Fluids and materials that are harmful to the environment
WARNING!
Isocyanates
Isocyanates are found in some paints, putty, adhesive and plastic foams that are used
in motor vehicles. Inhaling isocyanates in the form of vapour, dust or aerosols may
cause irritation of mucous membranes causing asthmatic symptoms from the respiratory passages and an impaired function of the lungs. Even brief exposure to high
concentrations can cause problems of permanent hypersensitivity.
When products containing isocyanates in combined form are heated to temperatures
above 150°C, isocyanates are released. This results in a high degree of exposure. This
applies for example to grinding, welding and cutting products to which a top coat of
paint containing isocyanates has been applied. For this reason, make sure that there
is adequate ventilation in the areas where the work is carried out. Personnel carrying
out such work should use protection such as respiratory masks with air supply.
Do not take any risks when carrying out work involving heating materials that may
contain isocyanates; always presume that the material contains isocyanates and take
the necessary safety precautions.
Fluids and materials that are harmful to the environment
WARNING!
Vehicle fires
Where a vehicle is involved in a fire, a number of substances that are hazardous to
health and the environment are formed. Smoke and water carry these substances and
to a certain extent they remain in the vehicle (ashes).
When dismantling a vehicle that has been involved in a fire, the following must be
taken into consideration:
•Use protective equipment such as respiratory protective equipment and gloves
when working on vehicles that have been involved in a fire. Avoid skin contact
with ashes.
•The vehicle may be weakened, which can have a negative affect on lifting points.
This should also be taken into consideration when tilting cabs.
•Gas dampers which have not been punctured represent an explosion risk, as the
material they are made of may be weakened or damaged.
•Wash the vehicle before starting dismantling.
General
Keep the following in mind:
•Do not start dismantling before the cause of the fire has been fully investigated.
•Power should be disconnected on vehicles which have been involved in a fire as
soon as possible, by disconnecting the battery cables. This is to prevent short circuits, which can result in a new fire.
•Corrosion is accelerated on vehicles which have been involved in a fire, for example due to moisture in combination with ashes and some extinguishing agents.
The vehicle should be processed as soon as possible, to minimise the risk of undesirable leakage of environmentally hazardous fluids and substances.
•Fire damaged vehicles should be washed in a way that allows the washing water
to be disposed of in an environmentally responsible way, as it contains environmentally hazardous contaminants.