SOLVENTS

personal protective equipment, spill response, and disposal of waste. The following section briefly covers safety precautions for the materials commonly used or handled by Fire Controlmen: 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. Obviously, such materials pose serious fire hazards. Some solvents emit toxic vapors; others can burn or irritate your skin and eyes. Many solvents are used in the daily maintenance of electronic equipment. The safest solvents are those that dissolve in water (water-based). If water-based solvents are not effective, you may use trichloroethane o 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 r n 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 e trichloroethane and methyl alcohol are extremely flammable, use them only when you have adequate ventilation. 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 up spills in a separate, covered container. � Use protective clothing, goggles, gloves, or other appropriate safeguards to prevent paints or solvents from getting on your skin or in your eyes. � Have accessible fire-fighting equipment nearby. � Have adequate ventilation. � Dispose of paints and solvents properly when you no longer need them. If you are unsure of the 4-4 Figure 4-3.—Department of Transportation hazardous material shipping symbols.