Health & Safety Precautions (page 5 of 14)

cause irritation leading to dermatitis or be absorbed through the skin in toxic or harmful quantities.  

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Do Not use emptied containers for other materials except when they have been cleaned under supervised 
conditions.  

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Do Not sniff or smell chemical materials, even brief exposure to high concentrations of fumes can be toxic or 
harmful.  

Corrosion Protection Materials  

Some corrosion protection materials are highly flammable – observe NO SMOKING POLICY.   
 
These materials are varied and the manufacturers instructions must always be followed. The materials may contain 
solvents, resins or petroleum products. Skin and eye contact should be avoided. They should only be sprayed in 
conditions of adequate ventilation and not in confined spaces.  
 

Dust  

Dust or powder produced during repair operations may be irritant, harmful or toxic. Avoid breathing dusts from powdery 
chemical materials or those arising from dry abrasion operations. Wear respiratory protection if ventilation is inadequate.  
 
Fine dusts of combustible material can present an explosion hazard. Avoid explosive limits and sources of ignition.  
 

Electrical Equipment  

Electric shock can result from the use of faulty electrical equipment or from the misuse of equipment in good condition.  
 
Make sure that electrical equipment is maintained in good condition and frequently tested. Faulty equipment should be 
labelled and preferably removed from the work station.  
 
Make sure that flexes, cables, plugs and sockets are not frayed, kinked, cut, cracked or otherwise damaged. If using 
cable reel extension equipment, ALWAYS ensure that the cable is fully unwound from the reel.  
 
Make sure that electrical equipment and flexes do not come into contact with water.  
 
Make sure that electrical equipment is protected by the correct rated fuse.  
 
Never misuse electrical equipment and never use equipment which is in any way faulty. The results could be fatal.  
 
Make sure that the cables of mobile electrical equipment cannot get trapped and damaged, such as in a vehicle hoist.  
 
Make sure that the designated electrical workers are trained in basic First Aid.  
 
In cases of electrocution:  
 

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Switch off the power supply before approaching the victim.  

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If this is not possible, DO NOT TOUCH THE VICTIMbut push or drag the person from the source of electricity 
using dry, non-conductive material.  

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Commence resuscitation if trained to do so.  

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SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.  

Exhaust Fumes  

These contain asphyxiating, harmful and toxic chemicals and particles such as carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, 
aldehydes, lead and aromatic hydrocarbons. Engines should be run only under conditions of adequate exhaust extraction 
or general ventilation and not in confined spaces.  
 

Gasoline (Petrol) engine  

There may not be adequate warning of odour or of irritation before toxic or harmful effects arise. These may be immediate 
or delayed.  
 

Gas Oil (Diesel engine)