Zero2Turbo
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Facebook Twitter Instagram RSS
    Zero2Turbo
    • Home
    • Contact
    • Videos
      Featured

      Tesla Model S Plaid Takes EV Nurburgring Lap Record Back From Porsche

      By Zero2TurboJune 5, 2023
      Recent

      Tesla Model S Plaid Takes EV Nurburgring Lap Record Back From Porsche

      June 5, 2023

      Bugatti Bolide Goes Extreme Track Testing

      June 1, 2023

      New Range Rover Sport SV Revealed Packing 626 HP (467 kW) V8

      May 31, 2023
    • South Africa
    • Zero2Turbo Telegram
    Zero2Turbo
    Home»Zero2Turbo»What Garages Should Know to Manage Health and Safety Around Fumes
    Zero2Turbo

    What Garages Should Know to Manage Health and Safety Around Fumes

    By Zero2TurboMay 12, 2023Updated:May 17, 2023No Comments
    Facebook Email Twitter LinkedIn Telegram WhatsApp
    Share
    Facebook Email Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram

    Garages serve as vital hubs for vehicle maintenance and repair. However, amidst the fast-paced and bustling atmosphere of these dynamic environments, a hidden danger looms: the accumulation of hazardous fumes. Without care and attention, the areas designed to promote vehicle functionality and safety can pose health and well-being risks to employees and clients.

    What exhaust pipes hide: Unveiling the concealed dangers

    Gases discharged via the exhaust pipe demand special attention. When fuel is burned, several byproducts are generated. These substances include carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), benzene and particulate matter such as soot.

    Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) are highly toxic. They are odourless and invisible, which makes them difficult to detect without proper monitoring equipment. Inhalation of high levels of carbon monoxide can lead to poisoning.

    Benzene, in turn, is a known carcinogen and poses health risks to humans. The presence of soot further exacerbates this problem. Soot is a form of particulate matter that results from incomplete fuel combustion. It consists of carbonaceous particles and contains harmful substances like heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). 

    The dangers of working with fumes

    Understanding the potential risks associated with fumes is crucial for implementing preventive measures and ensuring a safe environment. Working with emissions poses the following risks:

    • Respiratory issues

    Inhalation of toxic fumes leads to various medical problems. Fumes from chemicals, solvents, paints and exhaust emissions can irritate the respiratory system, causing coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. Prolonged exposure to certain fumes can even result in chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis.

    • Chemical poisoning

    Fumes often contain harmful chemicals that enter the body through inhalation, absorption or ingestion. These chemicals can damage the nervous system, liver, kidneys and other vital organs. Symptoms of chemical poisoning may include dizziness, nausea, headaches, confusion and fatigue. These problems can, in turn, lead to long-term health complications.

    • Fire and explosion hazards

    Some gases can explode. Flammable substances commonly found in garages include fuel, such as petrol and diesel; motor oil, lubricants, paints, solvents, cleaning agents and aerosol cans. 

    Garages involved in welding, fabrication or metalwork may also use flammable welding gases, such as acetylene, oxygen or propane. Furthermore, lithium-ion batteries used in electric and hybrid vehicles can also be volatile. 

    • Skin and eye irritation

    Certain fumes cause skin and eye irritation upon contact. Chemical fumes, corrosive substances or airborne particles can result in skin rashes, burns, itching, redness and eye discomfort. Prolonged exposure to these fumes can lead to more severe conditions like chemical burns or eye damage.

    • Allergic reactions and hypersensitivity

    Some individuals may develop allergic reactions or sensitisation to specific fumes over time. This can result in symptoms ranging from skin rashes to anaphylaxis (a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs rapidly). 

    • Long-term health effects

    Continuous exposure to hazardous fumes can have long-term health effects. Some emissions, such as those containing carcinogens or heavy metals, have been linked to an increased risk of developing cancer, neurological disorders, reproductive problems and other chronic illnesses.

    How to reduce the risks

    Garages can take several measures to minimise fume-related risks. Here are some of them:

    1. Enhance ventilation: Opening doors where possible is important, but natural ventilation alone may not be sufficient. Garages must prioritise the installation of efficient welding fume extraction systems to ensure the prompt removal of gases. The placement of exhaust extraction fans in areas where fumes are likely to spread is also recommended to enhance the efficiency of the extraction process.
    2. Implement LEV systems: Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems are more effective than catalytic converters. LEV systems offer superior control by capturing and extracting fumes at the source. This is achieved through various methods, such as using exhaust extraction hoses that connect directly to the car’s exhaust pipe. 
    3. Put safety first: Fuels, solvents and chemicals should be kept in designated areas away from ignition sources. Adequate storage containers and cabinets that meet safety standards should be used. Handling of these substances should follow established safety protocols to prevent leaks, spills or accidental ignition.
    4. Provide PPE: Garage workers should receive appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, masks or respirators, depending on the specific tasks and potential fume exposure. 
    5. Train your team: Proper training programs should be implemented to educate staff about the potential risks associated with fumes and the necessary precautions to take. 

