SOLVENTS Characteristics Dissolve or disperse other chemicals Evaporate

SOLVENTS

Characteristics Ø Dissolve or disperse other chemicals Ø Evaporate quickly you may inhale solvent vapors Ø Flammable solvents are a fire hazard

Products and Operations Ø Paint systems mixing and spraying Ø Lacquer thinner cleaning spray guns Ø Body filler and hardeners body repair work Ø Degreasers removing adhesives & paint prep Ø Polishing and buffing compounds detailing Ø Gasoline damage estimate/car return

Labels Manufacturer’s name Product name Hazard warning Ø Signal word Ø Safety and health hazards

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Ø Ingredients Ø Physical and chemical characteristics Ø Fire and explosion data Ø Health hazard data Ø Precautions for safe handling and use Ø Control measures

Routes of Exposure Ø Inhalation – solvent vapors Ø Skin contact – liquid solvents

Short-term Health Effects Vapors ØDizziness ØDrowsiness ØHeadache ØNausea ØEye irritation Contact with liquid: ØDry skin ØEye irritation

If you experience symptoms: ü ü Evaluate your work area Check that ventilation is working Evaluate your work practices Check your PPE

Long-term Health Effects ØDamage to your nervous system ØLiver problems ØSkin rash

Health Effects Severity of health effects depends on: Ø Type & amount of solvent you are exposed to Ø Duration of exposure – daily and over time Ø Where & how you do your work

Minimize your exposure Ø Use in well-ventilated areas Ø Minimize spraying outside the booth Ø Label all containers Ø Find a safer substitute Ø Store properly Ø Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

Chemical–resistant Gloves Selection factors: Ø specific chemicals you work with Ø type of contact: o o o Immersion Splash Accidental contact Nitrile 8 mils – for most operations Medical-grade latex

PPE – Eye Protection

PPE - Respirators Spraying products other than paint, primer, and clear coats very low solvent concentrations respirators are optional black label “for organic vapors”

Fire prevention Ø Eliminate ignition sources Ø Store properly Ø Ground & bond containers Ø No damaged lights in the paint booth

Flash Point Fluid Flashpoint (o. F) Automatic Trans. Fluid 302 -383 Ø Lowest temperature at which enough fluid can evaporate to Brake Fluid 210 -375 form a combustible concentration of gas Coolant Ethylene Glycol (100%) 232 -260 Propylene Glycol (100%) 210 -230 Ø The lower the flash point the easier the product will burn Diesel Fuel 100 -204 Gasoline (50 -100 octane) -36 to -45 Ø Examples Engine Oil (conventional and synthetic) 300 -495 Methanol (in windshield fluid) 52 -108 R 134 a 140 KPa (5. 5 Psig) 350 Starter Fluid (ethyl ether) -49 http: //depts. washington. edu/vehfire/fuels/flashpoint. html

Spies Hecker Plastic Reducer 8581

Summary ü Most solvents readily evaporate and many are flammable ü May irritate your skin and eyes, and can affect your nervous system and liver ü Use chemical-resistant gloves and goggles ü Store and handle properly – minimize risk of fire Never smoke in the shop! Never use solvents to clean your skin!

Questions?