personal protective equipment, spill response, anddisposal of waste.The following section briefly covers safetyprecautions for the materials commonly used orhandled by Fire Controlmen: solvents, aerosolcontainers, polychlorinated biphenyls, batteries, andvacuum tubes.SOLVENTSVarnishes, lacquers, cleaning fluids, and somepaints contain solvents that can ignite at relatively lowtemperatures. Obviously, such materials pose seriousfire hazards. Some solvents emit toxic vapors; otherscan burn or irritate your skin and eyes.Many solvents are used in the daily maintenance ofelectronic equipment. The safest solvents are thosethat dissolve in water (water-based). If water-basedsolvents are not effective, you may use trichloroethaneo r m e t h y l a l c o h o l , t wo o f t h e m o s t p o p u l a rn o n w a t e r - b a s e d s o l v e n t s . H o w e v e r , s i n c etrichloroethane and methyl alcohol are extremelyflammable, use them only when you have adequateventilation.When you use hazardous paints or solvents,always follow these safety precautions:Wipe up all spills immediately.Place rags or other items you use to clean upspills in a separate, covered container.Use protective clothing, goggles, gloves, orother appropriate safeguards to prevent paints orsolvents from getting on your skin or in youreyes.Have accessible fire-fighting equipment nearby.Have adequate ventilation.Dispose of paints and solvents properly whenyou no longer need them. If you are unsure of the4-4Figure 4-3.—Department of Transportation hazardous material shipping symbols.
Integrated Publishing, Inc. - A (SDVOSB) Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business
