Service Information Alert The information contained within this Alert must not be made available to third parties not authorised to receive it. DATE: April 1994 B168 MODEL: General SUBJECT: VITON 'O' RINGS AND SEALS (FLUORO-ELASTOMERS) - SAFETY HAZARDS PURPOSE: To advise potentially hazardous condition. DETAIL: It has been brought to our attention that 'Viton' material used in manufacture of oil seals and 'O' rings, produces a highly corrosive acid (Hydrofluoric) when subjected to temperatures above 315° C. The resulting contamination can have extreme consequences on human tissue since it is almost impossible to remove after contact.
We therefore recommend the following procedure when it is necessary to inspect any equipment that has been subjected to a high temperature i.e. fire. a. Visually inspect for any gaskets or seals which have suffered from heat; they will appear black and sticky. b. If this is affirmed - Do Not Touch c. Make enquiries to ascertain the material composition. Any Fluoro-elastomer (Viton, Fluorel or Tecmoflon) should be considered dangerous but natural rubber and nitrile are non-hazardous. d. If Fluoro-elastomer seals have been used, then the affected area MUST be decontaminated before undertaking further work. e.
Disposable Heavy Duty Gloves (Neoprene) MUST be worn and the affected area decontaminated by washing thoroughly with Limewater (Calcium Hydroxide solution). f. Any cloths, residue and gloves used MUST be safely discarded after use. Note: Burning of the discarded items is NOT RECOMMENDED, except in an approved incineration process where the gaseous products are treated by alkaline scrubbing. TEREX SERVICE DEPARTMENT TEREX Equipment Limited, Motherwell, Scotland ML1 5RY Tel. (0698) 732121 Tlx. 77141 Fax. (0698) 734046 TEREX Division, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74107 USA Tel. (918) 446-5581 Fax. (918) 446-9752