General remarks
This section provides general information that will help reduce the environmental impact of car maintenance and repairs.
Harmful emissions into the atmosphere
Many of the jobs carried out during vehicle maintenance and repair involve the release of gases and vapors into the atmosphere, which contribute to the greenhouse effect, the destruction of the ozone layer and the formation of smog. With the correct organization of repair work, emissions of these gases and vapors will be minimal, which will reduce the harmful impact on the environment.
Vehicle exhaust emissions
During many repair and maintenance work, the engine needs to be started. The exhaust gases in this case must be sucked off and discharged into the atmosphere. In this case, it is necessary to reduce the operating time of the engines to the minimum possible. This will reduce harmful emissions and reduce the inconvenience to people living nearby.
Solvents
Some of the cleaners used contain solvents. If handled carelessly, solvents will evaporate and saturate indoor air. Evaporation of solvents from loosely closed vials is also possible. All containers in which solvents are stored must have tight-fitting lids. During operation, do not allow excessive consumption of solvents. Alternative solvents may be used instead of commonly used solvents. Many paints and varnishes also contain solvents, so the consumption of paints and varnishes during painting work should be minimized.
Refrigerants
Legislation prohibits the release of any refrigerants into the atmosphere. The release and replacement of refrigerants must be carried out using the special equipment provided.
Checklist
Always follow the instructions below.
Engines:
- Do not allow engines to run unnecessarily;
- Organize the repair processes so that the engines run for the minimum required time. Keep track of the direction in which exhaust gases are discharged from the boxes.
Operating materials:
- Make sure that vials containing solvents are stored in hermetically sealed containers;
- Do not overuse solvents;
- Consider replacing solvents with alternative materials;
- Minimize paint waste.
Emissions of harmful gases:
- Use only special equipment for collecting refrigerants;
- Do not burn rubber products.
Discharge into the sewer
Most service centers have two sewer systems: rain sewer and city sewer. Rain sewer provides for the discharge of clean water, polluted water can be discharged into the city sewer.
Domestic sewage can be discharged into the city sewer, but under no circumstances should it be discharged: oils, gasoline, solvents, acids, brake fluid, antifreeze and other technical liquids. If you have any questions, first of all, consult with the service company.
Take all precautions to prevent oil, fuel, solvents and other technical fluids from entering the sewer. Work with technical and operating fluids should be carried out in special rooms, the layout of which does not allow special fluids to enter the drain funnels. In the event of a spill of special liquids, immediately localize and clean up the place of the spill. A special kit for cleaning up spilled liquids will greatly facilitate the task.
Additional Precautions:
Check if your service center has oil separators connected to drain funnels. These devices will reduce the negative consequences in case of emergency. Oil separators require regular maintenance.
Checklist
Always follow the instructions below.
Drain to sewer:
- Before draining into the sewer, make sure that the drain does not contain substances prohibited for discharge into the sewer, and that such discharge is not contrary to local legislation.
- Ensure regular maintenance of drains (oil separators).
Measures to prevent the spill of technical fluids:
- Technical fluids must be stored in a specially adapted room;
- Make sure that the lids of the containers are securely fastened in the closed state and cannot be accidentally opened;
- Cranes of large capacities for storing technical liquids and oils must have locking devices that exclude manifestations of vandalism;
- The transfusion of liquids from one container to another should be carried out away from unprotected sewer funnels;
- Ensure that after use, all employees securely close containers with technical fluids;
- Keep spill kits available in close proximity to storage and handling areas.
Special kits for cleaning up spilled liquids
Special materials are available for cleaning up spilled liquids. Usually they are available in the form of granules, completely ready for use. They are sold in ordinary packaging containers and are subject to storage. Disposal of these materials is described in detail in the section "Recycling".
Use of land resources
Oils, fuels, solvents and other technical liquids, when introduced into the soil, cause its poisoning. These fluids should never be disposed of by dumping into the soil layer. All precautions must be taken to prevent their accidental entry into the soil. If containers with materials to be disposed of are stored in open areas, the liquids contained in them may leak or be washed away by precipitation and then enter the soil layer. Store these materials in appropriate containers to prevent such leakage.
Checklist
Always follow the instructions below.
- Do not allow technical fluids to enter the soil layer;
- Do not store containers of materials to be disposed of in unpaved outdoor areas, see "Measures to prevent the spill of technical fluids".
Matters requiring legal approval
Some service centers may obtain the consent of the service company to discharge wastewater from car washes into the sewer. In this case, you need to find out about the permitted substances that may be present in the drain, as well as familiarize yourself with the results of the check carried out by the service company.
If a service center organizes a car painting site, then it may be necessary to obtain a license from local authorities to conduct this activity. After obtaining a license, it is necessary to constantly monitor the fulfillment of the conditions for granting a license. Be familiar with the periodic air emissions checks.
Checklist
Always follow the instructions below.
- Find out what permits and licenses you need to obtain to organize a particular type of activity;
- Do not exceed the content of harmful substances in wastewater and atmospheric emissions.
Interaction with the immediate environment
Permanent residents of the areas adjacent to the service center are particularly concerned about your compliance with environmental laws. The degree of conflict depends on the proximity of the center to the inhabited territory, on the layout and the number of services you provide.
Noise is the main negative factor for the surrounding residents. It is necessary to pay attention to the time of work associated with increased noise levels, as well as to the place of their implementation.
Work related to checking burglar alarms, straightening the body and other work with a high level of noise should be carried out indoors with closed doors and windows. If these works cannot be carried out indoors, then they should be carried out in the sector most remote from residential buildings.
