Chapter 5 Auto Shop Safety 63 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Using the proper tool for a job can also prevent injury. For instance, pulling on a hand wrench that is too small for a bolt you are trying to turn may cause the wrench and your hand to slip. The force you are using may cause you to hit another component and severely injure your hand. As a technician, you must evaluate repair techniques and decide whether a particular operation is safe. Lifting Techniques Never overexert your back by improperly lifting heavy assemblies. It can take months to recover from a back injury. When lifting a heavy object, keep your back straight, bend your knees, and lift the item with your legs. Ask for help when needed and use power equipment to lift and move heavy components when possible. General Safety Rules The list of safety rules that must be followed in an auto shop may vary by the equipment being used or for other specific reasons. However, the following general safety rules should be followed at all times in all auto shops: • Report unsafe conditions to your supervisor or instructor. • Avoid and report anyone who does not take shop work seriously. Inappropriate behavior leads to accidents. • Obtain instructor or service manager permission before using any new or unfamiliar shop equipment. When necessary, your instructor or service manager will give you a demonstration. • Keep your shop organized. Return all tools and equipment to their proper storage areas. Never leave tools, creepers, or parts on the floor. • Dress in an appropriate manner. Never wear loose clothing, neckties, shorts, or open-toed shoes when working in the shop. Button or roll up long sleeves and secure long hair because they can be caught in spinning parts. • Remove rings, bracelets, necklaces, watches, and other jewelry. They can be caught in engine fans, engine drive belts, drive shafts, and other rotating parts, and cause serious injury. • Do not eat or drink in the auto shop. Food and drink will be exposed to chemicals, dust, and other contaminants. • Do not smoke in or near the auto shop. Smoking is a serious health and fire hazard. Consider the fuel, fuel lines, cleaning solvents, lubricants, and other flammables that may be exposed. • Always wear eye protection during any operation that could endanger your eyes. You should always use eye protection when you are operating power tools, working around a running car engine, and working under a car. • Wear full face protection when handling chemicals, grinding, welding, and when removing, carrying, and installing batteries. • When debris or chemicals get into your eyes, flush your eyes using the eyewash station. Always locate the eyewash station in your work area and learn how to use it, Figure 5‑13. Refer to the eyewash station manufacturer’s instructions for proper use. • Never carry sharp tools or parts in your pockets. They can puncture the skin. • Work like a professional. When learning auto repair, it is easy to get excited about your work. However, if you are working too fast, you could easily overlook an important repair procedure or safety rule and be injured. • Always drive slowly in the shop area. It is very easy to have an accident with all the other technicians and vehicles in the shop. • Use the right tool for the job. There is usually a best tool for each repair task. When you run into difficulty, determine whether using a different tool would be a better option. • Keep all guards or shields in place. When a power tool, such as a grinder, has safety guards, use them. • Use adequate lighting. A portable shop light not only increases working safety, but it increases working speed and precision. mark_vyz/Shutterstock.com Figure 5-13. Review the operation procedures for using an eyewash station. It is always safer to know how to use it before there is a need.