GASES INVOLVED

Flammable gases: different solvents are used to clean machines and matching metals depending on the result required.
Carbon oxide (CO): thermal treatments (metal hardening and tempering) generally take place in carbon-oxide-based controlled-atmosphere furnaces.
Ammonia (NH3): very common substance in “recipes” for thermal treatments.
Methane (CH4): the most commonly used fuel to reach the temperature required for thermal treatments.
Trichloroethylene (C2HCl3): it is an hazardous substance if inhaled and can cause irreversible diseases. One of its target organs is liver.

EXPECTED RISKS

Inflammable gases: in smaller concentration even than LEL with regard to the volume they explode in presence of a minimum flash source often resulting in serious consequences for people and things.
CO: carbon dioxide is a compressed colourless, odourless, tasteless and poisonous gas. Even short exposures to carbon dioxide may reduce oxygen concentration in brain so the victim falls unconscious and dies.
NH3: colourless, with an irritating, sharp smell, inflammable, toxic. Ammonia irritates the mucosa of the conjunctiva, nostrils and pharynx through a scalding action. Moreover, ammonia has a general scalding action.
CH4: methane is a simple hydrocarbon and is in nature in form of gas. Methane is the main component of natural gas and is an excellent fuel, able to form easily in atmosphere resulting in a high risk of explosion.
C2HCl3: trichloroethylene is an hazardous substance for the breathing system and may cause irreversible effects. One of its target organs is liver.