    The specific measures to reduce the risk of fumes may vary depending on the type of facility, the substances involved and applicable regulations. It is crucial to consult relevant safety guidelines and local laws. Seek professional advice if you’re unsure about the best course of action. Keeping workers and clients safe is a legal and moral obligation that can be easily fulfilled by using fume extraction systems and other safety procedures. 

    Share. Facebook Email Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram
    Previous ArticleThe Evolution of Hybrid Cars Innovations And Adaptations
    Next Article From Start-up to Superstar – Tesla’s Meteoric Rise to the Top of the Motoring Industry

    Related Posts

    Tesla Model S Plaid Takes EV Nurburgring Lap Record Back From Porsche

    June 5, 2023

    Audi Driving Experience Returns To South Africa

    June 5, 2023

    R1.6 Million VW Golf R 333 Sells Out In Eight Minutes

    June 5, 2023

    Jaguar Land Rover Is Now Officially Known As JLR

    June 2, 2023

    BMW M2 CS To Pack 518 HP (386 kW)

    June 2, 2023

    Bugatti Bolide Goes Extreme Track Testing

    June 1, 2023

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Popular Posts
    • VW Reveals Lime Yellow Golf R 333 Limited Edition
    • New Range Rover Sport SV Revealed Packing 626 HP (467 kW) V8
    • Watch and Listen To The Lamborghini Revuelto At The Nurburgring
    • Enhance Your On-Road Experience: Unlock the Beauty of Car Interior Design
    • First EV From Lamborghini To Be Two-Door GT

    Latest Instagram Photos
    • Looks like the new Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE was spotted testing in South Africa 🇿🇦

That start-up sounds pretty damn promising!

This thing packs a whopping 791 hp (590 kW) and 1,430 Nm of torque.

📌 Graskop, Mpumalanga

🎥 @guylin_
    • Look what’s arrived in South Africa 🇿🇦 

Nothing confirmed by Toyota SA as of yet but here is the 224 kW GR Corolla!

Image source: @average_midship 

#ExoticSpotSA #Zero2Turbo #SouthAfrica #Toyota #GRCorolla
    • We waited a fair bit for the Tiguan R to arrive but that means it has been given enough thought and executed with the sort of German precision that makes us happy to have waited.

As fast SUVs go it’s a cracker, and with a price tag starting from R1,014,900 it is actually decent value in the segment.

It’s fun, aggressive when you want it to be and remarkably civilised when you don’t. Cars like this rarely make sense, but the Tiguan R is one case where that argument starts to change one's mind.

We cannot wait to drive the matching Golf next week!

#ExoticSpotSA #Zero2Turbo #SouthAfrica #Z2TDriven #VolkswagenTiguanR #TiguanR #VWTiguanR
    • The very first SA-spec BMW M2 snapped at BMW HQ in Midrand.

Zandvoort Blue would not be our choice but the looks have certainly grown on us. What about all of you?

Shots via @projectthart 

#ExoticSpotSA #Zero2Turbo #SouthAfrica #BMWM2 #NewM2 #ZandvoortBlue
    • If you’re expecting a faster, angrier and more focused version of the original 86, you’re going to be happy with this car.

Toyota finally gave the 86 more power. It’s not take-your-breath-away power, but again, it’s not made to win drag races. If you want more power, get a Supra.

Sure it is a bit more pricey this time around but it is a no-regrets kind of car that you will enjoy just as much today as 10 years from now.

Long live the manual transmission, especially when it’s packaged within something as fun as the Toyota GR86.

#ExoticSpotSA #Zero2Turbo #SouthAfrica #Z2TDriven #ToyotaGR86 #GR86 #Anime #InitialD
    • Stunning Jaguar F-Type Project 7 spotted in sunny Cape Town yesterday by @ryan_6r 😎

Just 5 of these made their way into SA making this quite a rare sighting!

#ExoticSpotSA #Zero2Turbo #SouthAfrica #Jaguar #FTypeProject7 #Project7 #JaguarFType #CapeTown

    Follow Us

    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube RSS
    Designed by Zero2Turbo.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.