SAFETY RULES FOR AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOPS

 Working on vehicles can be a fun, exciting, and rewarding career. However, repair shop owners and their staff need to ensure the proper safety precautions and rules are implemented and followed at all times. Safety measures help protect employees from accidental injuries to themselves, their co-workers, customers, and the vehicles they are repairing. The following is a list of general safety tips every repair shop should use to keep everyone safe.

• Never smoke in or near repair bays or garages. Vehicles contain flammable and combustible fluids which can easily be set on fire if a hot ash from a cigar or cigarette were to come into contact with such materials.

• Keep work areas clean and organized. Pick up tools and use tool cabinets to keep walkways clear and free from clutter.

• Never wear loose clothing or clothing that is ripped or torn. To prevent employees from wearing unacceptable attire, it is recommended to obtain customized uniforms and work apparel from a qualified uniform service company.

• Wear protective gear at all times, as appropriate for the repair. Goggles, gloves, and ear protection should be worn when making certain types of repairs.

• Make sure fire extinguishers are easily acceptable and appropriate for all potential fire types. In the event of a fire, extinguishers need to be accessed quickly and be charged with the right materials to put out the type of fire: i.e., gas, oil, electrical, and so on.

• Always disconnect the battery when working on electrical systems and near/around electrical wiring. Even when the vehicle is off, there is still the potential for current to pass through electrical wiring.

• Never place hands, tools, or other objects near the engine while it is running. The moving parts and components could cause injury to a person or the vehicle itself.

• Never work underneath a vehicle unless it has been properly supported. Raising the vehicle off the ground to access the underside requires verifying it is stable, and that there is no risk of the vehicle falling on top of the mechanic.

• Always remove the keys from the ignition switch. Never leave the key in the ignition switch, as the key can draw an electrical charge from the battery. Also, avoid unplugging fuses and wiring harnesses while the key is in the “on” position. Otherwise, there is a risk of electrical shock, and/or electrical spikes that may damage electronic parts and wiring.

• Be aware of the vehicle’s temperature before beginning any work. The engine, manifold, exhaust system, and radiator could be hot and cause skin burns. Plus, the radiator coolant is still pressurized.