Figure 1-13.--Cathode-ray tube base structure.

will float; if it washes ashore, it is dangerous to

Burns--Avoid spraying your hands, arms, face, or

other exposed parts of the body. Some liquid sprays

persons who may come in contact with it. A CRT

thrown in a dumpster represents a hidden booby trap.

are strong enough to burn the skin, while milder sprays

Therefore, always render the CRT harmless before

may cause rashes.

disposing of it. Use the following simple procedure to

Fire--Keep aerosol dispensers away from direct

render the CRT harmless:

sunlight, heaters, and other sources of heat. Do not

store dispensers in an area where the temperature can

Place the CRT that is to be discarded face down

exceed the limit printed on the container. Do not spray

in an empty carton and cover its side and back

volatile substances on warm or energized equipment.

with protective material.

Explosion--Do not puncture an aerosol dispenser,

Carefully break off the plastic locating pin from

Discard used dispensers in approved waste receptacles

the base (fig. 1-13). This can be done by crush-

that will not be emptied into an incinerator.

ing the locating pin with a pair of pliers.

Carefully break off the tip of the glass vacuum

CLEANING SOLVENTS

seal. This can be done with a small screwdriver

or probe.

Exposure to chemical/solvent hazards may cause

significant health problems. Solvents are capable of

damaging your respiratory system in cases of

AEROSOL DISPENSERS

prolonged inhalation. Chemicals and solvents come in

the form of gas, vapor, mist, dust, or fumes. Materials

By deviating or ignoring procedures prescribed

ordinarily thought to be safe may be rendered

for selecting, applying, storing, or disposing of aerosol

hazardous under certain use conditions by the

dispensers, personnel have been poisoned, burned, or

uninformed user.

have suffered other physical injury. It is difficult to

Cleaning electrical and electronic equipment with

compile a list of specific precautions and safe

water-based and nonvolatile solvents is an approved

practices for handling aerosol dispensers due to the

practice. These solvents do not vaporize readily.

variety of industrial sprays that are available in this

When it is not possible to clean with a water-based

kind of container. However, users of aerosol

solvent, use inhibited methyl chloroform

dispensers can guard against poisoning, fire,

(1,1,1--trichloroethane). Methyl chloroform is a

explosion, pressure, and other hazards by regarding all

relatively safe effective cleaner when it is used in an

aerosols as flammable. You can prevent an injury or

adequately ventilated area. However, it should not be

hazard by following basic rules:

inhaled, and it should not be used on warm or hot

Poisoning--Adequately ventilate closed spaces

equipment.

where poisonous (toxic) substances are sprayed. Use

exhaust fans or portable blowers to supply these

spaces with fresh outside air. Where ventilation is

inadequate, do not spray unless you wear an air

WARNING

respirator or a self-contained breathing apparatus.

Do NOT wear a gas mask when cleaning

with methyl chloroform; its vapors displace

oxygen in the air.

NEVER USE CARBON TETRACHLORIDE AS

A CLEANING AGENT. It is a highly toxic

(poisonous) compound that is a suspected carcinogen.

Its threshold is 20 times lower than that of methyl

chloroform, making it more dangerous. (Threshold is

the point above which the concentration of vapor in

Figure 1-13.--Cathode-ray tube base structure.

the air becomes dangerous.)

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