Health & Safety Precautions (page 13 of 14)

Splashes in the eye may cause severe irritation and could lead to loss of vision.  
 
Brief exposure of high concentrations of vapors or mists will cause eye and throat irritation, drowsiness, dizziness, 
headaches and, in the worst circumstances, unconsciousness.  
 
Repeated or prolonged exposure to excessive but lower concentrations of vapors or mists, for which there might not be 
adequate warning indications, can cause more serious toxic or harmful effects.  
 
Aspiration into the lungs, for example through vomiting, is the most serious consequence of swallowing.  
 
Avoid splashes to the skin, eyes and clothing. Wear protective gloves, goggles and clothing if necessary.  
 
Make sure there is good ventilation when in use, avoid breathing fumes, vapors and spray mists and keep containers 
tightly sealed. Do not use in confined spaces.  
 
When spraying materials containing solvents, for example paints, adhesives, and metal coatings, use extraction 
ventilation or personal respiratory protection in the absence of adequate general ventilation.  
 
Do not apply heat or flame except under specific and detailed manufacturers instructions.  
 

Suspended Loads  

 
There is always a danger when loads are lifted or suspended. Never work under an unsupported, suspended or raised 
load, for example a suspended engine.  
 
Always make sure that lifting equipment such as jacks, hoists, axle stands and slings are adequate and suitable for the 
job, in good condition and regularly maintained.  
 

Viton  

In common with many other manufacturers vehicles, some components fitted to Land Rover vehicles have seals, 'O' rings 
or gaskets which contain a material known as 'Viton'.  
 
Viton is a fluoroelastomer, that is a synthetic rubber type which contains Fluorine. Although Viton is the most well known 
fluoroelastomer, there are others, including Fluorel and Tecmoflon.  
 
When used under design conditions fluoroelastomers are perfectly safe. If, however, they are exposed to temperatures in 
excess of 400°C, the material will not burn, but will decompose, and one of the products formed is hydrofluoric acid.  
 
This acid is extremely corrosive and may be absorbed directly, through contact, into the general body system. WHERE 
CASES OF SKIN CONTACT OCCUR, SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL HELP.  
 
O-rings, seals or gaskets which have been exposed to very high temperatures will appear charred or as a black sticky 
substance.  
 
DO NOT, under any circumstances touch them or the attached components.  
 
Enquiries should be made to determine whether Viton or any other fluoroelastomer has been used in the affected O-ring, 
seal or gasket. If they are of natural rubber or nitrile there is no hazard. If in doubt, be cautious as the material may be 
Viton or any fluoroelastomer.  
 
If Viton or any other fluoroelastomers have been used, the affected area should be decontaminated before the 
commencement of work.  
 
Disposable heavy duty plastic gloves should be worn at all times, and the affected area washed down using wire wool 
and a limewater (calcium hydroxide) solution to neutralise the acid before disposing of the decomposed Viton residue and 
final cleaning of the area. After use, the plastic gloves should be discarded carefully and safely.  
 

Welding  

   CAUTION: Never improvise lifting tackle.