I know I know, this is the last thing you want to hear about. In shop class you'd always waste the first day going over safety, ear protection, eye protection, and all that crazy stuff -- but it's all for a purpose.
This thread will talk mostly about safety in the garage and with tools. I understand that most of the members on here work in the driveway, garage, or heck - even apartment complex parking lots. No matter where you are, you need to be safe and take precaution.
Facts:
-Vehicles, equipment, and many parts are very heavy; their weight can cause server injury. So when you think about lifting that 5R55E transmission by yourself, think again.
-Many parts of a car become very hot and can cause severe burns. So, don't go driving around trying to find a brake noise, then go to work on the brakes. Brakes get HOT when used.
-High fluid pressure can build up inside the cooling system, fuel system, or battery; these can spray dangerous fluids in your eyes and on you. Make sure you relieve the fuel pressure by undoing the gas cap.
-Batteries contain highly corrosive and potentially explose acids and electrolyte; these can cause bad skin burns, irritation, or blindness. Wear eye protection when servicing a battery and reduce sparks! A by protect of the acid and water is hydrogen - hydrogen plus a spark equals Hiroshima.
-Fuels and commonly used cleaning solvents are flammable (ie brake clean). When your cleaning a part into a trash can with brake clean and then you go grinding on a piece of metal - yes it will ignite (be there done that).
-Exhaust fumes are poisonous and can be deadly. Yeah, you might start feeling good - but it isn't good.
-During some repairs, technicians can be exposed to harmful dust particles and vapors that can cause chronic or terminal diseases.
Lifting a vehicle isn't hard when you have the right tools. Most people use a jack. What people don't use are jackstands along with the jack. The jacks main purpose is to get the vehicle up high enough for you to set jackstands underneath it safely. Do NOT set the vehicle down on jackstands that are on top of blocks/wood or any other solid mass as this is not safe in any manner. There are certain lift points that should be used - for a jack usually under the control arms or part of the rear axle are used. You can use the frame if needed.
Personal safety is the best thing. Do not get under a vehicle that you are not 100% safe with being under. Be sure to be wearing correct clothing for the job and to get rid of any jewlery and pull back the long hair. Gloves are great. I use the latex ones without the powder at work and they have done wonders. I use to come home every weekend and have grit still stick in the cracks/pores of my hands. This took care of that. Ear protection is often over looked. Those impact guns put out a lot of noise and can damage your ears. For those painting or working with chemicals that have toxic fumes should look strongly into getting a respirator. These WILL save your life. These she be worn while in the paint booth and not taken off until the door behind you closes. I have seen some techs wear eye protection all day long. To me this seems to be bothersome - but once you are use to it, it's like normal.
Lifting and carrying heavy objects can be a real back pain. Always keep back as straight as possible, use your leg muscles, and always bend your legs - lift with your legs not your back.
Hand Tool safety is huge. Many people use the wrong tool for the wrong job. Everyones guilty of using a screw driver to pry something out of the way or into place. Make sure to keep all tools grease free and in good condition. A broken tool can cause broken bones. So can a tool that is slipping all over the place because of grease. Don't push a wrench - always pull towards you.
When running a vehicle in a garage - please be smart and leave a door open or some sort of ventilation for fresh air. Carbon Monoixide is odorless, tasteless, and every other sense-less -- so please be careful with vehicle fumes. Always dispose of chemicals (i.e. gasoline) properly.
Your work area must be kept clean and safe. When coolant, oil, or any other liquid is on your work area it will then be slippery which can cause an accident. Keep all walkways clear. Coolant is a very slippery liquid when on a floor - be sure to clean it up as soon as possible. Be sure to also store your chemicals away from pets and childern. Pets love anti-freeze.
It's always great to have a fire extinguisher in the garage. This will be handy if a fire occurs. Be sure to use the proper extinguisher for the proper fire. Class A (wood, paper, cltoh, rubber, etc.) - Class B (Gasoline, Oil, Grease, Paint, Lighter Fluid) - Class C (Motors, appliances, wiring, fuse boxes) - Class D (aluminum, magnesium, potassium, etc.)
Oil, oil filters, batteries, regrigerants, solvents, anti freeze, transmission fluid, and other chemicals should be all disposed of properly. Most trash dumps will take oil and transmission fluid, even batteries and tires. If anti freeze must be dump in the drain - dillute strongly.
Be smart when working on your vehicle. There are pros and cons to working on your vehicle. You may be working and accidently scratch a small scratch into the paint -- you may not care about it. But if you were a technician it would be your money wasted. The cons to working on your vehicle is the lack of proper tools, knowledge, and safety. Take care of your vehicle and treat it well. I know this isn't a fun thread to read, but it has to be said.
Disclaimer: Explorer Forum is not responsible for any injury resulting from these safety tips and guidelines. The writing above is only for personal use and should be taken seriously. Be careful and be safe.
