Environmental protection precautions (Discovery 3)

This section provides general information that will help reduce the harmful impact on the environment from vehicle maintenance and repair.

Harmful emissions into the atmosphere

Many works performed during car maintenance and repair involve the emission of gases and vapors into the atmosphere, which contribute to the greenhouse effect, destruction of the ozone layer and the formation of smog. With proper organization of repair works, the emission of these gases and vapors will be minimal, which will reduce the harmful impact on the environment.

Vehicle exhaust emissions

Many repair and maintenance jobs require starting the engine. The exhaust gases must then be sucked out and released into the atmosphere. At the same time, the engine operating time must be reduced to the minimum possible. This will reduce harmful emissions and reduce the inconvenience to people living nearby.

Solvents

Some of the cleaners used contain solvents. If handled carelessly, the solvents will evaporate and saturate the air in the room. Solvents may also evaporate from loosely closed bottles. All containers in which solvents are stored must have tightly closing lids. Avoid excessive consumption of solvents during work. If possible, use low-toxicity and non-flammable solvents. Always follow the solvent manufacturer's instructions. Many paints and varnishes also contain solvents, so the consumption of paints and varnishes during painting should be minimized.

Refrigerants

Legislation prohibits the release of any refrigerants into the atmosphere. Release and replacement of refrigerants must be carried out using specially provided equipment.

Discharge into sewer

Most service centers have two sewer systems: rainwater and city sewer. Rainwater is for clean (rain) water. You can discharge household waste into the city sewer, but under no circumstances should you discharge: oils, gasoline, solvents, acids, brake fluid, antifreeze, and other technical fluids. If you have any questions, first consult with your local authorities or water supply company.

Spillage of technical liquids

Take all precautions to prevent oil, fuel, solvents and other technical liquids from entering the sewer. Work with technical and operational liquids should be carried out in special rooms, the layout of which does not allow special liquids to enter the drain funnels. In case of a spill of special liquids, the spill site should be immediately localized and cleaned up. A special kit for cleaning up spilled liquids will make the task much easier.

Checklist

Measures to prevent spills of technical fluids:

• Technical fluids must be stored in a specially designed room.
• Make sure that container lids are securely fastened when closed and cannot be opened accidentally.
• Taps on large containers for storing technical liquids and oils must have shut-off devices that prevent vandalism.
• Pouring liquids from one container to another should be done away from unprotected sewer funnels.
• Ensure that all employees securely close containers containing technical fluids after use.
• Ensure that spill kits are available in close proximity to areas where technical fluids are stored and handled.

Special kits for cleaning up spilled liquids

Special materials are produced for cleaning up spilled liquids. They are usually available in the form of granules, completely ready for use. They are sold in ordinary containers and packages and are subject to storage. The disposal of these materials is described in detail in the section "Waste disposal".

Pollution of land resources

Oils, fuels, solvents and other technical liquids poison the soil when introduced into it. These liquids should never be disposed of by dumping them into the soil layer. All precautions must be taken to prevent their accidental entry into the soil. If containers with materials to be disposed of are stored in open areas, the liquids contained in them may leak or be washed away by precipitation and then enter the soil layer. Store these materials in appropriate containers that do not allow such leaks.

Issues requiring legal approval

Some service centers may be permitted to discharge car wash wastewater into the sewer. In this case, it is necessary to find out about the permitted substances that may be present in the discharge, as well as to familiarize yourself with the results of the inspection carried out by the water supply company.

If a car painting section is organized in the service center, it may be necessary to obtain a license from local government bodies to conduct this activity. After receiving the license, it is necessary to constantly monitor compliance with the conditions for granting the license. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with the periodic checks of emissions into the atmosphere.

Checklist

Always follow the instructions below:

• Find out what permits and licenses you need to obtain to organize a particular type of activity.
• Do not allow the content of harmful substances in wastewater and atmospheric emissions to exceed limits.

Waste disposal

One of the most effective ways to reduce environmental hazards is proper organization of waste collection, storage and disposal. Legislation prohibits unauthorized waste removal. Organizations that carry out waste removal must have the necessary licenses. Waste disposal must be carried out only at special plants or landfills.

This means that it is necessary not only to monitor the composition of waste, but also to have the necessary permits and licenses.

Storage and handling of waste

Ensure that liquid waste is not discharged into drains or onto the ground. Waste storage should be organised in such a way as to avoid waste entering the soil, surface water and airspace.

