SafetyIn The Auto Shop

1. Safety

The automotive shop can be a hazardous area if proper safety precautions are not followed. The main hazards and injuries in the auto shop are from flammable materials, power machinery, hoists, electrical equipment, cuts and bruises. Acid burns, electrical shock, skin irritations, strains, sprains, hernias, falls, and eye injuries etc…

2. Safety

Little lifting is required in the modern auto shop. Most lifting is done with hoists, jacks and other lifting devices. In the use of this equipment, know and follow the safe practices involved. If lifting is required, lift with your legs, not the back. Get some help for heavy and bulky objects…

3. Safety

Eye protection must be worn when operating any power machinery and when in any situation that could cause an eye injury. This includes falling dirt and debris while working under a car. Splash roof goggles or face shields should be worn when handling chemicals.

4. Safety

Sparks near an automobile storage battery create a hazard and can cause an accident. The accumulation of hydrogen in the top of the cell during a charge is very explosive. Do not test a battery by flashing the terminals with a piece of wire. Before connecting and disconnecting a battery charger, be sure it is turned off. Make sure positive is on positive and negative is on negative. If not, it could cause an explosion. …

5. Safety

Use extension cords and sockets that are in good condition. Portable lights should be protected by a rubber or neoprene covered steel guard. Ground all portable lights with a third wire. Do not place cords or wires where they may be come tripping hazards. Certain portable cords and lights can be suspended from the ceiling to prevent this from happening. Make sure that all portable electric tools are grounded with a third wire and that the power cords on portable tools are in good condition.

6. Safety

Do not use power tools or equipment until proper and safe use has been fully explained by your instructor. Always use the proper tool for the job. Be sure all guards are in place before using power machinery. Defective tools and equipment should be removed from the shop. Keep the shop and all tools clean and free of grease.

7. Safety

Horseplay of any kind in the auto shop is prohibited. This includes running, scuffling, throwing tools or materials…

8. Safety

Compressed air should be used for its intended purpose. Misusing compressed air equipment or dusting off clothing or work benches with compressed air is extremely dangerous. Flying particles of metal or glass may be blown into eyes or the skin. Compressed air blown into the skin or body openings can cause serious injury or even death.…

9. Safety

When connecting and disconnecting air hoses hold them tightly. Always keep one hand on the air hose…

10. Safety

Vehicles that are raised with a floor jack should always be supported by jack stands. A floor jack should never be used to support an automobile while working under it. A floor jack must be placed on a rigid part of the frame or body. These precautions should be followed even for inspection.

11. Safety

Follow these precautions when working under cars:

a. Use a creeper.

b. Keep legs clear of passageways.

c. Close car doors.

d. Do not place tools on the car above the worker.

e. Prohibit other persons working on top of the car.

f. Protect eyes with safety glasses.

12. Safety

Creepers, tools or other equipment should not be left where anyone can step on or trip over them.

13. Safety

Burns may result from working on a car that has not cooled off. Most frequently these are caused by coming in contact with the manifold exhaust system, or radiator coolant.

14. Safety

Engines should be operated only under the immediate supervision of the instructor and only if the shop is equipped for removing exhaust fumes.

15. Safety

When starting an engine, be sure you are seated in the car. Do not reach into the car window or door and turn the key.

16. Safety

Before starting the engine, make sure the car is ready to be started. Make sure the shift lever is in neutral or park position. Always check to see that tools have not been left on the engine and that everyone is clear.

17. Safety

Be especially cautious around moving parts: Fan blades, fan belts, gears and pulleys. Keep sleeves rolled up when working on any moving machinery. Do not attempt to oil or wipe moving parts of the engine. Keep hands out of door and hood jambs…

18. Safety

Handle brake fluid carefully so that it does not splash in the eyes or on the skin.

19. Safety

To avoid burns from accidental short circuits and to prevent accidental engagement of the starter, be sure to disconnect the battery before working on the electrical system of the car.

20. Safety

When removing the battery from the car always use the handle or a battery strap. Hold the battery upright so there is no danger of spilling acid and keep it away from your body. Always wear eye protection when working around automotive batteries…

21. Safety

When using an engine analyzer or other testing equipment always make your connections before starting the engine. Attempting to attach connections while the engine is running is a dangerous practice and may result in serious injury.

22. Safety

Never consider a job complete until you check to make sure all lock washers, cotter pins or locking devices are in place. Double and triple check your work. Ask for a second opinion.

