A GUIDE TO SAFETY AROUND THE SHOP

People who work in automotive repair shops know there are plenty of ways to cause themselves pain.  There are greasy floors to slip on; hoses, lines and creepers to trip on; tires, tools and parts to fall on you head; and at least a million ways to skin knuckles, bash fingers and strain backs. Of course, those are minor problems compared to battery explosions and gasoline fires that can and do occur around the repair shop.  When you think about it, an auto repair shop can be a pretty hazardous place to work. 

BUT THAT’S JUST IT – a lot of automotive technicians don’t think about the hazards, or at least don’t think about them enough.  That’s why auto facilities and service stations are high on the list when it comes to accidents and injuries to employees.  But, at least 99.9% of all shop accidents can be prevented with just a bit of thought and knowledge by you and your employees.

The purpose of this and future articles is to remind you of some of the hazards and problems in your work area so your employees can do their jobs in a safer, more professional manner. Some technicians don’t like to think about safety – they don’t even like to hear the word.  They think safety means wasted time and unnecessary precautions.  But they need to remember it’s THEIR bashed knuckles, THEIR aching backs and THEIR week-end they can’t enjoy because of injuries.

Using “service sense” and doing the job right means everyone can go home happy every night.  The accompanying charts lists 12 basic rules and procedures, which, if followed, will result in minimizing accidents and injuries.  We suggest you clip this page and display it in a prominent location in your shop.  

12 BASIC SHOP RULES AND PROCEDURES 

1.      Wear the proper clothing at all times.  Dangling shop coats, loose sleeves and hanging neckties have a habit of finding their way into the fan or other moving engine parts.  Safety shoes are always a good idea. 

2.      Remove all jewelry and metal from your body before beginning work.  Rings and watches have been the cause of many painful burns and even lost fingers and hands. 

3.      Keep your work area clean and keep your tools picked up.  You won’t be able to find the tool you need until you slip on it – or worse, your boss does.  

4.      Don’t leave anything lying around when you are working on a vehicle – especially a creeper.  Keep the creeper under the vehicle or store it upright in the designated place when you’re finished with it. 

5.      Never get underneath a vehicle that isn’t properly supported by safety stands, PERIOD.  This is still one of the most common fatal errors that result in many deaths every year. 

6.      Do not get underneath a car that is running and don’t crawl under when someone is working topside.  Likewise, don’t try to work on a vehicle when someone is underneath.  Before crawling under, remove all tools and equipment from the engine and fenders. 

7.      Disconnect the battery ground cable before doing any engine or electrical work beyond simple diagnosis. 

8.      Always use the correct tools and equipment for the job.  Know the correct procedure for the job before you begin.  This will save a lot of time, headaches, and embarrassment.  Also follow the manufacturer’s recommended procedures when using any shop equipment or installing parts and accessories. 

9.      Always wear eye protection whenever there is any chance of danger to your eyes. 

10.  Give the job you full attention – don’t be distracted by what someone else is doing until you’re finished with your job. 

11.  Do not choke an engine by placing your hand over the carburetor.  Also, do not put gasoline into the carburetor when the engine is being cranked.  Instead, to start a car that does not have fuel in the carburetor, pour a small amount of gasoline into the carburetor, replace the air cleaner and then crank the engine.  This procedure will prevent a fire or a burned hand.  

12.  Never run a vehicle inside the shop without hooking up the exhaust elimination system

 

 

 

 

Dailmer/Chrysler Vehicles with 722.6 Transmission

NO dipstick only a locking cap on the filler tube. This is now considered a tool by the manufactuer and must be purchased seperately.

The tools are available from Miller Tools www.miller.spx.com or 1-800-801-5420

 

Vehicle	Part number
Mercedes Benz	M/B 140589152100
Sprinter & Crossfire	Miller Tool 8863A
Jeep Gran Cherokee	Miller Tool 8863B
Chrysler C, 300 and Dodge Magnum	Miller Tool 9336
2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee	Miller Tool 9336