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SAFETY RULES
SAFETY RULES FOR SEALS
VITON SEALS (fluoroelastomer)
Seals, especially VITON O-Rings, (normally colored red)
are used in systems operating at high temperatures, since
this materials resists the effects of heat. However, in the
event this material is subject to heat exceeding 315 °C
(599 °F) (in practice, only in case of fire or when using
welding flames) fluoridic acid is generated. This acid is
highly corrosive and could cause severe burns, if in
contact with the skin.
Every time it is necessary to intervene on components
equipped with VITON rings, for which an exposure to ex-
cessive temperatures is suspected, the following proce-
dures must be applied:
1) inspect visually,
without touching them, all seals show-
ing signs of damage due to high temperature. They
look black and tacky;
2) identify the type of material of the seals, if they are
VITON, performing the test illustrated below, on the
spare parts;
3) in case it is verified, or there is a reasonable doubt
that the components are made of VITON, the contami-
nated area
MUST be decontaminated before proceed-
ing with further operations;
4)
wear neoprene rubber or PVC gloves and protection
goggles or face screen, and wash accurately the con-
taminated zone with a solution of hydraulic lime (found
at building stores) and water, so that a milky liquid is
obtained. Rinse carefully with steam or running water;
5) dispose of the materials removed and the protective
gloves in a safe manner, without burning them.
TEST FOR THE DISCRIMINATION OF RUBBER (BUNA N) MATERIALS
AND "VITON" (FLUOROELASTOMER) MATERIAL
WATER
WATER
TRICHLORO-
ETHYLENE
VITON"
FLUOROELASTOMER
SINKS
NITRILIC/BUNA N RUBBER
FLOATS
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