Chapter Three

Working Safely in the Shop

Objectives• Understand the importance of safety and accident

prevention in an automotive shop.• Explain the basic principles of personal safety,

including protective eye wear, clothing, gloves, shoes, and hearing protection.

• Explain the precautions that need to be followed to safely raise a vehicle on a lift.

Objectives (Cont’d)• Explain what should be done to maintain a safe

working area in a shop, including running the engines of vehicles in the shop and venting the exhaust gases.

• Describe the purpose of the laws concerning hazardous wastes and materials, including the right-to-know laws.

• Describe your rights, as an employee and/or student, to have a safe place to work.

Personal Safety

• Eye protection should always be worn in the shop.

• Caution should be taken when working with components containing asbestos or other toxic substances.

• Exhaust fumes (carbon monoxide) are poisonous and can be deadly.

Personal Safety (Cont’d)

• Professional appearance and proper dress are important.

• Long hair, baggy clothes, and dangling jewelry can get caught in rotating objects.

• Proper shoes must be worn at all times.

• Using improper lifting techniques can cause serious injury.

Personal Safety (Cont’d)

• Gloves should be worn during certain operations.

• Ear protection should be worn in environments that are constantly noisy.

• Respiratory masks should be worn when working with chemicals that contain toxic fumes.

Lifting and Carrying

• Be sure your path is free of parts or tools.

• Be sure the container is in good condition.

• Straighten your legs to lift the object.

• If necessary, turn your whole body, don’t twist your body.

• Bend your legs to lower the object.

• Place suitable blocks under the object.

Professional Behavior

• Never smoke while working on a vehicle.• Keep your skin away from hot metal parts.• Always disconnect electric cooling fans

when working around a radiator.• Adhere to all hydraulic press safety

precautions.• Properly store tools and equipment when

not in use.

Hand Tool Safety

• Keep tools in good condition.

• Use the proper tool for the job.

• Do not put tools in your pocket.

• Keep tools with cutting edges sharp.

• Keep tools clean and free from grease.

Lift Safety

• Be sure the lift is completely lowered.

• Do not run into or over the lift arms.

• Be sure the lift pads contact the specified vehicle lift points.

• Close the doors and trunk lid.

• After the vehicle is raised, be sure the safety mechanism is engaged.

Hydraulic Jack and Safety Stand Safety

• Be sure the jack lift pad is under the specified vehicle lift point.

• Position the safety stands under a strong chassis member.

• The safety stand legs must contact the floor evenly.• Remove the jack after the vehicle is sitting on the

safety stands.

Power Tool Safety

• Repair frayed electrical cords immediately.

• The cord must have a good ground connection.

• Do not stand on a wet floor while operating power tools.

• Do not hold components to be drilled in your hand.

Power Tool Safety (Cont’d)

• Keep fingers and clothing away from rotating equipment.

• Sanding and buffing wheels must be securely attached.

• Protective guards must be in place.

• Wear safety glasses or a face shield.

• Follow the tool manufacturer’s directions.

Compressed Air Equipment Safety

• Be sure an air chisel is properly retained to the actuating tool.

• Do not direct compressed air against human flesh or eyes.

• Keep air hoses and fittings in good condition.

• Do not blow debris off clothing or hair.

• Do not use air pressure to spin bearings.

Cleaning Equipment Safety

• Do not dump residue from steam cleaning in sewers.

• Keep floors clean and dry.

• Wear protective gloves and a face shield.

• Use only approved cleaning solutions.

• Observe all environmental regulations.

Classes of Fires

• Class “A” fires– Ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper,

and plastics

• Class “B” fires– Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease,

and paint

Classes of Fires (Cont’d)

• Class “C” fires– Electrical equipment such as electric motors,

wiring, and fuse boxes

• Class “D” fires– Combustible metals such as aluminum,

magnesium, and potassium

Steps in Using a Fire Extinguisher

1. Pull pin from handle.

2. Aim nozzle at base of fire.

3. Squeeze handle.

4. Sweep entire width of fire.

Right-to-Know Laws

• Right-to-Know laws are intended to provide a safe working place.

• All employees must be trained in:– Their rights under the law.– The nature of hazardous chemicals in the

workplace.– The contents of the labels on the chemicals.

• MSDS sheets must be available.

Hazardous Materials

• Always read the label and MSDS before using unfamiliar substances.

• Be familiar with the dangers of various substances used in the shop.

• Follow all environmental policies for proper disposal.

Summary

• Tool and equipment safety rules must always be followed when working in an automotive shop.

• Hazardous materials and fire safety rules and regulations must be understood and followed.

• Right-to-know laws are designed to protect employees who must handle hazardous materials and wastes on the job.

Summary (Cont’d)

• Material safety data sheets (MSDS) contain important chemical information.

• All hazardous and asbestos waste should be disposed of according to OSHA and EPA regulations.