Chemicals and hazardous substances common to the automotive industry

» Petrol containers and gas cylinders must be stored securely, away from heat sources and out of the path of vehicle traffic. These are highly flammable substances and could cause fatality and serious injury if not carefully handled and stored.

» Solvents are often used as cleaners or degreasers. They can enter the body when a person breathes in their vapour, through skin contact, or through the mouth from contact with food or fingers. Solvents can impair memory and cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, mood changes or nausea. Exposure to high levels of solvents can cause liver damage, unconsciousness, cancers and death.

» Spray paints contain harmful substances. Inhaling paint fumes may cause occupational asthma. Long-term exposure can affect the brain, damage the reproductive system and cause kidney or liver damage. Contact with the skin may cause dermatitis.

» Batteries contain acid and must be treated with caution. If you are asked to handle batteries, you must be given instruction and provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as rubber gloves, eye protection (goggles may be needed to avoid splashes), overalls and solid work boots. Work boots should always be worn in the automotive industry – not sneakers or soft shoes – no matter what job is being undertaken.

» Welding operations generate hazardous fumes and should be separated from other workshop activities and from workers who may not be protected by fume extraction systems, ventilation or appropriate PPE. It may be possible to weld out of doors in good weather. At all times, risk controls will be needed to prevent exposing the welder and other workers to risk.

» Dust is caused by jobs like sanding, sweeping, grinding and cutting. Cutting and sanding operations can generate small metal pieces which can be hazardous if inhaled and/or irritating to the eyes etc. Employers can reduce dust by using machines that are enclosed or fitted with local exhaust ventilation.

General safety tips when working with hazardous substances

» Use hazardous substances and dangerous goods according to the manufacturer's written instructions provided on the material safety data sheet (MSDS) and the agreed safe work procedures.
» Make sure chemical containers are sealed when not in use and are not damaged in any way.
» Stow chemicals in designated storage areas when not in use.
» Always wash hands after using chemicals. Do not use solvents to clean your hands.
» Do not enter confined spaces where exhaust fumes may have collected.
» Never smoke around chemicals.
» Do not use chemicals around food.
» Never combine chemicals.
» Always use chemicals in well-ventilated areas.
» Wear correct PPE provided, such as a mask, protective overalls, suitable gloves and safety glasses.

Contact with and storage of oil and petrol

» Clean any areas in the workplace that are dirty and oily.
» Remove all waste that is visibly contaminated with oil to a commercial waste contractor for treatment and/or disposal.
» Store all waste oil and other liquids in a covered bunded area. Designate a reliable staff member to drain off the clean stormwater that accumulates in the bunded area.
» If oil must be stored outside, keep lids and caps on containers, ensure containers are durable and use a secure area to avoid vandalism.
» Store petrol securely away from heat sources and out of the path of vehicle traffic.

Contact with and storage of batteries and car parts

» If possible, store all parts and batteries under cover on a paved or sealed surface.
» Always drain all fluids from all parts and dispose of them properly.
» Always wear appropriate PPE when handling batteries.

Skin irritations

Skin irritations such as dermatitis are common in the automotive industry due to solvents, chemicals and paints removing the skin’s oily barrier, causing it to become dry and cracked.

Control measures to prevent skin irritations and disease

» If the chemical in question cannot be eliminated altogether, try substituting a less hazardous substance if possible.
» Maintain a high standard of hygiene in the work environment.
» Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene, e.g. have ready access to clean work clothes, protective clothing, adequate washing facilities and in some instances, access to showers and change rooms.
» Splashes by irritants or sensitising substances must be washed off immediately with soap and water.
» Ready access to first aid and medical treatment in the workplace must be available.