commonly  used  or  handled  by  Electronics  Technicians: solvents,   aerosol   containers,   polychlorinated biphenyls, batteries, and vacuum tubes. SOLVENTS Varnishes,   lacquers,   cleaning   fluids,   and   some paints contain solvents that can ignite at relatively low temperatures.  Such  materials  pose  a  serious  fire  hazard. Some solvents give off toxic vapors that are harmful if you inhale them. Some will also cause serious problems if they come in contact with your skin. Many   solvents   are   used   in   the   day-to-day maintenance   of   electronic   equipment.   The   safest solvents are those that dissolve in water (water-based). If   water-based   solvents   won’t   work,   the   two   most popular non-water-based solvents are  trichloroethane and methyl alcohol.  Both of these are EXTREMELY flammable.  Use  these  only  when  you  have  adequate ventilation. When  you  use  hazardous  paints  or  solvents,  always follow  these  safety  precautions: 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7  . 8  . 9 . If you spill them,  wipe  them  up  immediately. Place rags or other items you use to clean them up in a separate, covered container. Use protective  clothing,  goggles,  gloves,  or other  appropriate  safeguards  to  prevent  the paints or solvents from getting on your skin or in your eyes. Have  accessible   fire-fighting   equipment nearby. Have adequate ventilation. Dispose of the paints and solvents when you no longer need them. Make sure you dispose of them properly. If you are unsure of the disposal procedures, check with the safety officer. Store   flammable   solvents   in   approved flammable  storage  lockers.  Make  sure  you store   flammable   and   corrosive   materials separately. Do  Not  use  carbon  tetrachloride.  This  is  a highly  toxic  compound  and  is  banned  from use. Use trichloroethane instead. Do Not smoke or use an open flame or allow anyone  else  to  do  so  in  areas  where  paint, varnishes,  lacquers,  or  solvents  are  being  used. 10.  Do  Not  breathe  the  vapors  of  any  cleaning solvent  for  prolonged  periods.  If  you  don‘t have proper ventilation, use a respirator. 11. Do Not  spray  cleaning  solvents  on  electrical windings or insulation. 12.  Do  Not  apply   cleaning   solvents   to   heated equipment, since this could cause a fire. AEROSOL  CONTAINERS Aerosol containers are everywhere. You use them to  groom  your  hair,  to  clean  and  freshen  your  living quarters, and to paint parts of the equipment you work on.   When   properly   used,   aerosol   containers   will dispense their chemicals quickly and effectively. But if they’re misused, they can hurt you and cause damage to  your  surroundings.  To  prevent  this,  you  must  be aware of the dangers of aerosol containers and how to protect yourself from them. Before using any aerosol container, read the label on the container. It usually has instructions on how to use, store, and dispose of the container safely.  Do Not ignore these instructions. If you do, you may become sick  from  the  toxic  effects  of  the  chemicals  in  the container.  Or,  even  worse,  you  may  be  seriously injured if the container explodes. Here  are  some  basic  rules  to  follow  when  using aerosol   containers: 1 . 2  . 3  . 4 . 5 . 6  . Make sure you have plenty of ventilation  when you use aerosols that contain dangerous or toxic gases.  If  you  must  use  such  aerosols  when ventilation  is  not  adequate,  wear  the  appropriate respiratory equipment. Dispose  of  the  containers  according  to  the instructions  of  your  supervisor.  Some  aerosol containers are considered hazardous waste. Keep all aerosol  containers away from  open flames,  sunlight,  heaters,  and  other  possible sources of  heat. Do Not spray paint or other protective coatings on  warm  or  energized  equipment.  You  may cause a fire. Do Not  spray  any  paints  or  solvents  on  your skin.  Some  liquids  in  aerosol  containers  may burn you, while others may cause a skin rash. Do Not dent or puncture these containers. They are  pressurized  and  can  explode  if  dented  or punctured. 2-4