In order to have a safe and productive work environment, there are simple steps that need to be taken in order to insure the physical safety of everyone in your automotive service shop. There are many tools and pieces of equipment in use that can potentially seriously injure someone. The first step is to take census of your auto or mechanical shop and locate machinery and tools that can be potentially hazardous. Any machine or tool that can cause a serious injury must be safeguarded. For example, a band saw is common tool in a mechanical shop and has the ability to cut off fingers and limbs. This piece of equipment needs to be safeguarded and all applicable safety features should be correctly installed. It is all too common to the plastic safety guards removed on a table saw because they are in the way of the operator. Safety cannot be sacrificed for convenience.
But remember machinery is not the only hazard, you need to be aware of in the shop. The power cords and air hoses that power equipment also presents a tripping hazard. Many auto shops have several air hoses and power cords stretched all over the place and most of them are not even being used at the moment. To combat this problem and help keep your shop floor clutter free we recommend using an air hose reel. Air hose reels are mounted on the shop walls and are usually self retracting. When a mechanic finishes working with his air tools, the air hose can be retracted and stored with a quick tug on the hose. There are similar devices for extension cords as well. Lets face it, a mechanic is much more inclined to keep his air hoses and power cords retracted if its easy and an air hose reel makes it easy. Also, spilled grease oil and oil can collect on a shop floor and produce a slipping hazard. It is inevitable that motor oil and grease will end up on the concrete floor. Most auto shops have containment spill kits that can contain the oil spill and aid in cleaning it up the minute it happens.
The next level of safety is the person. Once the auto shop is a safe and secure environment, you will need to consider the mechanics and other workers in the area. Eye protection should be worn at all times. There is almost always some type of work going on that is a potential hazard your fragile eyes. For example, grinders and needle scalers are capable of throwing debris a long way from the point of contact. People working in the same area are in just as much danger is the operator using the tool. Also, chemicals and gasoline can be splashed onto unprotected eyes causing anything from mild discomfort to blindness.
Hand and feet protection is usually fairly obvious. Most mechanics wear gloves to prevent burns and cutting while working on automobile. But gloves are also needed for a variety of other tasks as well. Do not handle chemicals and solvents with out wearing gloves and remember to remove watches and other jewelry as well. Always be aware of where you fingers are especially when lifting heavy objects. It may seem obvious but it is all too common to crush your fingers by letting a heavy object down on them. Mechanics gloves are a great choice when you need to work with small parts and tools. Mechanics gloves are light and tight fitting on your hand. This allows you to feel the parts and tools and still maintain protection. For your feet, there are advanced mechanic shoes that help you gain traction on oily floors and boots with steel toes to protect you from heavy objects.
Safety in the auto shop requires some basic common sense and attention to detail. A safe work environment is a combination of both the work area and the workers themselves. It is everyone's responsibility to make sure the proper safety gear is worn and the rules are followed.
Jason has been in the construction equipment and industrial sales business for over 10 years. He owns and operates Red Hill Supply to better serve the automotive and industrial industries. - Automotive Tools
Important To Look At Safety
Whether you are buying a used vehicle or a brand new vehicle, it is important to check out the safety features on the vehicle to make sure that you will have the safest vehicle possible. Families with small children might have stricter standards when it comes to safety as opposed to couples or individuals with no children. In this article, we will address some of the things you should look for in your next car purchase.
First and foremost is to check and make sure that all of the seat belts are there and function properly. Sit down in the vehicle and try it on. Make sure that it fits you right. If not, adjust your seat or the seat belt accordingly. If you will have children or car seats to think about, try fitting them into the vehicle and see if they fit comfortably. Couples with multiple children or car seats may need a larger vehicle in order to be able to situate them comfortably.
Next, check to make sure that the windshield is not cracked or damaged. A long crack in your line of vision is not only dangerous, but can also be reason for a police officer to write you a ticket. Check the headlights and mirrors (if electric) to make sure they are functioning properly. Make sure the windows and door locks are working and in good repair.
Another important feature is air bags. All newer models are made with air bags, but if you are buying an older or used vehicle, check to see if it comes with air bags and if they are in working order. Air bags do not replace seat belts, but they work together with your seat belt to help you should there be a collision.
While you are looking at the over-all appearance of the vehicle, be sure to look at the tires, too. Bald tires not only provide little to no traction, but they also have a greater chance of having a blow-out. If the vehicle you are looking at purchasing has tires that are in poor condition, be sure to get them replaced immediately.
Research shows that heavier vehicles tend to fare better in a crash. Keep that in mind when you are considering your next vehicle purchase. A lot of gas savers are light weight vehicles that might not offer the amount of protection you are looking for when out shopping for your family.
When it comes to safety, your vehicle can only protect you as much as it was manufactured to do. The rest is up to you. Be sure to wear your seat belt so that it can effectively hold you inside the vehicle. The air bag system can not help you or hold you in place if you fail to wear your seat belt. Also, make sure your kids' car seats are properly installed. Always take the time to buckle your children in and check twice, just to be sure.
Do some research and look into the crash ratings of different vehicles. Ask about the weight of each vehicle you are looking at. If you do your homework ahead of time, you can find the safety features on a vehicle that are exactly what you are looking for. Protecting your kids and family on the road is not something to take lightly. Do your homework, shop around, and relax, knowing that you can find a safe car for you and your family.
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