Environmental protection measures (Freelander 1)

General information

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 rooms. Solvents may also evaporate from loosely sealed containers. All containers in which solvents are stored must have tightly closing lids. Avoid excessive consumption of solvents during work. Alternative substitutes can be used instead of widely used solvents. 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.

Checklist

Always follow the instructions below.

Engines:

• Do not allow engines to run unnecessarily;
• Organize repair processes in this way so that engines operate for the minimum necessary time. Monitor the direction in which exhaust gases are emitted.

Operating materials:

• Make sure that containers containing solvents are tightly closed.
• Avoid overuse of solvents.
• Consider replacing solvents with alternative materials.
• Minimize the consumption of paints and varnishes.

Emissions of harmful gases:

• Use only special equipment to collect refrigerants;
• Do not allow burning of waste in areas where repairs are being carried out.

Discharge into sewer

Most service centers have two sewer systems: rainwater drainage and city sewerage. Rainwater drainage provides for the discharge of clean water, while polluted water can be discharged into city sewerage.

You can dump household waste into the city sewer system, but under no circumstances should you dump oils, gasoline, solvents, acids, brake fluid, antifreeze, and other technical fluids. If you have any questions, consult with your service company first.

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 spillage 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.

Additional precautions

Check if your service center has an oil separator connected to the drain funnels. This device will reduce the negative consequences in case of emergency. Oil separators require regular maintenance.

Checklist

Always follow the instructions below.

Drainage into the sewer:

• Before discharging into the sewer, make sure that the discharge does not contain substances prohibited for discharge into the sewer, and also that such discharge does not contravene local legislation.
• Ensure regular maintenance of oil separators.

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 containers with technical liquids are securely closed with lids 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".