Safety at work: Essential rules for mechanic workshops

Know the safety measures you need to implement in your workplace.

The career of a mechanic is usually closely linked to the passion that these professionals have for the automotive world. The mechanic profession presents constant challenges and can be very rewarding. However, in order for everything to make sense, it is necessary to guarantee an environment with total work safety, since accidents can happen at any time.

The safety procedures must be implemented in a workshop, and are intended to prevent an accident from occurring. In the case of an accident, employees, customers and material goods are protected.

Do you know what measures you should take so that everyone is safe in your workshop? We’ll help.

 

4 ways to ensure work safety

If you are running an auto workshop, make sure you take the necessary precautions and adopt the necessary safety standards.

Remember that your employees work daily in a risky environment, with heavy objects, various equipment, flammable materials and dangerous chemicals and, therefore, they must be properly protected. Here are some measures you should implement:

 

1. Personal protective equipment and suitable clothing

As a rule, employees’ clothing should consist of long-sleeved shirts and pants that will help protect their arms and legs from cuts, scrapes and burns.

In addition, it is important that:
– Tight clothes are privileged, avoiding the large clothing that can get stuck in machines or equipment;
– Long hair is tied;
– Accessories (rings, watches) or other props are not used;
– Adequate protective equipment, such as safety glasses, chemical resistant gloves and knee pads, are always available.

Make sure your employees use this safety equipment whenever necessary.

 

2. Chemical, Electrical and Fire Safety

All chemicals used in the workshop must be properly labeled with safety information. Always keep safety data sheets from the chemicals used.

The workshop must have one or more eye wash stations installed, in the case of an emergency.

Make sure that all employees know the location of the electrical panel and that they have the necessary training in case it is necessary to intervene. Don’t use electrical equipment with worn cables, in order to avoid electrocution and the risk of fire.

In order to avoid fires, take the following measures:

• Fire extinguishers must be marked, loaded and checked according to the required frequency;
• Employees must be trained in the proper use of fire extinguishers and be aware of the proper procedures in the event of a fire;
• The evacuation plan must be well-known and in full view of all workshop users;
• Emergency exits must be properly marked and unoccupied.

 

3. Special precautions when repairing vehicles

Make sure your employees always work in maximum safety. Although some of these rules may seem obvious, it is always a good idea to reinforce their importance:

• When carrying out any repair, even if using lifts, the handbrake must be applied and the vehicle’s gearbox engaged;
• Never access the bottom of the vehicle without ensuring that it is properly secured;
• The keys must be removed from the ignition before starting the repair;
• The battery must be disconnected before working on a car’s electrical system.

 

4. Workplace habits

• Good work safety habits can greatly reduce the risk of accidents in the auto repair industry;
• Provide regular safety training and equipment handling;
• Only allow trained technicians to repair vehicles;
• Keep the workshop floor organized and clear in order to minimize the risk of accidents;
• Use rubber and non-slip floor plates;
• When a tool or equipment needs to be repaired, mark it properly so that your employees do not accidentally use it;
• Do not allow them to smoke in spaces dedicated to vehicle repair.

 

Inspection of auto workshops: how to take precautions

The Working Conditions Authority controls the Occupational Health and Safety Legislation in each company and job. Make sure that you comply with all regulations in force.

These are some aspects that are usually checked whenever there is an inspection by this entity:
• Maintenance and control of auto lifts;
• Access to E.P.Is – Personal Protective Equipment;
• Compressor reservoirs;
• Used and New Oils;
• New and used parts;
• Hydrocarbon separation;
• Exhaust gases extractors;
• Waste Management;
• Ventilation

All employees are entitled to safety, hygiene and health conditions at their workplace. It is up to you, the employer, to ensure that all conditions are met.

A safe employee is a happy employee. Do not spare any means to ensure the safety of everyone.