Separate collection of waste should be organized: oils, metal, scrap batteries, removed and scrapped automobile units. This will prevent unwanted contact of various substances in the waste and facilitate their further disposal.

Waste disposal

Waste disposal should be carried out in accordance with the following recommendations:

• Fuels, hydraulic fluids, antifreezes and oils: ensure their separate collection and disposal under an agreement with an authorized contractor.
• Refrigerants: must be replaced using special equipment that allows for reuse.
• Detergents: can be discharged into domestic sewage system if properly diluted with water.
• Paints and varnishes, solvents: ensure their separate collection and disposal under an agreement with a permitted contractor.
• Components: are subject to return to the manufacturer for defect elimination or disassembly for spare parts and defect detection. Unclaimed remains are disposed of in the usual way.
• Spare parts: are subject to disassembly and defect detection. Unclaimed remains are disposed of in the usual way.
• Metals: it is possible to sell them to waste collectors through separate collection.
• Tires: Ensure separate collection and disposal by a licensed contractor. DO NOT attempt to dispose of tires by burning them.
• Asbestos-containing components: ensure their separate collection and disposal under an agreement with a permitted contractor.
• Air filters: ensure their separate collection and disposal under an agreement with a permitted contractor.
• Rubber and plastic products: Disposed of in the usual way.
• Hoses: Disposed of in the usual way.
• Batteries: ensure their separate collection and disposal under an agreement with a permitted contractor.
• Airbags and explosives: ensure their separate collection and disposal under an agreement with a permitted contractor.
• Electrical components: Subject to return to the manufacturer for defect elimination or disassembly for spare parts and defect detection. Unclaimed remains are disposed of in the usual way.
• Catalytic converters: it is possible to sell them to waste collectors through separate collection.
• Package: If possible, compact/recycle and dispose of in the normal manner.
• Office trash: paper and cartridges from copiers can be reused. Unclaimed remains are disposed of in the usual way.

Noise

Work related to checking security alarms, body straightening and other work using pneumatic tools are a source of high noise levels. Pay attention to the time of day when work with increased noise levels is carried out, and the place where such work is carried out - it should be located at a distance from residential buildings, schools, etc.

During some operations, very loud noise may occur, which can sometimes even cause damage to the hearing organs. In these cases, you should use hearing protection.

Solder

Solders are mixtures of different metals, characterized by the fact that the melting point of the mixture is lower than the melting point of the corresponding metals. (usually lead and tin). Generally, soldering does not produce toxic lead fumes, but only if a gas/air flame is used. Oxy-acetylene torches should not be used, as they heat the solder much more and may cause lead fumes to be released.

Some vapours may also be released when using any type of flame on surfaces covered with grease, etc. Inhalation of these vapours should be avoided at all costs.

Care must be taken when removing excess solder to avoid the formation of fine lead dust, which is highly toxic if inhaled. Respiratory protection may be required.

Solder spatter and filings should be collected and removed immediately to prevent general airborne lead contamination.

Strict personal hygiene practices are required to avoid swallowing lead or inhaling solder dust on clothing.

Solvents

These are, for example, acetone, white spirit, toluene, xylene, trichloroethane.



They are used in the composition of cleaning and de-waxing materials, paints and varnishes, plastics, resins, thinners, etc.

Some of them may be flammable or combustible.

When solvents come into contact with the skin, it becomes degreased, and repeated or prolonged exposure can lead to irritation and dermatitis. Some substances can penetrate the body through the skin in quantities dangerous to life and health.

Splashes in the eyes may cause severe irritation and even loss of vision.

Short-term exposure to high concentrations of vapor or aerosol droplets causes irritation of the eyes and throat, lethargy, drowsiness, dizziness, headache and, in the worst case, loss of consciousness.

Repeated or prolonged exposure to vapors or aerosols at lower but hazardous concentrations, which may not produce the characteristic warning signs, may cause more serious life-threatening and health consequences.

Getting such substances into the lungs (for example, when vomiting) - this is the most serious consequence of swallowing them.

Avoid splashes on skin, eyes and clothing. If necessary, use protective gloves, glasses and clothing.

When working with these substances, good ventilation is necessary. Avoid breathing vapors and aerosol droplets. Keep containers with these substances tightly closed. Do not work with them in confined spaces.

When spraying materials containing solvents, such as paints and varnishes, adhesives, and various coatings, it is necessary to use exhaust ventilation, and in the absence of adequate general ventilation, use respiratory protection.

Do not use heat or flame when working with these materials unless instructed to do so by the manufacturer.