SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR CAR CARE
You should realize that there are potential dangers to be avoided when you check or work on cars. For example, an engine that has been running has parts that are hot enough to cause serious burns. In addition you can be injured seriously if a raised car, which is supported only by a jack, falls on you.A little common sense will go a long way toward avoiding problems. Don’t take chances. Avoid unsafe situations and follow all safety recommendations. To learn about specific safety hazards to be avoided and specific safety precautions to be taken on a particular job, ask your instructor or refer to the manufacturer’s service manual before you begin work. As a general guide for your continuing safety and health, read about and follow the safety practices listed here. Learn and remember these rules before you go on to the review of maintenance levels that follow:
- Wear eye protection whenever you work on cars. Safety glasses, goggles, or a full-face shield can prevent eye injuries, infections, and possible blindness.
- Remove watches, rings, neck or ankle chains, and all other jewelry from your body before you start work. These items can be caught by moving parts and cause serious injury.
- Do not wear loose clothing that can be caught in moving parts. Tuck in shirttails and roll up long sleeves or wear short-sleeved shirts or blouses when you work on a running engine.
- If you have long hair, tie it into a tight ponytail. Then pin the ponytail to the top of your head or stuff it down the back of your shirt or blouse.
- Work in well-ventilated areas. Never run the engine in a closed garage or other enclosed area. Carbon monoxide gas from the exhaust is poisonous and cannot be seen or detected by smell.
- Work on cars only when you’re feeling fit and well. Never work on cars if you are tired, ill, or have taken drugs that can cause drowsiness or that can impair mental or physical functioning.
- Whenever possible, work with friends or partners. Difficulties and safety problems may arise with which you may need assistance.
- Perform all repairs and maintenance in accordance with the car manufacturer’s recommendations, as printed in the manufacturer’s service manual.
- Make sure you have the correct tools, parts, supplies, and materials before you begin work. Do not substitute or try to improvise with makeshift tools, parts, or supplies.
- Have a source of fresh clean water nearby to flush out eyes and minor wounds. It is also a good idea to have a first-aid kit handy whenever you work on cars.
- Whenever possible, avoid working on a running engine or one that is still hot. Serious burns can result from touching a hot exhaust system, cooling system, or other engine parts. If possible, allow the engine to cool down for several hours before you begin work.
- If you must work on a running engine, stay clear of all moving parts, including belts, pulleys, and fan blades. A spinning fan may be impossible to see. Serious injury or loss of limbs can result if you are caught in moving machinery.
- Work in well-lighted areas and use a safety droplight with a cage around the bulb. If a bare bulb breaks, the hot filament can ignite fuel or other flammable vapors and cause a fire.
- Position the car on a flat and level surface before you begin work. Never work on a car that is on an incline.
- Put the transmission in PARK (automatic transmission) or in a gear (manual transmissions) and set the parking brake firmly.
- Always place large wheel chocks or blocks both in front and in back of the wheels that remain on the ground to prevent the car from rolling, especially if you are going to raise the car.
- Raise and support the car properly and safely, according to the recommendations in the manufacturer’s service manual.
- Never put any part of your body under a car that is supported only by a jack. A jack is only used to raise or lower the car. Always use safety stands, or jack stands, to safely support a car.
- Always disconnect the ground cable, typically the negative (–) battery terminal, when you work on the electrical system. This precaution will prevent sparks, fires, and damage to electrical parts.
- Have a fire extinguisher that will extinguish Classes A, B, and C fires
- Do not use a heater with an open flame to heat the work area. Use an electric heater placed as far away as possible from the car and from any gasoline or other flammable liquids. Heat and other ignition sources can ignite fuel vapors, flammable liquids, and hydrogen gas produced by the battery.
- Collect oil, fuel, brake fluid, and other liquids only in approved metal or heavy plastic containers that can hold more liquid than you expect to drain. Do not use food or beverage containers that might be reused. Dispose of liquids in accordance with all local and federal environmental and safety standards.
- Avoid spilling or storing fuel or other flammable liquids near any source of open flame or spark, including gas water heaters and electrical switches. Wipe up all spills immediately. Store soaked rags and flammable liquids in approved metal safety containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent fires
