Obtain permission before using any new or unfamiliar
power tool, lift, or shop equipment. Your instructor will
need to provide training on proper use. See Figure 5-14.
Wear ear protection when using loud power tools. For
example, if you are using an air chisel to cut off an old
exhaust system, the sound generated by the hammer action
can be above a safe limit. To avoid partial loss of your hear-
ing, wear earplugs or earmuffs, as shown in Figure 5-15.
Wear gloves when needed while working. Leather
gloves will protect your hands from cuts and abra-
sions. Latex or rubber gloves can be used to protect
your skin from oil and grease.
Use compressed air with caution. Air lines can contain
up to 150 psi (1000 kPa) of air pressure. If air is forced
through your skin and into the bloodstream, death can
result. Never direct a blow nozzle at you or anyone else.
Many air tools have a pressure regulating valve to limit
tool speed or power, Figure 5-16. Always adjust the pres-
sure control to the lowest-possible setting that will do the
job. This will help avoid part damage and possible injury.
A clean shop is a safe shop. Always do your part to
keep the service facility clean and organized. See
Figure 5-17. A cluttered, disorganized shop indicates
a very disorganized technician.
Report unsafe conditions to your instructor. If you
notice a hazard, inform your instructor immediately.
Avoid anyone who does not take shop work seriously.
If an accident or injury ever occurs in the shop, notify
your instructor immediately.
Lift Safety
Safety is always important, but especially so when using
floor jacks and vehicle lifts. A vehicle can weigh 3000 lbs
(1360 kg) or more. The careless use of lift equipment results in
numerous injuries and deaths each year. In addition to bodily
harm, equipment and customer vehicles are damaged.
Before using any type of shop equipment, lifts and jacks
included, learn the proper procedure for using the equip-
ment. Respect the dangers that the equipment presents.
Follow all safety rules and learn to “think before you act.”
Chapter 5 Shop Safety 117
Wheel
chock
Figure 5-13. A—Jack stands must be used while working under
vehicle. It is not safe to work under vehicle held only by a floor
jack. B—Chock (block) the wheels when the vehicle is lifted to
keep the vehicle from rolling off the jack stands. (Subaru)
A
B
Figure 5-14. A—Never use equipment for which you are not
trained. This technician has been instructed in the proper loca-
tions for the lift arms. B—Since the technician that placed the
vehicle on the lift was properly trained, the vehicle is secure and
work can be safely completed under the vehicle.
A
B
Figure 5-15. Wear ear protection in loud or noisy situations.
(Snap-on Tool Corp.)