Chapter 2 Shop Safety and Environmental Protection 27 Copyright by Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. dangerous, since even the smallest spark can ignite the vapors, causing an explosion and fi re. Know what types of chemicals are stored on the shop premises. Chemicals commonly used in the automotive shop include fuel system cleaners, hot tank solutions, parts cleaners, motor oil, and antifreeze. Chemical manufactur- ers provide a safety data sheet (SDS) for every chemical they produce. Th ese sheets list all the known dangers of the chemical, as well as the fi rst aid procedures to follow in the event of skin, eye, or respiratory system contact. Th ere should be an SDS for every chemical used in the shop. Read the appropriate SDS before working with any unfamiliar chemical. See Figure 2-3. Make sure your work area is well lighted. Poor lighting makes it hard to see what you are doing, leading to acci- dental contact with moving parts or hot surfaces. Overhead lights should be bright and centrally located. Portable lights, or droplights, should be in proper operating condition. Droplight cages should be in place. Most modern drop- lights use LEDs or fl uorescent lights and many are battery powered, Figure 2-4. Th ese droplights do not generate heat and are less likely to shatter when dropped. Many techni- cians use LED fl ashlights to inspect dark vehicle areas. If you are using an older incandescent droplight, be sure to use a rough service bulb which is more rugged than a standard bulb and will not shatter when broken. Do not use a high- wattage bulb in a droplight, as they can generate enough heat to melt the socket or cause burns. Never overload elec- trical outlets or extension cords by operating several elec- trical devices from one outlet. Do not operate high-current electrical devices through extension cords. Inspect electrical cords and compressed air lines fre- quently to ensure that they are in good condition. Also check for improper air hose connections. Do not close vehi- cle doors on electric cords or air hoses. Never run electrical cords through water puddles or use them outside when it is raining. Make sure all shop equipment, such as grinders and drill presses, is equipped with the safety guards provided by the manufacturer, Figure 2-5. Th ese guards should only be removed for service operations, such as changing grinding wheels. Never operate equipment without the proper guards. When servicing any piece of equipment, be sure it is turned off and unplugged. Read the equipment service lit- erature before beginning any repair. Closely monitor tool and equipment condition and make repairs when necessary. Th is includes such varied tasks as replacing damaged leads on test equipment, check- ing and adding oil to hydraulic jacks, and regrinding the tips on screwdrivers and chisels. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 2-2. Keep work areas clean and orderly.