spinning engine fan, carrying batteries, using a cutting
torch, and welding.
Keep your shop organized. Return all tools and equip-
ment to their proper storage areas. Never lay tools or
parts on the floor, Figure 5-10.
Dress like a professional technician. Remove rings,
bracelets, necklaces, watches, and other jewelry.
They can get caught in engine fans, belts, etc., caus-
ing injury. Also, roll up long sleeves and secure long
hair. They, too, can get caught in spinning parts.
Work like a professional. When learning to be an
engine technician, it is easy to get excited about your
work. However, avoid working too fast. You could
overlook a repair procedure or safety rule and cause
an accident.
Use the right tool for the job. There is usually a tool
that is best suited for each repair task. Always ask
yourself this question: Is there another tool that will
work better?
Never carry sharp tools or parts in your pockets. They
can easily puncture your skin.
Keep equipment guards or shields in place. If a power
tool has a safety guard, use it. Refer to Figure 5-11.
Lift heavy parts with your legs, not with your back.
When lifting, bend at your knees while keeping your
back as straight as possible. On extremely heavy
assemblies, such as transmissions, engine blocks, and
transaxles, use a portable crane.
Use adequate lighting. A portable shop light increases
safety, work speed, and precision.
Ventilate your work area when needed. Turn on the
shop ventilation fan or open the shop doors anytime
fumes are present in the shop.
Never stir up asbestos dust. Asbestos is a cancer-causing
agent. Do not use compressed air to blow the dust off
brake parts or clutch assemblies.
Jack up or raise a vehicle slowly and safely, Figure 5-12.
A car or light truck may weigh as much as two tons.
Never work under a vehicle unless it is supported by jack
stands, Figure 5-13. It is not safe to work under a vehicle
held up by only a floor jack. Also, chock (block) the
vehicle’s wheels when the car is on jack stands.
Drive slowly when in the shop area. With students and
vehicles in the shop, it is very easy to have an accident.
Keep away from spinning engine fans. The engine fan
is like a spinning knife. It can inflict serious injuries.
Also, if a part or tool is dropped into the fan, it can fly
out and hit someone or damage the radiator.
Respect running engines. When an engine is running,
make sure that the transmission or transaxle is in park.
Check that the emergency brake is set and that the
wheels are blocked.
Do not smoke in the shop. Smoking is a serious fire
hazard considering fuel, cleaning solvents, and other
flammables that are in the shop.
Chemical pneumonia can result from inhaling oil
mist. Dermatitis can result from skin contact with oil.
116 Auto Engine Repair
Figure 5-10. Always keep tools organized while working. Do
not lay tools on the floor. This roll around cart can be used to
hold all tools needed for the job. (Snap-on Tool Corp.)
Light Shield
Tool rest
Leather
gloves
Figure 5-11. Always use a protection device when needed.
Here, the tool rest is being used to hold and secure a chisel
while sharpening.
Figure 5-12. Stay out from under vehicle as it is being raised or
lowered. Also, raise and lower the vehicle slowly.
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