5 Chapter Auto Shop Safety

Objectives After studying this chapter, you will be able to: Describe the typical layout and sections of an auto shop. List the types of accidents that can occur in an auto shop. Explain how to prevent auto shop accidents. Describe general safety rules for the auto shop.

Auto Shop Layout Repair area Tool room Classroom

Repair Area Any location in shop where repairs are performed Shop stall Small, sometimes marked off or numbered Outside work area Adjacent to shop overhead doors Lift Raises vehicle into air Alignment rack Use for working on steering and suspension systems

Lift Safety Ask instructor for demonstration Get permission Position vehicle’s center of gravity Point of perfect balance Follow service manual (Eagle Equipment)

Lift Safety (Cont.) Raise vehicle slowly Keep fingers clear of moving parts Double-check lift points Make sure vehicle is level Verify lift safety catch is engaged Do not walk under lift without catch in fully locked position

Lift Safety (Cont.) (Chrysler)

Toolroom Shop storage area for larger pieces of repair equipment Shop tools Small equipment Supplies All tools must be accounted for at end of class period Follow instructor’s policies and procedures

Classroom Office-like area in school or large repair facility Increase knowledge of auto service and repair Used for seminars, demonstrations, and training activities

Shop Safety Every year, thousands of auto technicians are injured or killed Broken safety rules Constantly think of safety Emergency exits Designated escape routes

Auto Shop Present Dangers

Types of Accidents Fires Explosions Asphyxiation (airborne poisons) Chemical burns Electric shock Physical injuries

Fires Store gasoline and other flammables in approved containers Never use gasoline as cleaning solvent When disconnecting fuel line, cover it with rag to prevent squirting or leaking

Fires (Cont.) Wipe up gasoline spills immediately Do not use oil absorbent (oil-dry) Keep heat sources away from exposed fuel system parts Disconnect batteries before working on fuel system parts Keep batteries disconnected during repairs

Fires (Cont.) Properly store oily rags Store combustibles in fire cabinet Fire extinguishers Know locations How to properly use Always use correct type

Fire Classifications Classified by burning material Type A Type B Wood, paper, plastic, or cloth Type B Burning liquids Type C Electrical equipment Type D Burning metals

Fire Extinguisher Types Soda-acid Type A fire only Pressurized water Carbon dioxide Type B or C fire only

Fire Extinguisher Types (Cont.) Foam Type A or B fire only Dry chemical Multipurpose type (Type A, B, or C fire only) Ordinary BC type (Type B or C fire only) Dry chemical (granular-type material) Type D fire only

Explosions Rapid, almost instant, combustion of material that causes powerful shock wave Sources Hydrogen gas around car batteries Fuel tanks Special sodium-filled engine valves Welding tanks Propane-filled bottles

Explosions (Cont.) Always wear proper eye and face protection when working around batteries Prevents Blindness Facial cuts Acid burns Scars (Snap-on Tool Corp.)

Asphyxiation Caused by breathing in toxic or poisonous substances Symptoms Dizziness Headaches Vomiting Death Exhaust gases are poison Proper ventilation

Asphyxiation (Cont.) Other harmful substances if inhaled Asbestos Parts cleaners Paint spray Working around airborne impurities Wear proper respirator (Lab Safety)

Chemical Burns Burns to skin Wear proper protective gear Solvents Battery acid Corrosive substances Decarbonizing throttle body cleaner Wear proper protective gear

Electric Shock Result of electric current passing through parts of body May cause injury or death Never use tool that does not have functional ground prong Never use an electric tool on wet shop floor

Hybrid Safety Hybrid vehicles use high-voltage motor-generator and HV battery pack Operate on 300−600 volts Always follow manufacturer's instructions and safety rules Wear rubber electrician’s gloves Use insulated tools Disconnect or disable batteries during service

Physical Injury Result from hundreds of different accidents Cuts Broken bones Strained back Evaluate every repair technique Take appropriate precautions Use proper tool for job

General Safety Rules Wear eye protection Avoid anyone who does not take safety seriously Keep shop organized Dress appropriately Never carry sharp tools in pocket Wear full face protection when grinding or welding

General Safety Rules (Cont.) Work like professional Use right tool for job Keep guards or shields in place Lift with legs, not back Use adequate lighting

General Safety Rules (Cont.) Ventilate work area Never stir up asbestos dust Jack up a vehicle slowly and safely Drive slowly in shop area Report unsafe conditions

General Safety Rules (Cont.) Stay away from engine fans Respect running engines Do not smoke in or near shop Obtain permission and instruction before using unfamiliar equipment

Right-to-Know Laws Give essential information and guidelines for safely working with hazardous materials Technician’s responsibility Read all printed material concerning handling of hazardous materials

Material Safety Data Sheets Give detailed information for all products that present health or safety hazards Available from product manufacturers

Material Safety Data Sheets (Cont.) (High-Temp Products Co.)

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Provides guidelines for safe operation of work sites Establishes safety and work regulations for all industries

EPA Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regulates harmful materials Requires proper Labeling Storage Transport Disposal