EUROL® PRODUCTS AND SAFETY

Introduction:

Besides producing quality products, Eurol® strives to make its products as safe as possible for both people and the environment. Although many products have not been classified as hazardous, it is important for end users and dealers to have an insight into the hazards that could arise.

Background:

In Europe, almost all substances have been assessed for the hazard they represent and have been classified on the basis of a number of hazard aspects, such as flammability, harmfulness, irritation or environmental hazard. Substance mixtures (preparations) can also be classified on the basis of this classification. Most hazards are indicated on the product packaging, in the form of a symbol in an orange box, and are accompanied by mandatory safety sentences (R&S sentences). These sentences describe the specific hazard applicable and the most urgent measures necessary. Added to this, a safety information sheet is available for each product (this includes products that have been classified as non-hazardous). This provides a detailed description of the relevant hazard aspects and the measures to be put in place. It is an information leaflet, as it were. Although the safety information sheets (also referred to as MSDS) are freely available, they are not always read all the way through. This is why a very brief description of the most important hazards for most Eurol® products follows below.

Lubricants and grease lubricants:

Eurol® uses first-class base oils for all its products; these oils have not been classified as hazardous. Most oils and greases are not hazardous.

Points for attention in relation to incorrect use are as follows:

- Oil mist: in the event of atomisation or high temperatures, an oil mist may be produced that causes irritation when inhaled. Exposure to this mist must be avoided.

- Skin and eye contact: regular and/or protracted contact can lead to degreasing and irritation; therefore, gloves are recommended, and individuals should always wash their hands after skin contact. Where there is a risk of splashing, safety goggles must be worn. Wet or drenched clothing must be removed immediately.

- Swallowing: if swallowed, vomiting must be avoided and medical advice must be obtained immediately. Vomiting could cause the product to enter the lungs, which could lead to chemical pneumonia. This can be avoided by keeping the head below the hips. Because used oils can be hazardous as a result of contamination, always wear oil-tight gloves.

Antifreeze and coolants:

These products are hazardous when digested through the mouth, because of the quantity of Monoethylene Glycol they contain. Besides this, the points indicated for grease lubricants apply here too.

Cleaners and other solvent-based products:

The same points apply here as for grease lubricants.
Besides this, most of these products are (highly) flammable, which means that static electricity, as well as open fire and sparks must be avoided. A number of these products may cause irritation and/or be dangerous for the environment (transport separately).
Eurol® cleaners will shortly be formulated at a higher flash point, which means that they will no longer be classified as flammable. This will have advantages in terms of statutory storage conditions, amongst other things. Due to the greater risk of chemical pneumonia in the event of vomiting, many of these products have been classified as hazardous with the following risk sentence: Can cause lung damage if swallowed.

Screenwash and antifreeze:

These products are flammable. Because of this, the points indicated for grease lubricants must be taken into consideration and care must also be taken to avoid static electricity, sparks and open fire. In the event of a fire, this may not be extinguished with water if solvents, cleaners, aerosols or oil and grease products are present. However, powder, foam or CO2 are suitable for this purpose.

THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES AN OUTLINE DESCRIPTION OF A NUMBER OF SAFETY ASPECTS; FOR FULL INFORMATION, PLEASE SEE THE SAFETY INFORMATION SHEETS. THESE CAN BE SENT TO YOU FREE OF CHARGE.