GENERAL INFORMATION
03-3
Brake hydraulics
Observe the following recommendations when
working on the brake system:
lAlways use two spanners when loosening or
tightening brake pipe or hose connections.
lEnsure that hoses run in a natural curve and are
not kinked or twisted.
lFit brake pipes securely in their retaining clips
and ensure that the pipe run cannot contact a
potential chafing point.
lContainers used for hydraulic brake fluid must
be kept absolutely clean.
lDo not store hydraulic brake fluid in an unsealed
container, it will absorb water and in this
condition would be dangerous to use due to a
lowering of its boiling point.
lDo not allow hydraulic brake fluid to be
contaminated with mineral oil, or put new
hydraulic brake fluid in a container which has
previously contained mineral oil.
lDo not re-use hydraulic brake fluid previously
removed from the system.
lAlways use clean brake fluid or a recommended
alternative to clean hydraulic components.
lFit a blanking cap to a hydraulic union and a
plug to its socket, immediately after
disconnection of pipes and hoses to prevent the
ingress of dirt.
lAbsolute cleanliness must be observed when
working with hydraulic components.
lIt is imperative that the correct brake fittings are
used and that threads of components are
compatible.
Cooling system caps and plugs
Extreme care is necessary when removing engine
cooling system expansion tank caps and coolant
drain or bleed screws when the engine is hot, and
especially if it is overheated.
To avoid the possibility of scalding allow the engine
to cool before attempting coolant cap or plug
removal.
Environmental Precautions
General
This section provides general information which can
help to reduce adverse environmental impacts
incurred through the activities carried out in
workshops.
Emissions to air
Many of the activities that are carried out in
workshops emit gases and fumes which contribute to
global warming, depletion of the ozone layer and/or
the formation of photo-chemical smog at ground
level. By considering and controlling how the
workshop activities are carried out, these gases and
fumes can be minimised, thus reducing the damage
to the environment.
Exhaust fumes
Running car engines is an essential part of workshop
activities and exhaust fumes need to be ventilated to
atmosphere. However, the amount of time engines
are running and the position of the vehicle should be
carefully considered at all times, to reduce the
release of poisonous gases and minimise the
inconvenience to people living nearby.
Solvents
Some of the cleaning agents used are solvent based
and will evaporate to atmosphere if used carelessly,
or if cans are left unsealed. All solvent containers
should be firmly closed when not needed and solvent
should be used sparingly. Suitable alternative
materials may be available to replace some of the
commonly used solvents. Similarly, many paints are
solvent based and the spray should be minimised to
reduce solvent emissions.
Refrigerant
It is illegal to release any refrigerants into the
atmosphere. Discharge and replacement of these
materials from air conditioning units should only be
carried out using the correct equipment.
Checklist
Always adhere to the following:
Engines –
ldon't leave engines running unnecessarily;
lminimise testing times and check where the
exhaust fumes are being blown.
