Working Safely in the Shop Chapter 6 Working Safely in the Shop

Must Always Be Worn

Know How to Use Eye Wash

Personal Safety Tie back long hair. Wear properly fitting clothes. Jewelry can get caught in rotating objects. Metal jewelry may be conductive. Proper safety shoes or boots must be worn at all times.

Personal Safety (cont’d) Gloves protect from chemicals, burns, and minor cuts and scrapes. Many chemicals can be absorbed into the body if gloves are not used. Heavy work gloves should be worn when using cutting equipment, welding, or grinding.

Personal Safety (cont’d) Gloves can also protect against bloodborne pathogens. Pathogens, such as staph infections, hepatitis B, and HIV can be passed by contact with human blood. Always clean and disinfect any blood spills immediately.

Personal Safety (cont’d) Exposure to very loud noise levels can lead to hearing loss. Simple ear plugs or earphone protectors should be worn in environments that are constantly noisy.

Personal Safety (cont’d) Respiratory masks should be worn when working with components containing asbestos or other toxic substances that contain toxic fumes.

Personal Safety (cont’d) Keep your skin away from hot metal parts. Disconnect electric cooling fans when working around a radiator. Adhere to all hydraulic press safety precautions.

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 Professional appearance and proper dress are important. Never smoke while working on a vehicle. Playing in the shop is never acceptable. 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. Pull wrenches toward you, do not push.

Hand Tool Safety (cont’d) Use a box end wrench or socket whenever possible. Use only impact sockets with impact wrenches. Never use pliers to loosen or tighten. Never use screwdrivers as chisels. Never strike two hammers together.

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.

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.

Lift Safety (cont’d) Always follow the lift guide and vehicle manufacturer’s service information when lifting a vehicle. Ensure proper contact between the lift and the vehicle Lift the vehicle about six inches, shake, and recheck contact points.

Hydraulic Jack and Safety Stand Safety Never attempt to lift something heavier than the jack is designed for. 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.

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.

Vehicle Safety Exhaust fumes (carbon monoxide) are poisonous and can be deadly. Ensure exhaust is properly ventilated. Check the brakes before attempting to move a vehicle. Notify coworkers when moving a vehicle, especially hybrid vehicles.

Electrical Safety Disconnect the vehicle battery whenever possible. Disconnect negative first then positive. Reconnect positive first then negative. Batteries contain acid and can cause severe injuries to eyes and skin. Remove all jewelry when working on the electrical system.

Electrical Safety (cont’d) Always charge batteries in well ventilated areas. Ensure the battery charger is off and unplugged before connecting leads to the battery. Never recharge a battery while the electrical system is on.

High Voltage Systems Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) contain high voltage batteries and circuits. These high voltages can cause death. Avoid all orange wiring and connectors. Deactivate the high voltage system before any service is performed. Follow all manufacturer’s warnings and procedures.

Work Area Safety Floors and work areas should be kept clean and organized. Keep all tools and equipment clean, dressed, and organized. Memorize the location of all safety and first aid equipment. Understand the contents of the MSDS.

Fire Hazards and Prevention Fuels used in modern ICE are highly volatile and require proper handling and storage. Diesel fuel is not as refined and contain active micro-organisms that can cause infections. Cleaning solvents and shop rags must be stored and handled properly to prevent fires.

Classes of Fires Class “A” fires Class “B” 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.

Fire extinguishers can be Class A, B, C, or D. Many are ABC or multipurpose extinguishers

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.

Manufacturer’s Warnings and Government Regulations Potential health hazards can be classified as: Chemical Hazards Hazardous Wastes Physical Hazards Ergonomic Hazards

Chemical Hazards Caused by high concentrations of vapors, gases, or dust. Gasoline and solvent vapors. Refrigerants. Asbestos from brake and clutch materials.

Hazardous Wastes Hazardous wastes are generated as a result of a service. Used motor oil, transmission fluid, and coolant. Must be handled and disposed of according to regulations.

Physical Hazards Physical hazards include excessive noise, vibrations, pressures, and temperatures. Auto shops may have excessive noise levels depending on tools used and services provided.

Ergonomic Hazards Ergonomic hazards result from conditions that impede normal body position and motion. Using keyboards and performing repetitive motions can lead to ergonomic injuries.

OSHA The Occupational Safety and Health Administration Federal agency. Formed to assure safe and healthful working conditions. Has published standards. All automotive safety and health issues are controlled by OSHA.

EPA The Environmental Protection Agency Federal and state agencies. Regulates disposal of hazardous wastes. Monitors and enforces environmental legislation.

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.

Hazardous Waste Utilize the proper protective equipment (PPE) when handling hazardous wastes. Many shop services generate hazardous waste. The shop is ultimately responsible for the safe disposal of hazardous waste.

Guidelines for Handling Hazardous Waste Waste oil can be recycled or used in waste oil heaters where allowable. Drain oil filters for at least 24 hours. Send batteries to a reclaimer or the distributor. Refrigerants must be reclaimed and recycled.

Guidelines for Handling Hazardous Waste (cont’d) Contract with a hazardous waste recycler for solvents and paint wastes. Collect waste coolants for reclaiming and recycling. Shop rags should be stored in self-closing marked containers to prevent combustion.

Guidelines for Handling Hazardous Waste (cont’d) Asbestos must be trapped and handled safely. Dust from brake and clutch components may contain asbestos. Always refer to local, state, and federal regulations regarding the proper handling and disposal of hazardous wastes.