What should I do when servicing vehicles?
- context Make sure all motors inside the shop are turned off. If you must run the motor while inside the shop, make sure the local exhaust is attached to the muffler and that the exhaust is vented to the outside.
- context Look completely around and under the vehicle and check for brake pedal pressure before moving the vehicle.
- context Have all bystanders stay in a safe area until the driver has stopped the vehicle.
- context Move vehicles at a low speed and in low gear – especially up and down ramps.
- context Use a guide when moving the vehicle in reverse, near blind corners, or narrow areas.
- context Park on a level, hard surface to make repairs.
- context Chock and block the wheels to prevent movement during servicing.
- context Disconnect the battery and discharge any capacitors before starting to work on the vehicle.
- context Secure the trunk and hood to prevent them from falling on you when you are working underneath them.
- context Inspect a running engine with extreme caution. Avoid contact with fan blades and belts.
- context Only do work or repairs on a cool engine. Hot metal and fluids will cause burns.
- context Avoid working around hot equipment such as exhaust pipes and manifolds. If such work is absolutely necessary, cover the hot equipment with an insulating device to prevent getting burned.
- context Always wear eye protection when working on a vehicle or when using power tools.
- context Store the keys in a secure place when the vehicle is not in use or not attended.
- context Check safety data sheets (SDSs) before working with products for safe use, handling and storage information and for recommendations regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) (such as eye protection, gloves, respirator, etc.).
- context Be aware that some brake and clutch pads may still contain asbestos. Asbestos can cause serious lung disease. Special regulations may apply so consult with your jurisdiction for more information.
- context Use safe ergonomic practices to reduce pain or injury from awkward positions, tools, repetitive manual tasks, or lifting heavy objects.