72 Auto Fundamentals
protective equipment required depends on the
situation and the potential dangers.
Eye protection is vital when you are work-
ing in any situation that could result in dirt,
metal, or liquids being thrown into your face.
This includes working around running engines;
using drills, saws, welders, or grinders; and
working around batteries and hot cooling sys-
tem parts, Figure 4-3.
Wear appropriate respiratory protection,
such as a face mask or a respirator, when per-
forming a procedure or using equipment that
produces dust or fumes. Special precautions
should be taken when working on brake sys-
tems or clutches. The dust from the friction lin-
ing materials used in these devices may contain
asbestos, which can cause lung damage or can-
cer. Figure 4-4 shows a special brake washer
tool, which should be used to clean brakes before
service work begins.
Rubber gloves are necessary whenever you
are working with chemicals such as parts clean-
ing solvents or engine oil. If you spill oil, gaso-
line, cleaning solvents, or any other substance
on your skin, clean it off immediately. Prolonged
exposure to even mild solvents or petroleum
products can cause severe skin rashes or chemi-
cal burns. Locate and read the Material Safety
Data Sheets, which are discussed later in this
chapter, before handling any chemical that is
unknown to you.
Keeping a Neat Shop
Neatness is the number one accident pre-
venter. Whenever you are assigned projects in
the school shop or lab, clean and return all tools
and equipment to their proper places when the
job is completed. Do not allow dirt, oil, old parts,
boxes, or other refuse to pile up.
Keep all workbenches clean. This reduces
the chance of tools or parts falling from the
bench, where they could be lost, damaged, or
possibly land on your foot. A clean workbench
also reduces the possibility that critical parts
will be lost in the clutter. In addition, it reduces
the chance of a fi re from oily debris.
Return all tools and equipment to their proper
storage places. This saves time in the long run, and
reduces the chance of accidents and theft. Do not
leave any pieces of equipment out where others
Figure 4-4.
Use an approved brake washing tool in a well-ventilated
area of the shop. Note the safety glasses and protective
shoes worn by the technician.
Clayton Mfg. Co.
Face shield Safety glasses
Safety goggles
Figure 4-3.
Always wear eye protection when working with grinders,
air tools, hammers, chisels, or any tool that can throw
debris at your face and eyes. Remember, you can replace
safety glasses, but you cannot replace your eyesight.
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher