In addition to following safe operating procedures, the
equipment must be in good operating condition to perform
safely. Do not use equipment that has cracked or bent parts,
faulty safety locks, leaking cylinders, or other problems.
Study the following safety precautions carefully. They
apply to all types of lifting equipment.
Before lifting any vehicle, determine how the weight
is distributed on the vehicle. For example, a front-
wheel drive vehicle is heavier at the front of the vehicle
than a rear-wheel drive vehicle because of the
transaxle. Therefore, the lift saddles at the front of the
vehicle must be positioned to account for this.
Position the lift saddles so they securely contact the
vehicle’s chassis. Most vehicles have certain lift points
designed into the frame or unitized body.
With saddles properly positioned, raise the vehicle
until its weight is fully supported by the lift (wheels
are just off the ground). Then, carefully push down on
one end of the vehicle. If the vehicle moves on the
saddles or feels unstable, lower the vehicle and
reposition the saddles before proceeding.
When raising a vehicle, watch for side or overhead
obstructions.
Securely engage the lift safety lock before working
under the vehicle.
Do not change the working height of the lift unless all
personnel are out from under the vehicle.
When using a floor jack, always place jack stands
under the vehicle before working on the vehicle.
Always check for equipment, parts, and personnel
under the vehicle before lowering it.
Lower a vehicle slowly. Watch the vehicle and lift
closely until the lift is fully lowered and the vehicle is
firmly on the ground.
Disposing of Shop Wastes
Automotive service and maintenance facilities
frequently generate hazardous wastes. These wastes are
regulated by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
This federal act applies to businesses that generate, trans-
port, or manage hazardous wastes. Any business that
maintains or repairs vehicles, heavy equipment, or farm
equipment must comply with the regulations of the act.
Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste is a solid, liquid, or gas that can
harm people or the environment. There are several criteria
for determining if a substance is hazardous.
A material is considered an ignitable hazard if it will
easily ignite and burn. Gasoline, diesel oil, solvents, and
other chemicals are considered ignitable hazards.
A material or waste is a corrosive hazard if it dissolves
metals and other materials or burns human skin. Battery
acid and many part-cleaning solvents are considered
corrosive hazards.
Anything that reacts violently or releases poisonous
gasses when in contact with other materials is considered a
reactivity hazard. Materials that generate toxic mists, fumes,
vapors, and flammable gasses are also reactive hazards.
Materials like lead, cadmium, chromium, arsenic,
and other heavy metals that can pollute and make water
and soil harmful are considered a toxicity hazard. Used
motor oil, solvents, and other chemicals in the auto shop
are toxic hazards that must be disposed of properly.
Hazardous Automotive Waste
Draining automotive fluids and replacing nonrepairable
components are the most common automotive repair activities
that produce hazardous wastes. Some automotive fluids and
solid wastes that are considered hazardous include:
Used motor oil. It is combustible and may contain
toxic chemicals.
Other discarded lubricants, such as transmission and
differential fluids. These may contain toxic chemicals.
Used parts cleaners and degreasers. These are com-
bustible and may contain toxic chemicals.
Decarbonizing cleaners. These contain flammable or
combustible liquids.
118 Auto Engine Repair
Figure 5-16. Many air tools, like this air impact wrench, have a
power or speed adjustment knob. Set the tool for the lowest pos-
sible pressure needed to complete the task. (Snap-on Tool Corp.)
Figure 5-17. These technicians are cleaning up outside their
shop. Doing so increases shop safety, but it also makes the
shop appear more professional to customers.