Chapter 4 Safety 79
Summary
Each unsafe act may not cause an accident,
but a combination of two or more unsafe acts may
result in a severe accident. Almost all accidents
occur because someone did not take the time
to do things correctly. Many accidents occur
when technicians try to take shortcuts instead
of following proper repair procedures. Another
common cause of accidents is failing to correct
dangerous conditions in the work area, such as
oil spills or defects in equipment. An accident
may result in damage to equipment or property,
personal injuries, long-term bodily harm, or
death. No mature and competent automotive
technician wants to be injured or cause property
damage.
Always dress for the shop with an eye
toward safety. Avoid loose clothing, dangling
hair, and jewelry. Various types of protective
equipment are needed to protect the eyes,
feet, lungs, and skin. Protective equipment
should protect against immediate injury and
the long-term effects of exposure to hazardous
substances.
The best way to prevent accidents is to
maintain a neat workplace, use proper repair
methods, and use protective equipment when
needed. It is up to the technician to study the
job beforehand, to work safely, and to prevent
accidents. Do not allow a vehicle to leave
the shop in an unsafe condition. Always use
common sense when working on vehicles, and
avoid people who do not.
Be especially careful when working on
hybrid vehicles. The two main danger areas on
a hybrid vehicle are the high-voltage system and
the cooling system. Always dispose of wastes
properly and recycle whenever possible.
Review Questions
Answer the following questions using the
information provided in this chapter.
1. An accident is a(n) _____ event.
2. What two kinds of accidents could occur
if a fl ammable substance contacts a heat
source?
3. What kind of injury could be caused by
battery acid or parts cleaner?
4. Accidents are often caused by a series of
unsafe _____ which could be avoided.
(A) conditions
(B) acts
(C) vehicles
(D) Both A & B.
5. Name the fi ve major causes of accidents.
6. Technician A says that since air conditioner
refrigerant is not poisonous, it cannot cause
asphyxiation, no matter how much of it is
present. Technician B says that it is okay to
run an engine in a closed shop, as long as
it is not run for more than 10 minutes.
Who is right?
(A) A only.
(B) B only.
(C) Both A & B.
(D) Neither A nor B.
7. You should always wear respiratory
protection when working on what two
vehicle components?
8. Each shop electrical outlet should be used
to operate no more than _____ tool(s) that
draw(s) high current.
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4 or more
9. Material Safety Data Sheets are provided
for all dangerous _____.
(A) procedures
(B) tools
(C) chemicals
(D) working conditions