Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 58 Section 1 Introduction to Automotive Technology Shop Safety Every year, technicians are injured or killed by accidents that occur while they are on the job. Many of these accidents result from a broken safety rule. Learn how to work safely by studying and following the safety rules of your auto shop. Rules are often posted on the wall and provided by your instructor or supervisor. In addition, you can learn how to operate machinery safely by reviewing operating manuals and by asking for instruction. It is everyone’s job to help keep a work environment safe. Look for unsafe work habits, unsafe tools or equipment, and other potential conditions for accidents. Evacuation Routes Evacuation routes should be posted in prominent areas throughout the shop. These routes show you how to exit the building quickly in case of a fire, gas leak, or other emergency. Being able to quickly exit the building during an emergency could save your life. Types of Accidents Due to the materials, vehicle exhaust, and equipment used in auto repair and maintenance, the following types of accidents can occur in an auto shop: • Fires. • Explosions. • Asphyxiation. • Chemical burns. • Electric shock. • Physical injuries. When an accident or injury occurs in the shop, notify your instructor immediately. Remain calm, quickly evaluate the situation, and take immediate action to eliminate the danger or evacuate the building. For example, if there is a fire, you must decide if the fire extinguisher will extinguish the fire or if everyone should leave the building because the fire is beyond your control. Fires Fires can cause severe injury, permanent scars, and death. There are numerous combustible substances, such as gasoline, oily rags, and solvents, in an auto shop. Each student or employee must be aware of the proper use and storage of combustible materials, and every precaution must be taken to prevent fires. Everyone working in the shop should also know the evacuation route and the location of the shop’s fire extinguishers. Keep the following gasoline safety rules in mind when working in a shop: • Store gasoline and other flammable substances in approved, sealed containers in an approved cabinet. • Never use gasoline as a cleaning solvent. • Oily rags can also start fires. Store soiled rags in an approved safety can and follow EPA regulations for proper transport and disposal. • Clean gasoline spills immediately. Do not place oil absorbent (oil-dry) on gasoline because the absorbent fumes will become highly flammable. • When disconnecting a vehicle’s fuel line or hose, wrap a shop rag around the fitting to soak up any fuel that spills out. • Keep all sources of heat away from open or exposed fuel system parts. • Never set flammable substances near a source of sparks or flames. Sources of heat or sparks in an auto shop include grinders, gas welding machines, water heaters, and furnaces. • Disconnect the battery or HV battery pack before working on a fuel system. • Electrical fires can result when a hot wire (wire carrying current) touches ground, such as the vehicle frame or body. The wire can quickly melt the insulation and cause other wires to burn. • To prevent electrical fires, always disconnect the battery as directed in the service information. When possible, keep the battery disconnected during repairs. Fire Extinguishers Locate all fire extinguishers in your shop. Learn how to use a fire extinguisher before it is needed. The time spent learning how to operate a fire extinguisher could be the difference between life and death. Most shops have a dry chemical type fire extinguisher than can be used on any type of fire. See Figure 5‑7. To use a fire extinguisher, pull the safety pin from the handle. Aim the nozzle at the base of the flames and depress the extinguisher’s handle. Sweep the spray nozzle back and forth at the base of the flames until the flames are smothered. Warning Gasoline is by far the most dangerous and underestimated flammable substance in an auto shop. Gasoline has astonishing potential for causing a tremendous fire. A few ounces of gasoline ignited by a spark can quickly engulf a car in flames.