Safety Rules for Automotive Repair Shops

Working on vehicles can be a fun, exciting, and rewarding career. However, repair shop owners and their staff need to ensure that proper safety precautions and rules are implemented and followed at all times. Safety measures help protect employees from accidental injuries to themselves, their co-workers, customers, and the vehicles they are repairing.

The following is a list of general safety tips every auto workshop should use to keep everyone safe.

• Establish Smoke-Free Zones – Never allow smoke in or near repair bays or garages. Mechanic shops tend to contain flammable and combustible fluids that can easily be set on fire if hot ash from a cigar or cigarette were to come into contact with such materials.
• Avoid Clutter – To maintain a safe auto garage, keep work areas clean and organized. Pick up tools and use tool cabinets to keep walkways clear and free from clutter. Keeping your workspace free from clutter and organizing tools and equipment can eliminate a number of dangerous workplace hazards.

Falling over discarded tools, being unable to find the necessary safety equipment in an emergency, or having to stretch or abandon a vehicle or car part in a precarious position to find the right tools are all instances that could potentially be dangerous to workers and other staff.

• Wear Proper Clothes – Mandating the right apparel should be part of your auto repair shop policies and procedures. Personnel should never wear loose clothing or clothing that is ripped or torn. To prevent employees from wearing unacceptable attire, it is recommended to obtain customized uniforms and work apparel from a qualified uniform service company.
• Use PPE – To ensure basic shop safety, personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential. Workers should wear protective gear, as appropriate for the type of repair job, which may include goggles, gloves, and ear protection.
• Maintain Fire Extinguishers – Fire extinguishers are critical auto safety products in any automotive shop. Make sure fire extinguishers are easily accessible and appropriate for all potential fire types. In the event of a fire, extinguishers need to be accessed quickly and be charged with the right media to put out the type of fire (e.g., gas, oil, electrical, and so on).
• Be Careful with Batteries – The battery should always be disconnected when employees work on electrical systems and near/around electrical wiring. Even when the vehicle is off, there is still the potential for current to pass through electrical wiring while personnel are engaged in auto repair work.

• Be Careful with Engines – No one should place hands, tools, or other objects near the engine while it is running. The moving parts and components could cause injury to a person or the vehicle itself.
• Be Careful Underneath Vehicles – Employees should not work underneath a vehicle unless it has been properly supported. Raising the vehicle off the ground to access the underside requires verifying it is stable, and that there is no risk of the vehicle falling on top of the mechanic. This is one of the most important workshop safety rules, as ignoring it could quickly result in severe injuries or even death.
• Remove the Vehicle Key – The key should never be left in the ignition switch, as the key can draw an electrical charge from the battery. Also, workers should avoid unplugging fuses and wiring harnesses while the key is in the “on” position. Otherwise, there is a risk of electrical shock, and/or electrical spikes that may damage electronic parts and wiring.
• Watch the Temperature – Proper vehicle safety procedures include being aware of the vehicle’s temperature before beginning any work. The engine, manifold, exhaust system, and radiator could be hot and cause skin burns. Plus, the radiator coolant is still pressurized.
• Avoid Casual Eating – In the auto repair industry, all eating and drinking should be confined to the kitchen or designated break rooms. Contaminating food with chemicals used in the workshop or eating while working on cars or car parts are two significant risks of choosing to eat in a work area. It also looks unprofessional should customers notice a mechanic or technician eating at his or her workstation.

Automotive shop office supplies should include proper storage for food items.

If you’re starting an automotive shop, it is essential to invest in proper mechanic safety equipment and vehicle repair & maintenance supplies. This should include auto uniforms and accessories from a trusted supplier such as Prudential. Remember that maintaining an up-to-date mechanic shop inventory list is very useful for ensuring that all necessary auto safety products are readily available. 

RELEVANT SAFETY LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Workers should be educated on the right procedures to follow in case of common auto shop safety risks. These include fires, electrical issues, and chemical spills. Regularly retrain new and existing employees in the right steps to take in case of such safety risks to minimize the damage they cause when they happen. It also aids in remaining compliant with local and federal safety regulations. These include:

Federal Regulations

• The Clean Air Act (CAA) requires that technicians working on air conditioning systems obtain Section 609 certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to handle refrigerants properly.
• Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), auto workshops are responsible for the proper identification, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous wastes (e.g., used oil, solvents, batteries).
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) oversees safety standards, including the proper use of PPE and training requirements, to ensure worker safety. Following OSHA mechanic shop regulations is fundamental for maintaining a safe work environment.

State Regulations

State regulations vary but generally include requirements from state environmental protection agencies and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Mechanic shops must comply with state-specific vehicle emissions testing and hazardous waste disposal regulations. The DMV may mandate proper licensing and registration of the repair shop.

Local Regulations

Local environmental regulations may place additional restrictions on emissions, waste disposal, and water runoff. Compliance with local building and fire safety codes is important and should never be overlooked. These can include rules for the proper storage of flammable materials and the installation of fire suppression systems. These regulations ensure that auto repair shops operate safely and responsibly within their communities.

Automotive Repair Safety Apparel

A major part of staying safe in an auto repair shop is wearing the right protective clothing. In addition to choosing a protective uniform that can consist of fire- and chemical-resistant clothing, consider these types of mechanic safety equipment:

• Gloves – Handling engines and car parts that become extremely hot is a safety hazard for automotive technicians. Engines and car parts are also very dirty and even small cuts could easily become infected if not kept clear of dirt and debris.
• Goggles – As mechanics or auto technicians, your employees are up close and personal with many dangerous car parts and liquids that could cause serious damage to their eyes in the case of an accident. Wearing safety goggles designed for use in the auto repair industry can prevent serious injury.
• Overalls – Lightweight, durable overalls are the ideal choice for automotive workers’ uniforms, as they will keep dirt, hot liquids, and other debris away from their bodies while still being cool and comfortable to wear.
• Sturdy Shoes – Tools and car parts will inevitably fall or be dropped during the work day. Protecting your workers’ feet by providing sturdy work shoes is essential to complete a quality protective uniform.

For all of your shop’s uniform needs, including rentals, leases, and purchases, contact the experts at Prudential Overall Supply at (800) 767-5536 now.