Starting engines outdoors causes inconvenience to surrounding residents due to the noise produced and emissions of harmful substances.
Pay attention to the time of day when work is carried out with an increased noise level; try to reduce the noise level as much as possible, especially in the early morning and late evening.
Works with toxic and volatile substances can also be a subject of conflict. Advanced methods that reduce the consumption of solvents, paints and gasoline will help reduce the conflict situation.
Residents of nearby houses, as well as other commercial organizations, have a negative attitude towards road "traffic jams", increased noise levels and emissions of harmful substances. Pay attention to this and try to reduce the inconvenience you cause. Efficient and well-coordinated work of the customer service, the acceptance office and the technical staff of the service center is a reliable guarantor of this.
Checklist
Always follow the instructions below.
- Find out the composition of neighboring properties; location of houses in the residential sector;
- Take measures to reduce as much as possible the noise produced, the emissions of harmful substances and the elimination of traffic obstructions;
- Maintain cleanliness and order on the territory of the center, organize separate collection of solid waste;
- Take out trash cans regularly.
Resource usage
One of the aspects of environmental policy is to reduce the consumption of consumed materials and electricity.
For the production of electricity spent on heating, lighting and compressed air, energy resources are consumed and harmful substances are formed.
The fuel used for heating, refueling cars or running diesel generators is a non-renewable natural resource that, in turn, consumes a lot of energy to extract and process.
Water, before reaching the consumer, must be treated, pass through the pipeline system, and then enter the sewer. At each stage, energy is expended and harmful substances are formed.
Lubricating oils, spare parts, paints and varnishes - they all went through the stage of industrial production, which means that energy was consumed and harmful substances were formed in the process of their production; after the end of their useful life, there will be a problem of disposal.
Checklist
Always follow the instructions below.
Electricity and heating:
- In the cold season, do not allow heat loss through loosely closed doors and windows;
- Turn off lights and equipment when not in use;
- Use energy-saving heating systems;
- Turn off office equipment when not in use;
Fuels:
- Do not allow engines to run unnecessarily;
- Try to rationally plan your trips and drive in economy mode.
Water:
- Do not leave water taps open;
- Eliminate leaks in a timely manner, avoid wasteful losses.
Compressed air:
- Do not leave the valves of the compressed air line in the open position;
- Fix leaks promptly;
- Switch off compressor units when there is no need for compressed air supply.
Use of environmentally hazardous materials:
- Try to find a less environmentally hazardous substitute material.
Storage and handling of consumables:
- Equip a special room for storing liquids. The requirements for its equipment are given above;
- Keep supplies protected from the environment. Be aware of the risk of freezing some foods.
Recycling
One of the most effective ways to reduce environmental hazards is the proper organization of waste collection, storage and disposal. The legislation prohibits the unauthorized removal of waste. Waste disposal companies must have the necessary licenses. Waste disposal should be carried out only at special plants or landfills. This means that it is necessary not only to monitor the composition of the waste, but also to have the necessary permits and licenses.
Storage and waste management
Ensure that liquid waste does not drain into drains or onto the ground. Waste storage should be organized in such a way as to avoid the release of waste into the soil, surface water and airspace.
Separate collection of waste should be organized: oils, metal, waste batteries, removed and recycled automotive units. This will prevent unwanted contact of various substances in the composition of the waste and facilitate their further disposal.
Recycling
Waste disposal should be carried out by specialized organizations according to the types of waste and having the necessary licenses. Waste disposal must be accompanied by the execution of all necessary primary documents. The waste disposal company is responsible for delivering the waste to special plants or landfills.
Waste disposal must be carried out in accordance with the following recommendations.
- Fuels, hydraulic fluids, anti-freeze fluids and oils: arrange for separate collection and disposal by an authorized contractor.
- Refrigerants: must be replaced using special reusable equipment.
- Detergents: can be discharged into the domestic sewer if properly diluted with water.
- Paints, solvents: ensure their separate collection and disposal under contract with an authorized contractor.
- Components: Depending on the conditions, they are subject to postal forwarding to the manufacturer for elimination of defects or disassembly for spare parts and troubleshooting. Unclaimed residues are disposed of in the usual way.
- Spare parts: subject to disassembly and troubleshooting. Unclaimed residues are disposed of in the usual way.
- Metals: it is possible to sell them to salvage purveyors with separate collection. Tires: arrange for them to be collected and disposed of separately with an authorized contractor.
- Container and packaging: transport it compactly and dispose of it in the usual way.
- Asbestos-containing components: ensure their separate collection and disposal under contract with an authorized contractor.
- Oily rags and granules of liquid spill cleaner: arrange for their separate collection and disposal under an agreement with an authorized contractor.
- Air filters: arrange for separate collection and disposal with an authorized contractor. Rubber products and plastic products: are disposed of in the usual way.
- Hoses: Dispose of in the usual way.
- Batteries: arrange for separate collection and disposal by an authorized contractor.
- Air bags and explosives: arrange for separate collection and disposal by an authorized contractor.
- Components of electrical equipment: depending on the conditions, they are subject to postal forwarding to the manufacturer for elimination of defects or disassembly for spare parts and troubleshooting. Unclaimed residues are disposed of in the usual way.
- Components of electronic equipment: depending on the conditions, they are subject to postal forwarding to the manufacturer for elimination of defects or disassembly for spare parts and troubleshooting. Unclaimed residues are disposed of in the usual way.
- Catalytic converters: it is possible to sell them to waste collectors with separate collection.
- Spill Clean-Up Granules: Have them separated and disposed of by contract with an authorized contractor.
- Office waste: copier paper and cartridges can be reused. Unclaimed residues are disposed of in the usual way.
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