General Precautions
Safety Instructions
Whenever possible, use a lift or pit when working beneath vehicle, in preference to jacking. Chock wheels as well as applying parking brake.
Jacking
Always use the recommended jacking points. The recommended jacking points are shown in the LIFTING AND TOWING sub-section of the INFORMATION section.
Always ensure that any lifting apparatus has sufficient load capacity for the weight to be lifted.
Ensure the vehicle is standing on level ground prior to lifting or jacking.
Apply the handbrake and chock the wheels.
WARNING: Do not work on or under a vehicle supported only by a lack. Always support the vehicle on safety stands.
Do not leave tools, lifting equipment, spilt oil, etc., around or on the work bench area. Always keep a clean and tidy work area.
Brake shoes and pads
Always fit the correct grade and specification of brake linings. When renewing brake pads and brake shoes always replace as complete axle sets only.
Brake hydraulics
Observe the following recommendations when working on the brake system:
- Always use two spanners when loosening or tightening brake pipe or hose connections.
- Ensure that hoses run in a natural curve and are not kinked or twisted.
- Fit brake pipes securely in their retaining clips and ensure that the pipe run cannot contact a potential chafing point.
- Containers used for hydraulic brake fluid must be kept absolutely clean.
- Do 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.
- Do 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.
- Do not re-use hydraulic brake fluid previously removed from the system.
- Always use clean brake fluid or a recommended alternative to clean hydraulic components.
- Fit 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.
- Absolute cleanliness must be observed when working with hydraulic components.
- It 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.
Dangerous substances
Modern vehicles contain many materials and liquids which if not handled with care can be hazardous to both personal health and the environment.
WARNING:
- Many liquids and other substances used in motor vehicles are poisonous and should under no circumstances be consumed and should, as far as possible, be kept from contact with the skin. These liquids and substances include acid, anti-freeze, asbestos, brake fluid, fuel, windscreen washer additives, lubricants, refrigerants and various adhesives.
- Always read carefully the instructions printed on labels or stamped on components and obey them implicitly. Such instructions are included for reasons of your health and personal safety. Never disregard them.
- Many of the fluids used in motor vehicles, such as coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid, are inflammable. Take care not to spill fluids when topping-up, a fire may result. If spillage does occur, ensure the area is thoroughly cleaned before starting the engine.
Synthetic rubber
Many 'O' rings, seals, hoses, flexible pipes and other similar items which appear to be natural rubber, are in fact, made of synthetic materials called Fluoroelastomers.
Under normal operating conditions this material is safe and does not present a health hazard. However, if the material is damaged by fire or excessive heating, it can break down and produce highly corrosive Hydrofluoric acid which can cause serious burns on contact with skin.
If skin contact does occur:
- Remove any contaminated clothing immediately.
- Irrigate effected area of skin with a copious amount of cold water or limewater for 15 to 60 minutes.
- Obtain medical assistance immediately.
Should any material be in a burnt or over-heated condition, handle with extreme caution and wear protective clothing (seamless industrial gloves, protective apron etc.). Decontaminate and dispose of gloves immediately after use.
Lubricating oils
WARNING: Avoid excessive skin contact with used engine oil. Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin cancer or other serious skin disorders.
Avoid excessive skin contact with mineral oil. Mineral oils remove the natural fats from the skin, leading to dryness, irritation and dermatitis.
Health protection precautions
The following precautions should be observed at all times:
- Avoid prolonged and repeated contact with oils, particularly used engine oils.
- Wear protective clothing, including impervious gloves where practicable.
- Do not put oily rags in pockets.
- Avoid contaminating clothes (particularly those next to the skin) with oil.
- Overalls must be cleaned regularly. Discard heavily soiled clothing and oil impregnated footwear.
- First aid treatment should be obtained immediately for open cuts and wounds.
- Use barrier creams: apply before each work period to help prevent lubricating oil from contaminating the skin.
- Wash with soap and water to ensure all oil is removed (propriety skin cleansers and nail brushes will help).
- Use moisturizers after cleaning; preparations containing lanolin help replace the skin's natural oils which have been removed.
- Do not use petrol, kerosene, diesel fuel, gas, oil, thinners or solvents for cleaning skin.
- If skin disorders develop, obtain medical advice without delay.
- Where practicable, degrease components prior to handling.
- Wear eye protection (e.g. goggles or face shield) if there is a risk of eye contamination. Eye wash facilities should be provided in the close vicinity of the work area.
Environmental Protection Precautions
It is illegal to pour used oil on to the ground, down sewers or drains, or into water courses.
Burning of used engine oil in small space heaters or boilers should only be considered for units of approved design and in compliance with the equipment manufacturer's recommendations. The heating system must meet the regulatory standards of HMIP for small burners of less than 0.4 MW. If in doubt check with the appropriate local authority and/or manufacturer of the approved appliance.
Dispose of used oil and filters through authorized waste disposal contractors and licensed waste disposal sites, or through the waste oil reclamation trade. If in doubt, contact the Local Authority for advice on disposal facilities.