MECHANICS

SAFETY GUIDE

Learning Objectives

This guide aims to equip mechanics with the essential knowledge and skills to work safely in an automotive environment. Upon completion, you will be able to:

Recognize and control common workshop hazards, including those from lifting vehicles, handling fluids, and using various tools and chemicals.
Properly select and use all necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for different tasks.
Operate tools and equipment safely, adhering to manufacturer instructions and crucial procedures like Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO).
Handle and dispose of hazardous materials and waste responsibly, following all safety and environmental regulations.
Respond effectively to workplace emergencies, including fires, spills, and injuries, by knowing where and how to use emergency equipment.

"Mechanic Safety Guide" is your go-to resource for learning how to stay safe while working in an automotive workshop. This site is designed especially for students, beginners, and future mechanics who want to develop good habits and avoid accidents in the garage. From personal protective equipment to handling tools and chemicals properly, this guide covers everything you need to know to work smarter and safer. Whether you're on training or just starting out, these tips will help you build a strong foundation in workshop safety.

Automotive Shop Safety

This video provides a clear and practical overview of essential safety protocols in an automotive repair shop. It covers the importance of using personal protective equipment (PPE), keeping work areas clean, and following proper procedures when handling tools and machinery. Viewers are reminded to stay alert, respect safety signs, and report hazards immediately to prevent accidents. Whether you're a student or a seasoned mechanic, this video reinforces the foundation of a safe and responsible workshop environment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-JarQk3M3g

Auto Shop Safety is a Personal Responsibility

Most Common Injuries

Muscle sprains, strains and tears are the most common injuries that auto techs face at work. It's important to take preventative measures to reduce these risks. Practice proper lifting techniques and don't lift more than you can carry. Be sure to stretch and warm up your muscles before doing any laborious work. Many employers have stretch-and-flex programs that provide warm-up routines for employees to follow before they engage in strenuous activity.

Injury to the eyes is the second-most common way that auto techs get hurt. It cannot be overstated how important it is to wear goggles while working on vehicles. Always remember to use proper eye protection. Make sure that you know where your shop's eye-wash station is and be ready to use it immediately. Chemical burns are the third-biggest risk to auto techs, and the loss of a finger or limb is the fourth-most common injury. It's incredibly important to always be well-rested and aware of your surroundings at work.

Proper Technique and Awareness

When breaking bolts, make sure to position yourself so you can pull the wrench towards you. Pushing the wrench creates an opportunity to slam your knuckles into some hard and possibly sharp metal, so try to avoid it. Always remember to lift with your legs, remove all jewelry before work and make sure to have long hair tied back when working on vehicles. Employers should have signs posted to signify crucial things that shop workers must remember, and paying attention to these signs is a great idea to avoid making an easily preventable mistake.

Know Your Worker's Rights

All automotive technicians have unnegotiable rights that employers must respect to avoid facing legal consequences. These rights are there to prevent injury and loss of life, so be sure that you understand them. All shop managers should have an established accident prevention program that all employees are trained in. Auto techs also have the right to know about the machines, tools and equipment in their vicinity. Employers are obligated to provide basic training and explanations for everything that an auto tech might encounter in a shop.

Lesson Summary:

This lesson highlights the vital role of safety awareness and personal responsibility in an automotive workshop. Mechanics need to identify and manage typical hazards, such as those from lifting vehicles, handling chemicals, and using various tools and equipment. Wearing the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), like safety goggles, gloves, and appropriate clothing, is crucial to preventing injuries such as eye damage, chemical exposure, and muscle strain. Practicing safe techniques—like lifting with your legs, securing long hair, removing jewelry, and pulling tools instead of pushing—can greatly reduce the risk of accidents. Proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials are also emphasized to protect both workers and the environment. Technicians should be ready to respond to emergencies by knowing where to find and how to use safety equipment, including fire extinguishers and eye-wash stations. The lesson also reminds workers of their legal rights to a safe workplace, including proper training and clear communication about equipment and procedures. Staying attentive and informed helps create a safer and more productive work environment for everyone.

References
https://prochoicesafetygear.com/ppe/blog/ohs/safety-guide-automotive-mechanic-workshops/

https://prochoicesafetygear.com/ppe/blog/ohs/safety-guide-automotive-mechanic-workshops/

https://www.osha.gov/automotive-service

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2001-109/
https://workboots.com/tradecraft/automotive-repair-shop-safety-guide#

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