Health & Safety Precautions (page 10 of 14)

containers are left unsealed. All containers must be firmly closed when not required and solvent should be used sparingly. 
Wherever possible, solvents having a low toxicity and flammability should be selected. Always follow the instructions 
supplied by the solvent manufacturer. Similarly, many paints are solvent based and the spray should be used in such a 
way as to reduce emissions to a minimum.  
 

Refrigerant  

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

Discharges to water  

Most workshops will have two systems for discharging waste water - storm drains and foul drains. Storm drains should 
only receive clean water i.e. rainwater. Foul drains will accept many of the normal waste water i.e. washing water, 
detergents and domestic type waste BUT NOT oil, petrol, solvent, acids, hydraulic fluid, antifreeze and similar fluids. If in 
doubt, always consult the local authority or water company.  
 

Spillages  

Every precaution must be taken to prevent spillage of oil, fuel, solvents etc., reaching the drains. All handling of such 
materials must take place well away from drains and preferably in an area with a suitable containing wall to prevent 
discharge into drains or watercourses. If a spillage occurs, it must be soaked up immediately using a spill kit where 
provided.  
 

Checklist  

 
 
Spillage prevention:  
 

l

Store liquids in a secure area.  

l

Make sure that taps on liquid containers are secure and cannot be accidentally turned on.  

l

Protect bulk storage tanks from vandalism by locking the valves.  

l

Transfer liquids from one container to another in an area away from open drains.  

l

Ensure lids are replaced securely on containers.  

l

Have spill kits available near to points of storage and liquid handling areas.  

Spill Kits  

Special materials are available to absorb a number of different substances. They can be in granular form, ready to use 
and are supplied in suitable containers. Disposal of used spill absorbing material is dealt with in Waste management.  
 

Land contamination  

Oils, fuels and solvents etc. can contaminate any soil with which they come into contact. Such materials MUST never be 
disposed of by pouring on to soil and every precaution must be taken to avoid spillage reaching soil. Waste materials 
stored on open ground could either leak or have contaminating substances washed off them that would contaminate the 
land. Always store these materials in suitable skips or similarly robust containers.  
 

Legal compliance  

Some sites may have a discharge consent for effluent discharge to the foul drain for a car wash etc. It is essential to know