Auto Repair Safety Rules

Whether you repair your own Vehicle, or you work in an auto shop, you need to take safety precautions when you are working on a motor vehicle. When you are repairing a car, you may be dealing with flammable liquids, heavy parts, and dangerous chemicals.

So, to help you stay safe when you are working on your car, here are the ten Auto Repair Safety rules that you must always follow. Further down the page, you will also find a helpful auto shop safety video and an informative infographic.

1. Never Smoke When Working on a Vehicle

Vehicles contain lots of female liquids and materials, so you should never smoke when you are working a car. Some flammable liquids could leak from a motor vehicle when you are working on it, so you should avoid smoking in or anywhere near auto shops or vehicle bays.

2. Work in a Well-Ventilated Area

Make sure that your work area is well-ventilated because if gasoline fumes build up inside an enclosed space, a small spark could cause an explosion. Some of the materials that are often used for auto repairs also give off toxic or flammable fumes.

3. Keep Fire Extinguishers Nearby

Always have a fire extinguisher to hand when you are working on a vehicle. Plus, make sure that the fire extinguisher is a type ABC extinguisher, which can be used for electrical fires and for burning flammable liquids.

4. Do Not Wear Loose Clothing

To avoid getting your clothes caught in any moving parts, you should tuck in any loose clothing. You should also take-off any hanging jewelry, like necklaces, and you should tie back your hair if it is long. The best thing to wear for auto repairs is coveralls, which will help protect you and keep your clothes clean.

5. Keep Hands and Tools Clear of Moving Parts

If a vehicle’s engine is running, you should keep your hands and tools well clear of any moving parts. If you leave any tools or spare parts sitting on a car when the engine is running, the vibration could make those items fall into the moving parts of the engine.

6. Wear Appropriate Safety Gear

Depending on the type of work you are doing, you may need to wear safety gear. Do not take chances. Wear eye protection when there is any danger of debris flying into your eyes. Use ear defenders when you are using very loud machinery. And put on a pair of gloves when you need to protect your hands.

7. Take Precautions Before Working Underneath a Vehicle

Never work underneath a vehicle unless it is adequately supported. If you need to raise a car off the ground, use the appropriate equipment to do it and make sure the car is stable before you get underneath it.

8. Disconnect the Battery Before Working on the Electrical System

Whenever you are working on or near electrical wiring or components, you should disconnect the battery. There is still a possibility of getting an electric shock when the ignition key is switched off. You should also remove the key from the ignition because leaving the key in the could cause an electric current to flow.

9. Check the Engine Temperature

Double-check the temperature of the engine before you begin any work on a vehicle. The engine, exhaust, the manifold, and the radiator can remain hot for some time after the motor has stopped running. Be careful when opening the radiator cap as well because the coolant could still be pressurized.

10. Keep Your Work Area Clean and Tidy

Finally, always keep your workshop clean and tidy. Clean up any spills straight away and put tools away as you go along. An untidy work area can be a fire hazard, and it will increase the risk of accidents occurring.

Conclusion

Many thanks for reading our auto repair safety tips. We hope that you have found this page helpful. If you did like this post, please do share it with your friends on social media.

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Thanks again for visiting Best Panic Alarm. Do come and back to see us again soon. In the meantime, have a fantastic day and keep yourself safe!

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