Environmental Precautions

GENERAL INFORMATION

03-3

Brake hydraulics
Observe the following recommendations when 
working on the brake system:

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Always use two spanners when loosening or 
tightening brake pipe or hose connections.

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Ensure that hoses run in a natural curve and are 
not kinked or twisted.

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Fit brake pipes securely in their retaining clips 
and ensure that the  pipe run cannot contact a 
potential chafing point.

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Containers used for hydraulic brake fluid must 
be kept absolutely clean.

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Do not store hydraulic brake fluid in an unsealed 
container, it will absorb  water and in this 
condition would be dangerous to use due to a 
lowering of its  boiling point.

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Do not allow hydraulic brake fluid to be 
contaminated with mineral oil, or  put new 
hydraulic brake fluid in a container which has 
previously contained mineral oil.

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Do not re-use hydraulic brake fluid previously 
removed from the system.

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Always use clean brake fluid or a recommended 
alternative to clean hydraulic components.

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Fit a blanking cap to a hydraulic union and a 
plug to its socket, immediately after 
disconnection of pipes and hoses to prevent the 
ingress of dirt.

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Absolute cleanliness must be observed when 
working with hydraulic components.

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It is imperative that the correct brake fittings are 
used and that  threads of components are 
compatible.

Cooling system caps and plugs
Extreme care is necessary when removing engine 
cooling system expansion tank caps and coolant 
drain or bleed screws when the engine is hot, and 
especially if it is overheated.

To avoid the possibility of scalding allow the engine 
to cool before attempting coolant cap or plug 
removal.

Environmental Precautions

General
This section provides general information which can 
help to reduce adverse environmental impacts 
incurred through the activities carried out in 
workshops.

Emissions to air
Many of the activities that are carried out in 
workshops emit gases and fumes which contribute to 
global warming, depletion of the ozone layer and/or 
the formation of photo-chemical smog at ground 
level. By considering and controlling how the 
workshop activities are carried out, these gases and 
fumes can be minimised, thus reducing the damage 
to 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 to atmosphere if used carelessly, 
or if cans are left unsealed. All solvent containers 
should be firmly closed when not needed and solvent 
should be used sparingly. Suitable alternative 
materials may be available to replace some of the 
commonly used solvents. Similarly, many paints are 
solvent based and the spray should be minimised to 
reduce solvent emissions.

Refrigerant
It is illegal to release any refrigerants into the 
atmosphere. Discharge and replacement of these 
materials from air conditioning units should only be 
carried out using the correct equipment.

Checklist
Always adhere to the following:

Engines –

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don't leave engines running unnecessarily;

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minimise testing times and check where the 
exhaust fumes are being blown.