-Drew
This thread will talk mostly about safety in the garage and with tools. I understand that most of the members on here work in the driveway, garage, or heck - even apartment complex parking lots. No matter where you are, you need to be safe and take precaution.
Facts:
-Vehicles, equipment, and many parts are very heavy; their weight can cause server injury. So when you think about lifting that 5R55E transmission by yourself, think again.
-Many parts of a car become very hot and can cause severe burns. So, don't go driving around trying to find a brake noise, then go to work on the brakes. Brakes get HOT when used.
-High fluid pressure can build up inside the cooling system, fuel system, or battery; these can spray dangerous fluids in your eyes and on you. Make sure you relieve the fuel pressure by undoing the gas cap.
-Batteries contain highly corrosive and potentially explose acids and electrolyte; these can cause bad skin burns, irritation, or blindness. Wear eye protection when servicing a battery and reduce sparks! A by protect of the acid and water is hydrogen - hydrogen plus a spark equals Hiroshima.
-Fuels and commonly used cleaning solvents are flammable (ie brake clean). When your cleaning a part into a trash can with brake clean and then you go grinding on a piece of metal - yes it will ignite (be there done that).
-Exhaust fumes are poisonous and can be deadly. Yeah, you might start feeling good - but it isn't good.
-During some repairs, technicians can be exposed to harmful dust particles and vapors that can cause chronic or terminal diseases.
Lifting a vehicle isn't hard when you have the right tools. Most people use a jack. What people don't use are jackstands along with the jack. The jacks main purpose is to get the vehicle up high enough for you to set jackstands underneath it safely. Do NOT set the vehicle down on jackstands that are on top of blocks/wood or any other solid mass as this is not safe in any manner. There are certain lift points that should be used - for a jack usually under the control arms or part of the rear axle are used. You can use the frame if needed.
Personal safety is the best thing. Do not get under a vehicle that you are not 100% safe with being under. Be sure to be wearing correct clothing for the job and to get rid of any jewlery and pull back the long hair. Gloves are great. I use the latex ones without the powder at work and they have done wonders. I use to come home every weekend and have grit still stick in the cracks/pores of my hands. This took care of that. Ear protection is often over looked. Those impact guns put out a lot of noise and can damage your ears. For those painting or working with chemicals that have toxic fumes should look strongly into getting a respirator. These WILL save your life. These she be worn while in the paint booth and not taken off until the door behind you closes. I have seen some techs wear eye protection all day long. To me this seems to be bothersome - but once you are use to it, it's like normal.
Lifting and carrying heavy objects can be a real back pain. Always keep back as straight as possible, use your leg muscles, and always bend your legs - lift with your legs not your back.
Hand Tool safety is huge. Many people use the wrong tool for the wrong job. Everyones guilty of using a screw driver to pry something out of the way or into place. Make sure to keep all tools grease free and in good condition. A broken tool can cause broken bones. So can a tool that is slipping all over the place because of grease. Don't push a wrench - always pull towards you.
When running a vehicle in a garage - please be smart and leave a door open or some sort of ventilation for fresh air. Carbon Monoixide is odorless, tasteless, and every other sense-less -- so please be careful with vehicle fumes. Always dispose of chemicals (i.e. gasoline) properly.
Your work area must be kept clean and safe. When coolant, oil, or any other liquid is on your work area it will then be slippery which can cause an accident. Keep all walkways clear. Coolant is a very slippery liquid when on a floor - be sure to clean it up as soon as possible. Be sure to also store your chemicals away from pets and childern. Pets love anti-freeze.
It's always great to have a fire extinguisher in the garage. This will be handy if a fire occurs. Be sure to use the proper extinguisher for the proper fire. Class A (wood, paper, cltoh, rubber, etc.) - Class B (Gasoline, Oil, Grease, Paint, Lighter Fluid) - Class C (Motors, appliances, wiring, fuse boxes) - Class D (aluminum, magnesium, potassium, etc.)
Oil, oil filters, batteries, regrigerants, solvents, anti freeze, transmission fluid, and other chemicals should be all disposed of properly. Most trash dumps will take oil and transmission fluid, even batteries and tires. If anti freeze must be dump in the drain - dillute strongly.
Be smart when working on your vehicle. There are pros and cons to working on your vehicle. You may be working and accidently scratch a small scratch into the paint -- you may not care about it. But if you were a technician it would be your money wasted. The cons to working on your vehicle is the lack of proper tools, knowledge, and safety. Take care of your vehicle and treat it well. I know this isn't a fun thread to read, but it has to be said.
Disclaimer: Explorer Forum is not responsible for any injury resulting from these safety tips and guidelines. The writing above is only for personal use and should be taken seriously. Be careful and be safe.
-Drew
