Systems Repair Body & Body -
A4.1.3. POTENTIAL RISKS I
A4.1.3. Paint
Organic solvents, found in paints, may cause damage or severe irritation to liver, kidneys, digestive tracts and respira- tory system if inhaled over long periods of time.
Prolonged exposure to isocyanates may cause lung sensitization. Asthma
-like symptoms may develop with subse-
quent exposure to very low concentrations of isocyanates.
Solvent inhalation can cause dizziness or loss of consciousness.
Splashes of solvents, paint activators and additives can cause damage to the eyes and may cause dermatitis. Peroxide
and acid catalysts may cause burns.
Inhalation of
spray dust and sanding debris may cause lung damage.
I
A4.1.3.2 Applied Heat (Welding)
There is considerable risk of damage to eyes and skin when welding or flame cutting.
Fire is a serious danger and many materials or fluids within the vehicle are highly flammable.
Toxic and dangerous fumes may be liberated when any of the following are subjected to heat:
0 Expanded foam
0 Corrosion protection
0 Trim and seat materials
0 Paints which contain isocyanates
0 Adhesive and sealing compounds
When heated to a temperature of 3OO0C, polyurethane based compounds may liberate small quantities of isocyanate.
Many types of nitrogen containing chemicals may be liberated as breakdown products; these chemicals can contain
isocyanates, oxides of nitrogen and hydrogen cyanide.
Potentially toxic or asphyxiant fumes and gases are produced by welding, for example; zinc oxide with zinc coated
panels, and ozone gas from the MIG process.
A4.1.3.3 Metal Repair
There is considerable risk of damage to eyes, ears and skin when metal cutting, forming, or dressing is being carried
out.
Soldering may be hazardous because of heat generated fumes and skin contact with the materials.
A4.1.4. PRECAUTIONS
A4.1.4.1 Paint
The inhalation of sprays, fumes, or dust during paint application or sanding processes should always be avoided. En- sure that there is efficient ventilation / extraction at all times. Paint spraying should be confined as far as possible to
spray booths. Personnel with a history of asthma should not be engaged in any process which involves the use of
isocyanates. Any operator working inside
a spray booth where isocyanate material is present must use air-fed breath- ing equipment. Supplied air to the visor should be fed at the recommended pressure and filtered to remove oil, water,
and fumes. Operators involved in handling mixing or spraying should wear protective clothing - gloves and goggles,
to avoid skin and eye contact.
A particle mask or canister type respirator should be worn when sanding.
A4.1.4.2 Applied Heat
When welding, flame cutting, brazing etc, the operator should use as appropriate, goggles, mask/fume extractor and
flameproof protective clothing. It is especially important when working with polyurethane compounds to use air-fed
breathing equipment.
Ensure that
at all times the appropriate fire fighting equipment is available and that personnel are trained in its use.
A4.1.4.3 Metal Repair
Appropriate eye and hand protection should be worn when sanding, drilling, cutting, chiselling, flatting or welding.
Operators should wear
a face mask or air-fed visor when sanding or flatting either body solder or fillers.
When
a soldering operation has been completed, swarf must be removed from the work area and the operator must
wash his hands thoroughly.
X300 VSM 3 Issue 1 August 1994
