Health & Safety Precautions (page 4 of 14)

Vapors may be given off from coolant antifreeze when heated. Avoid breathing these vapors.  
 
Antifreeze may be absorbed through the skin in toxic or harmful quantities. Antifreeze, if swallowed, can be fatal; SEEK 
IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.  
 

Battery Acids  

See also Alkalis and Acids.  
 
Gases released during battery charging are explosive. Always remove the battery from the vehicle prior to charging. 
Never use naked flames or allow sparks near charging or recently charged batteries. NEVER add acid to a battery, the 
chemical reaction produced will be violent and explosive. In cases of eye contact, wash affected area with copious 
amounts of water and SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.  
 
Make sure there is adequate ventilation during battery charging, observe NO SMOKING POLICY.  
 

Brake Pads and Linings  

Always fit the correct grade and specification of brake pads and linings. When renewing pads and linings, always replace 
as complete axle sets.  
 

Brake and Clutch Fluid  

Splashes to the skin and eyes are irritating and in the long term can be damaging, avoid prolonged skin contact. In cases 
of eye contact, wash affected area with copious amounts of water and SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.  
 

Chemical Materials  

All chemical materials should always be used with caution and stored and handled with care. They may be toxic, harmful, 
corrosive, irritant or highly flammable and give rise to hazardous fumes and dusts.  
 
The effects of excessive exposure to chemicals may be immediate or delayed; briefly experienced or permanent; 
cumulative; superficial; life threatening; or may reduce life expectancy.  
 

Chemical Materials - Do's  

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Do carefully read and observe hazard and precaution warnings given on material containers (labels) and in any 
accompanying leaflets, posters or other instructions. Material health and safety data sheets can be obtained from 
manufacturers.  

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Do remove chemical materials from the skin and clothing as soon as practicable after soiling. Change heavily 
soiled clothing and have it cleaned.  

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Do organise work practices and protective clothing to avoid soiling of the skin and eyes.  

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Do avoid breathing vapors, aerosols, dusts or fumes; inadequate container labelling; fire and explosion hazards.  

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Do wash before job breaks, before eating, smoking, drinking or using toilet facilities when handling chemical 
materials.  

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Do keep work areas clean, uncluttered and free of spills.  

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Do store chemical materials according to national and local regulations.  

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Do keep chemical materials out of the reach of children.  

Chemical Materials - Do Not  

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Do Not mix chemical materials except under the manufacturers instructions; some chemicals can form other toxic 
or harmful chemicals, give off toxic or harmful fumes or become explosive when mixed together.  

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Do Not spray chemical materials, particularly those based on solvents, in confined spaces, for example when 
people are inside a vehicle.  

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Do Not apply heat or flame to chemical materials except under the manufacturers instructions. Some are highly 
flammable and some may release toxic or harmful fumes.  

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Do Not leave containers open. Fumes given off can build up to toxic, harmful or explosive concentrations. Some 
fumes are heavier than air and will accumulate in confined areas such as pits.  

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Do Not transfer chemical materials to unlabelled containers.  

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Do Not clean hands or clothing with chemicals. Chemicals, particularly solvents and fuels, will dry skin and may