It’s not a surprise that mechanics in the automotive industry will face a variety of hazards. Whether it’s in the form of moving machinery, oil spills from engines, chemicals that can irritate the skin, and injuries inflicted from the use of tools, there are various potential dangers at theworkplace that most mechanics will need to be alert of.
Although many businesses will invest in safety equipment while placing time and effort in making sure that their mechanics are aware of the dangers at work, there’s still a small chance that accidents might happen. Injuries caused by these hazards could be minor as a slip and sometimes as severe as a limb loss.
Most cars and vehicles won’t just need an engine and parts in pristine condition to function: they’ll also need various chemicals. Many of these chemicals used for auto parts repair and replacement can be especially harmful when someone is exposed to these substances in the long term.
That said, we must take a good look at some of the harmful chemicals that most car users will need to steer clear of. Here’s what you’ll need to know.
What Causes Chemical Exposure?
But before we discuss the chemicals that can cause complications to our health, we’ll need to take a look at how chemical exposure happens during daily operations in the first place. Even when safety precautions are being adhered to, some incidents can still happen. Some of the most common types of chemical exposure happen because of:
- Breathing in fume and particles
- Direct external contact to the skin of the worker. Some chemicals can be absorbed through the skin.
It’s also important to note that most mechanics can become exposed to many harmful chemicals from engines, especially when experiencing a good amount of wear and tear. Although most professionals will be able to discern these leaks right away, most; inexperienced car users will have a harder time identifying leaks.
These chemicals can also leak and seep to the ground or evaporate into the air, thereby causing pollution. In most cases, these leaks will remain undetected unless there’s specialized equipment that’s being used.
If you’re in a facility that doesn’t have an effective ventilation system, this can be dangerous for everyone inside the workshop since this can affect the place’s air quality. Chemicals like gases and particles of asbestos in the air can travel towards other areas through these vents.
There are various causes of chemical exposure in auto repair shops and facilities that manufacture auto parts. Without the proper safety equipment, this can be harmful to workers, which can then affect the productivity of the workplace.
Not only will mechanics have to deal with chemicals, but heavy metals are also extremely prevalent in these facilities. Substances like brake fluids, lubricants, paint, solvents, coolants, and metal cleaners are just some of the chemicals that will affect the body. Most of these chemicals are considered potent poisons by a variety of organizations.
So what are some of the chemicals that we have to keep an eye out for? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
Antiknock Agents
Much of the automotive industry has been using antiknock agents since it’s been considered an effective way of improving the performance and fuel efficiency of various engines. One of the main substances used for antiknock agents comes in the form of methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl. Although MMT will play an integral role in engines’ fuel efficiency, it can also cause irritations in the eyes, respiratory problems, and dizziness. This is often related to the malfunction of the liver and other important organs.
One of the best ways of preventing exposure to these chemicals is by ensuring all workers are wearing professional protective equipment when handling this chemical or just about any toxin. If you don’t have the necessary safety equipment in handling harmful chemicals, you might want to consider getting your engine parts from truth-worthy and safe manufacturing companies. Fortunately, some businesses sell safe and high-quality model diesel engine kits to reduce exposure to such chemicals.
Asbestos
Asbestos can be widely known in just about any industry for causing various long-term health complications, such as cancer. Many mechanics exposed to asbestos are usually those working on brake pads and brake drums of cars.
Since asbestos dust can be suspended in the air for a long time, it’s best to use respirators, N95 masks, and a protective suit when handling brake equipment. After work, the PPE used for this environment should be cleaned and stored away in an enclosed area so that dust won’t spread.
When it comes to keeping yourself safe from these toxins, people must exercise a great deal of caution while wearing personal protective equipment. Mechanics and workers will also need to be alert when it comes to oil spills and chemical leaks. At the end of the day, prevention is better than having to spend hundreds of dollars remedying a health complication caused by these chemicals.
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