Vauxhall ASTRA Owner's Manual page 4

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Working on your car can be dangerous.
This page shows just some of the potential
risks and hazards, with the aim of creating a
safety-conscious attitude.
General hazards
Scalding
• Don't remove the radiator or expansion
tank cap while the engine is hot.
• Engine oil, automatic transmission fluid or
power steering fluid may also be dangerously
hot if the engine has recently been running.
Burning
• Beware of burns from the exhaust system
and from any part of the engine. Brake discs
and drums can also be extremely hot
immediately after use.
Crushing
\)
venture
under a car which
is only supported by
a
jack.
• Take care if loosening or tightening high-
torque nuts when the vehicle is on stands.
Initial loosening and final tightening should be
done with the wheels on the ground.
Fire
• Fuel is highly flammable; fuel vapour is
explosive.
• Don't let fuel spill onto a hot engine.
• Do not smoke or allow naked lights
(including pilot lights) anywhere near a
vehicle being worked on. Also beware of
creating sparks
(electrically or by use of tools).
• Fuel vapour is heavier than air, so don't
work on the fuel system with the vehicle over
an inspection pit.
• Another cause of fire is an electrical
overload or short-circuit. fake care when
repairing or modifying the vehicle wiring.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy, of a type
suitable for use on fuel and electrical fires .
Electric shock
• Ignition HT
voltage can be
dangerous,
especially to r- .f
people with heart . f
problems or a ./
pacemaker. Don't . /
work on or near the )
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ignition system with f I
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the engine running or ) J \
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the ignition switched on .
• Mains voltage is also dangerous. Make
sure that any mains-operated equipment is
correctly earthed. Mains power points should
be protected by a residual current device
(RCD) circuit breaker.
Fume or gas intoxication
• Exhaust fumes are
poisonous; they often
contain carbon
monoxide, which is
rapidly fatal if inhaled.
Never run the
engine in a
confined space
such as a garage
with the doors shut:
• Fuel vapour is also
poisonous, as are the vapours from some
cleaning solvents and paint thinners.
Poisonous or irritant substances
• Avoid skin contact with battery acid and
with any fuel, fluid or lubricant, especially
antifreeze, brake hydraulic fluid and Diesel
fuel. Don't syphon them by mouth . If such a
substance is swallowed or gets into the eyes,
seek medical advice.
• Prolonged contact with used engine oil can
cause skin cancer. Wear gloves or use a
barrier cream if necessary. Change out of oil-
soaked clothes and do not keep oily rags in
your pocket.
• Air conditioning refrigerant forms a
poisonous gas if exposed to a naked flame
(including a cigarette). It can also cause skin
burns on contact.
Asbestos
• Asbestos dust can cause cancer if inhaled
or swallowed . Asbestos may be found in
gaskets and in brake and clutch linings.
When dealing with such components it is
safest to assume that they contain asbestos.
Remember ...
DO
• Do use eye protection when using power
tools, and when working under the vehicle.
• Do wear gloves or use barrier cream to
protect your hands when necessary.
• Do get someone to check periodically
that all Is well when working alone on the
vehicle.
• Do keep loose clothing and 10l'\g hair well
out of the way of moving mechanical parts.
• Do
remove rings, wristwatch etc, before
working on the vehicle - especially the
electrical system.
• Do ensure that
any
lifting or jacking
equipment has a safe working load rating
adequate Ior the job.
Safety First!
0-5
Special hazards
Hydrofluoric acid
• This extremely corrosive acid is formed
when certain types of synthetic rubber, found
in some O-rings, oil seals, fuel hoses etc, are
exposed to temperatures above 400' C. The
rubber changes into a charred or sticky
substance containing the acid. Once formep,
the acid remains dangerous for years. If it
gets onto the skin, it may be necessary to
amputate the limb concemed.
• When dealing with a vehicle which has
suffered a fire, or with components salvaged
from such a vehicle, wear protective gloves
and discard them after use.
The battery
• Batteries contain sulphuric acid, which
attacks clothing, eyes and skin. Take care
when topping-up or carrying the battery.
• The hydrogen gas given off by the battery
is highly explosive. Never cause a spark or
allow a naked light nearby. Be careful when
connecting and disconnecting battery
chargers or jump leads.
Air bags
• Air bags can cause injury if they go off
aCCidentally. Take care when removing the
steering wheel and/or facia. Special storage
instructions may apply.
Diesel injection equipment
• Diesel injection pumps supply fuel at very
high pressure. Take care when working on
the fuel injectors and fuel pipes.
A Warning: Never expose the hands,
, face or any other part of the
body
• to injector spray; the fuel can
penetrate the skin with potentially fatal
results. .
DON'T
• Don't attempt to lift a heavy compoRent
which may be beyond your capability - get
aSSistance.
• Don't ruS/:l to finish a job, or take
unverified short outs.
• Don't use ill-fitting tools which may slip
and cause injury.
• Don't leave tools or parts lying around
where someone can tlip OVer them. Mop
up oil and fuel spills at once.
• Don't allow children or pets to play In or
near a vehicle being worked on,