Health and Safety
Executive / Commission
Motor vehicle repair
There is wide spread potential for work-related ill health in MVR. Many of the substances used in MVR, including valeting, require careful storage, handling and control. This page gives advice on some of the main causes of ill health and the precautions that can be taken. See MVR injuries and ill health statistics.
Isocyanate
(2-pack) paints - Occupational asthmaExposure to isocyanate can cause long-term and sometimes life-threatening illness. Spray mist containing isocyanate may cause or worsen existing asthma. Once people are affected even very low exposure levels can trigger an attack. Significant skin contact with isocyanate hardeners may cause dermatitis.
Paints containing isocyanate are used extensively in MVR. Isocyanate are found particularly in primers and lacquers. They are also found in some ‘water-based’ paints. Spraying produces the highest exposures and is the main cause of occupational asthma. MVR paint sprayers have an 80 times higher risk of getting asthma compared with the UK working population. Every year over 50 sprayers are diagnosed with isocyanate asthma and most have to leave the industry. Below are some key tips for vehicle paint sprayers and owners of motor vehicle repair bodyshops.
Vehicle exhaust fumes irritate the eyes and respiratory tract, and are a risk to health by breathing in. Petrol or gas (LPG) fuelled engine fumes contain up to 10% carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas. Prolonged exposure to diesel fumes, especially blue or black smoke, could lead to coughing, chestiness and breathlessness, and there is evidence that long term exposure may increase the risk of lung cancer.
Keep the workplace well ventilated. Connect an exhaust gas scavenger system to the vehicle tailpipe when static running, particularly when working in a vehicle inspection pit. Use the e-COSHH Essentials guidance sheets to reduce exposure.
Welding
fumesFume from welding, flame cutting and other ‘hot work’ varies greatly and may cause dryness of the throat, tickling, coughing, tightness of the chest and difficulty in breathing. Long- term changes in the lung are possible. Harmful fumes and gases during welding in MVR include those from primer and paint layers, other surface coatings such as underseal, and from lead in car bodies.
Use local exhaust ventilation eg mobile extraction unit with flexible exhaust hood and trunking, wherever possible and always in confined spaces.
Many cleaning and degreasing substances, particularly those used in valeting, are harmful if not used properly, either from direct skin or eye contact or through breathing in the mist or vapour given off. They may cause dermatitis and/or have narcotic effects. Some cleaners give off vapour that is easily ignited.
Compare safety data sheets from suppliers to find the least harmful cleaner.
Use sealed proprietary equipment for cleaning/degreasing vehicle components
and garage equipment eg spray guns.
In valeting, concentrations may be high, particularly when used inside vehicles.
Ensure the working area is well ventilated. When working inside vehicles, leave
all doors and sun-roof wide open and assess the need for local exhaust ventilation.
Direct skin and eye contact with such solvents may be harmful. Wear protective clothing, including eye protection and appropriate gloves to protect hands and forearms, which should be cleaned or replaced regularly. Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and cleanliness
Used
engine oilFrequent and prolonged contact with used engine oil may cause dermatitis and other skin disorders, including skin cancer.
Avoid unnecessary contact with used engine oil. Adopt safe systems of work, wear protective clothing which should be cleaned or replaced regularly. Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and cleanliness.
Latex
glovesDermatitis can be caused by direct contact with natural latex rubber in latex gloves. Powdered gloves pose an additional risk, not only to the user but also to sensitized people in the area. Proteins in the latex glove leach into the powder which becomes airborne when they are removed. Inhaling the powder may lead to sensitisation.
Use latex gloves only where there is an operational need, and then only if they are low protein and powder free. Alternatives such as soft nitrile, vinyl or plastic gloves are available.
Harmful
dusts - body filling/preparationMost body fillers are reinforced with glass fibre or metal and consist of a thermosetting polyester in a solvent (usually styrene) which is hardened by a catalyst. All work with such fillers generates toxic fume and dust; the catalyst is often a corrosive irritant and some are strong skin sensitizers causing dermatitis.
Lead is sometimes used in body preparation work and finishing operations can release high concentrations of fine dust which is a serious health hazard.
Use less harmful materials where reasonably practicable. Carry out body filling/preparation in a separate area, preferably in a mechanically ventilated booth. Wear approved protective clothing, including appropriate respiratory protection.
NoiseExcessive noise is a serious health hazard. It accelerates the normal hearing loss which occurs as we grow older and can cause stress.
Much body repair work, where pneumatic tools are commonly used, will expose operators and others to noise levels above the specified Action Levels. Select and maintain quiet tools and equipment. Identify noisy work with ‘ear protection zone’ warning signs and, where possible, isolate the processes to reduce the numbers at risk.
VibrationPower tools transmit vibration into the operator’s hands and arms. Hand-arm vibration (HAV) can cause vibration white finger, a permanent and painful numbness and tingling in the hands and arms, also painful joints and muscle weakening.
Hand-held portable power tools are used extensively in MVR. Purchase tools that have been designed and constructed to reduce the risk of vibration, and are suitable for their intended use. Train workers to use them safely and keep them properly maintained.
Benzene can be absorbed into your body through the skin or if you breathe it in. Immediate effects of high exposure can include headache, tiredness, nausea and dizziness. Long-term exposure can lead to serious blood disorders such as anaemia and leukaemia (a form of cancer).
Petrol contains on average between 2 and 3% benzene. Safe working procedures to prevent petrol fires/explosions eg always use a fuel retriever when draining petrol tanks or pipelines, don’t blow out fuel lines with compressed air etc should reduce ill health risks. Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and cleanliness.
AsbestosBreathing in air containing asbestos fibres can lead to asbestos-related diseases, mainly cancers of the lungs and chest lining. Cases of asbestos related cancer have been reported in garage workers, although the risk is relatively low.
In the past, asbestos was used in motor vehicles as the friction material in clutches, automatic transmission and brake linings, and in gaskets. The supply, possession for supply and fitting of asbestos products to motor vehicle, trailers etc is now banned, though there is a derogation for vehicles first registered before 1 January 1973 which lasts until 1 January 2005.
Care should be taken when removing an existing asbestos component (which must be replaced by one which is asbestos-free). Use properly designed drum cleaning equipment which prevents dust escaping and clean wet rags to clean out drums or housing.
It is now illegal to use asbestos in the construction or refurbishment of premises. There is still much of this material in place. People who own, manage or have responsibilities for premises which may contain asbestos will either have a legal duty to manage the risk from the material, or a duty to co-operate with whoever manages that risk.