The main diesel engines on the OSV to which you are assigned are fitted with a basket type lube oil strainer, which must be periodically cleaned. The engine manufacturer recommends using a petroleum-based solvent for cleaning. Which of the following would typically be acceptable?
• Flash point and fire risk of different petroleum solvents • Health and environmental hazards of chlorinated and aromatic solvents • Typical shipboard practices for cleaning engine lube oil strainers
• Which type of solvent is safest to use in an engine room where there are many hot surfaces and potential ignition sources? • Among the choices, which solvents are known to be especially dangerous to breathe or handle, or restricted due to toxicity and carcinogenic risks? • What kind of solvent would manufacturers usually suggest to minimize fire risk while still dissolving oil and grease effectively?
• Eliminate any option with a very low flash point that could easily ignite in the engine room • Eliminate any option known for high toxicity, carcinogenicity, or producing dangerous fumes when heated • Focus on a solvent that is commonly used on board for degreasing and cleaning oily engine parts and is considered relatively safe when used properly
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