Automotive Repair: Staying Safe While on the Job
When doing automotive repair work, it’s important to stay safe to avoid any injury on the job or damage to the vehicle being worked on. Here are some helpful safety tips to keep in mind when doing any sort of automotive repair in case of mishap:
- Make sure that the parking brake is engaged and the engine is shut off (unless the vehicle has to be running in order for the work to be done.
- Be absolutely sure that the parts of the vehicle that are being worked on are cold so that you do not get burned and NEVER open the radiator cap on a hot engine.
- Double-check to make sure that the wheels are properly blocked before jacking the vehicle up.
- For electrical work, wear insulated gloves. Always disconnect one of the battery cables or remove power fuses for a circuit at a time.
- Before doing any work on the vehicle, remove any rings, jewelry, neck ties, and make sure to pull back long hair. DO NOT wear loose clothing.
- Wear ear, eye, and breathing protection (depending on the type of work being done on the vehicle.)
- If you’re using toxic chemicals such as cleaners or coolant, keep them a safe distance away from your face and wash your hands thoroughly after using them.
- Store toxic chemicals in a high up place that is out-of-reach from pets and children.
- Work in a well-ventilated area. If possible, it is best to work outside in a driveway, backyard, or parking lot. If you must work in a garage, keep the door open and the vehicle as close to the door as possible.
- Make sure that the vehicle is properly lifted and has good support being crawling under it.
- Minimize any distractions while working on the vehicle. It is especially important to have your full attention on the repairs.
- Keep fire extinguishers in an easily accessible area and DO NOT smoke near batteries!
Advanced Training Institute is an advocate for automotive repair safety and actively informs students on how to stay safe while on the job. Since 2002, ATI has been dedicated to providing their students with the skills and accurate knowledge to obtain a rewarding career in the automotive industry. If you’ve been interested in automotive repair and a career in the automotive industry, ATI has a great Automotive Technology Training program for you! Call ATI today and find out how to get started.
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