestos Regulations (1969).
Highly Flammable Liquids and Liquified Petroleum Gases Regulations (1972).
Control of Pollution Act (1974).
Health and Safety at Work Act (1974).
The Classification, Packaging and Labelling of Dangerous Substances Regulations (1978, 1981, 1983, 1984).
Control of Lead at Work Regulations (1980).
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations (1989).
Abrasive W heels Regulations (1970).
Reporting of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences regulations 1985 (RIDDOR).
Workshops should be familiar, in detail, with these and associated laws and regulations.
Consult the local factory inspectorate if in any doubt.
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 mineral oil will result in the removal of natural oils 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.
There are publications describing the problems and advising on precautionary measures. For the UK a typical Health and Safety Executive
publication is: SHW 397: Cautionary Notice: Effects of mineral oil on the skin.
Health Protection Precautions
Avoid prolonged and repeated contact with oils, particularly used engine oils.
Wear protective clothing, including impervious gloves where practicable.
Do not put oily rags into pockets.
Avoid contaminating clothing.
Heavily soiled clothing and oil - impregnated footwear should not be worn. Overalls must be cleaned regularly.
First Aid treatment should be obtained immediately for open cuts and wounds.
Use barrier creams, applying them before each work period, to help the removal of oil from the skin.
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.
Do not use gasoline (petrol), kerosene (paraffin), diesel fuel (gas oil), thinners or solvents for cleaning skin.
If skin disorders develop, obtain medical advice without delay.
Where practical, degrease components prior to handling.
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
Burning used engine oil in small space heaters or boilers can be recommended only for units of approved design. In the UK the heating
system must meet the requirements of HM Inspectorate of Pollution for small burners of less than 0.4 MW. If in doubt check with the
appropriate local authority and/or manufacturer of approved appliances.
Dispose of used oil and used oil filters through authorized waste disposal contractors or licensed waste disposal sites, or to the waste oil
reclamation trade, batterys should also be disposed off under similar arrangments. If in doubt, contact the relevant local authority for
advice on disposal facilities.
It is illegal to pour used oil, antifreeze and automatic transmission fluid on to the ground, down sewers, drains, or into water courses.
Noise
Some operations may produce high noise levels which could, in time, damage hearing. In these cases, suitable ear protection must be worn.
Noise Insulation Materials
See Foams, Fibre Insulation.
0-Rings (Fluoroelastomer)
See Viton.
Paints
See also body and paint manual.
See also Solvents, Chemical Materials.
Highly flammable, flammable - observe No Smoking policy
Pressurized Equipment
See High Pressure Air, Lubrication and Oil Test Equipment.
Solder
Solders are mixtures of metals such that the melting point of the mixture is below that of the constituent metals (normally lead and tin).
Solder application does not normally give rise to toxic lead fumes, provided a gas/air flame is used. Oxy - acetylene flames should not be
used, as they are much hotter and will cause lead fumes to be produced.
Some fumes may be produced by the application of any flame to surfaces coated with grease etc. and inhalation of these should be