Chapter 5 Auto Shop Safety 61 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. a chemical. The decarbonizing type of throttle body cleaner, for example, is very powerful and can severely burn your skin in a matter of seconds. Wear rubber gloves and a full-face shield to prevent skin burns and damage to your eyes when using chemicals. As with fuel, all chemicals should be stored and disposed of properly. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations require the proper labeling, storage, and transport of hazardous materials for controlled disposal. National legislation, referred to as right-to- know laws, provide essential information and stipula- tions for safely working with hazardous materials. It is up to you to read all printed material that describes the proper handling of hazardous materials. Safety Data Sheets Safety data sheets (SDS) provide detailed chemical composition and precautionary information for all products that can present a health or safety hazard. See Figure 5‑11. They are produced and provided by the prod- uct manufacturer. The safety data sheets for all chemicals used in the shop should be placed where they are visible and accessible. An SDS should be read before you work with a chemical. In addition to its chemical composition, the SDS provides first-aid measures that should be taken if there is an accident involving the chemical. OSHA The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency that mandates guidelines for the safe operation of work sites. To ensure safe work- ing conditions, OSHA has established safety and work regulations for all industries. Electric Shock Electric shock occurs when electric current passes through your body. Electric shock can cause injury or death. It can occur when using improperly grounded electric power tools and when working on electrical systems. Never use an electric tool unless it has a func- tional ground prong, which is the third, round prong of a plug. Extension cords should also have a ground prong. This helps prevent current from accidentally passing through your body. Also, never use an electric tool or work on an electrical system on a wet shop floor because electricity can be conducted through the water. Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Safety Hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) use a high-voltage motor-generator and an HV battery pack that oper- ates on approximately 300–600 volts. This is enough electrical energy to cause serious injury or death by electrocution. Voltage levels and electric powertrain service procedures vary. Therefore, it is important to follow the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions and safety rules when working on a specific make and model hybrid and fully electric vehicles. Kent-Moore Figure 5-9. Exhaust hoses are usually located off the floor and near the garage doors. Place an exhaust hose over the tailpipe when running a vehicle in an enclosed shop. This will prevent the shop from filling with deadly exhaust fumes. Dmitriy Kuznietsov/Shutterstock.com breakermaximus/Shutterstock.com Figure 5-10. Respirators are available in many types and configurations. The respirator illustrated, for example, features eye protection and two replaceable filters. Respirators protect your lungs from fine particulates that a simple mask cannot filter. Always wear the appropriate eye and lung protection for the job you are performing.