INTRODUCTION
Gasoline for engines may contain a considerable quantity of benzene, which is toxic if inhaled. You must keep con-
centrations of gasoline fumes low. High concentrations cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, nausea, headaches,
depression, and symptoms of intoxication. Very high concentrations result in rapid loss of consciousness.
Ensure that there is adequate ventilation when handling and using gasoline. Be extremely careful to avoid the serious
consequences of inhalation if fumes have accumulated as a result of spillages in enclosed spaces.
Special precautions are necessary when cleaning and maintaining gasoline storage tanks.
You must not use gasoline as a cleaning material. You must not transfer gasoline from one container to another by
making a siphon with your mouth.
Kerosene (Paraffin)
Used as a fuel for heating, a solvent, and a cleaning material.
Flammable.
Ingesting kerosene can cause irritation to the mouth and throat. The greatest danger from ingesting kerosene is the
possibility of breathing it into the lungs. Liquid contact dries the skin and can cause irritation or dermatitis. Splashes
on the skin and in the eyes cause mild irritation.
Its volatility is low under normal conditions and it does not release harmful fumes. You must avoid exposure to
kerosene fumes and clouds at high temperatures (fumes may be released during wax removal processes).
Avoid contact with the eyes and the skin as far as possible and ensure that there is adequate ventilation.
Fuel oil (diesel fuel)
See Fuels (kerosene).
Combustible.
When the quantities are large or the exposure period is long, skin contact with fuel oils with a high boiling point can
cause serious skin diseases, including skin cancer.
GAS CYLINDERS
See Fire.
In general, gases, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, argon, and propane, are stored in cylinders with pressures of up
to
140 bar
(
2000 lb/in2
). You need to take sufficient care when handling them to prevent physical damage to the
cylinders and the valve accessories. The content of each cylinder must be clearly identified with suitable labels.
You must store the cylinders in a well-ventilated room, protected from ice, rain, and direct sunlight. You must not store
combustible gases (e.g. acetylene and propane) near to oxygen cylinders.
Be careful to prevent leaks from the cylinders and the gas lines, and to avoid ignition sources.
Only qualified personnel may perform services using the cylinders.
Gases
See Gas cylinders.
Gas shielded welding
See Welding.
Gas welding
See Welding.
GENERAL WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS
You must keep all equipment and tools in good condition and you must use the correct safety equipment whenever
necessary.
Never use tools or equipment for any purpose other than that for which they are intended.
Never overload equipment such as hoists, jacks, chassis bases and axles, or hoisting slings. The damage caused by
overloading does not always appear immediately and could cause a fatal accident the next time that the equipment
is used.
Do not use faulty or damaged equipment or tools, particularly high-speed equipment, such as emery wheels. A dam-
aged emery wheel can disintegrate suddenly and cause serious injury.
Use protective goggles whenever you use equipment for grinding, cutting, polishing, or sandblasting.
47402793 23/04/2014
17