23. Safety

Wear leather gloves when removing broken pieces of glass and when handling hot objects, car windows and windshields. When removing a broken light bulb, be sure the light switch is in the “off” position; break away the glass splinters using long-nose pliers.

24. Safety

Wipe up any spilled oil, grease or other liquids at once. They are slipping hazards. Use oil absorbent materials on the oily spots.

25. Safety

Since foot injuries occur in the auto shop, adequate foot protection should be worn or precautionary measures should be taken. Always wear closed toe shoes in the shop area.

26. Safety

Report all hazardous conditions to the instructor immediately. All injuries should be reported and treated at once.

27. Safety

Learn the location and use of various fire extinguishers for each type of fire. The auto shop fire extinguishers put out all types of fires and use carbon dioxide.

28. Safety

…Using open flames or striking sparks is prohibited in rooms or areas where flammable liquids are used or stored.

29. Safety

Keep only small quantities of gasoline stored in safety containers properly labeled, in the shop. Store all flammable liquids in a fire proof cabinet that has been approved by the fire marshal.

30. Safety

Do not operate an engine if there is a gasoline leak from the fuel system.

31. Safety

Before starting the engine make certain there are no short circuits and all electrical connections are correct. …

32. Safety

Never use gasoline for cleaning parts. Grease, oil and dirt can be removed from parts with washing equipment or cleaning solvents.

33. Safety

Do not wash hands and arms in gasoline. Dermatitis may result because gasoline takes the natural oil out of skin. Many soaps are available which will remove greasy dirt.

34. Safety

Do not wear oil or gasoline soaked clothes in the shop. A spark, hot exhaust manifold or an open flame can easily ignite your clothing.

35. Safety

Dispose of oil or gasoline rags, waste, etc., in self closing air-tight metal containers provided for this purpose. Contents of storage containers should be disposed of each day.

36. Safety

Using gasoline to remove oil and grease from the floor is prohibited. Spilled gasoline is a fire hazard and should be removed immediately.…

37. Safety

Fasten chain hoists securely and don’t overload chain slings. Inspect chain hoists before using; test by lifting only a short distance.

38. Safety

Don’t use a jack if there is any doubt about its safe operating condition. …

39. Safety

Block wheels before jacking up the car. When two wheels are off the floor, block the other wheels.

40. Safety

Never lift or lower a car if someone is working under it.

41. Safety

Be sure the vehicle is centered on a hoist before lifting.

42. Safety

Turn or remove jack handles so that no one can trip over them.

43. Safety

Your instructor should always inspect the contact of the hoist with the car. Your instructor should be in attendance during the lifting operation.

44. Safety

When driving a car on to a drive type rack, be sure all objects are clear, and that the rack is ready to accept the vehicle. Never get out of the car with the rack in the inclined position. When removing the vehicle, be sure you are in the car when the rack is being lowered.

45. Safety

Do not rock or shake a vehicle intentionally while it is in the air on a hoist. This is a major safety violation and will result in you being removed from the class. The setup of a vehicle on a hoist should be tested with the vehicle just a few inches off the floor.

46. Safety

Use all safety devices provided on a hoist and be sure that everyone is in the clear before lowering the car.

47. Safety

When using a floor jack place it under a rigid part of the frame or body of the vehicle.

48. Safety

Keep the floor clean of oil and grease to prevent slipping.

49. Safety

Keep hands and arms away from sharp and rough edges of the vehicle while working under a vehicle.

50. Safety

Never put hands in front of a grease gun nozzle when the handle is pulled. High pressure grease guns can force grease under the skin.

51. Safety

All lubricants should be stored in containers with lids and kept in a fire proof room when not in use.

52. Safety

Be careful not to inhale sprayed or atomized lubricants. Wait until it settles before resuming work on the car. Do not spray any pressurized liquids towards other workers.

53. Safety

When working on brakes do not do anything to cause dust to become airborne. Brake dust can cause lung problems and asbestos has been liked to cancer. Wash brake assemblies with solvent or detergent to prevent dust.

54. Safety

Do not open a hot radiator. Feel the upper hose to see if there is pressure in the system and if it is cool. Do not open the radiator cap if there is a doubt.

55. Safety

Use your head when behind the wheel of an automobile. Exhibition of speed going to and from the shop area or in the parking lot will result in you being dropped from your class.

56. Safety

There are four main rules to follow for hand tool safety, they are:

1. Use the correct tool for the job.

2. Wear approved eye protection.

3. Maintain the tool regularly.

4. Use the tool properly.

The End