Page 41 - 05. Subyek Teknik Mesin - Automobile Mechanical and Electrical Systems Automotive Technology Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (Vehicle Maintenance Repr Nv2) by Tom Denton

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26 Automobile mechanical and electrical systems

Table 1.7 Hazards and actions to reduce risk

Hazard Risks Action
Power tools Damage to the vehicle or personal injury Understand how to use the equipment and wear
suitable protective clothing, e.g. gloves and goggles

Working under a 1. The vehicle could roll or be driven off the end 1. Ensure you use wheel chocks
car on the ramp 2. You could bang your head on hard or sharp 2. Set the ramp at the best working height; wear
objects when working under the car protection if appropriate
Working under a The vehicle could fall on top of you The correct axle stands should be used and positioned
car on a jack in a secure place
Compressed air Damage to sensitive organs such as ears or Do not fool around with compressed air. A safety nozzle
eyes. Death, if air is forced through the skin prevents excessive air forces
into your bloodstream
Dirty hands and Oil, fuel and other contaminants can cause Use gloves or a good quality barrier cream and wash your
skin serious health problems, ranging from hands regularly. Do not allow dirt to transfer to other parts
dermatitis to skin cancer of your body. Good overalls should be worn at all times
Exhaust fumes Poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide Only allow running engines in very well-ventilated areas
can kill. The other gases can restrict breathing or use an exhaust extraction system
and cause sore throats, and can cause
cancer

Engine crane Injury or damage can be caused if the engine Ensure the crane is strong enough: do not exceed its
swings and falls off safe working load (SWL). Secure the engine with good
quality sling straps and keep the engine near to the fl oor
when moving across the workshop

Cleaning brakes Brake dust (especially older types made of Only wash clean with proper brake cleaner
asbestos) is dangerous to health
Fuel Fire or explosion Keep all fuels away from sources of ignition. Do not
smoke when working on a vehicle
Degreaser Damage to skin or to sensitive components Wear proper gloves and make sure the solvent will not
solvent affect the items you are washing
Spillage such Easy to slip over or fall and be injured Clean up spills as they happen and use absorbent
as oil granules
Battery Dangerous to your skin and in particular your Wear protective clothing and take extreme care
electrolyte (acid) eyes. It will also rot your clothes
Welding a vehicle The obvious risks are burns, fi re and heat Have fi re extinguishers handy, remove combustible
damage, but electric welders such as a materials such as carpets and ensure fuel pipes are
MIG welder can damage sensitive electronic nowhere near. The battery earth lead must also be
systems disconnected. Wear gloves and suitable protective
clothing such as a leather jacket
Electric hand The same risk as for power tools, but also the Do not use electric tools when damp or wet. Electrical
tools danger of electric shock, particularly in damp equipment should be inspected regularly by a
or wet conditions. This can be fatal competent person
Driving over a pit Driving into the pit The pit should be covered, or you should have another
person help guide you and drive very slowly
Broken tools Personal injury or damage to the car. For All tools should be kept in good order at all times. This
example, a fi le without a handle could stab will also make the work easier
into your wrist or a faulty ratchet could slip
Cleaning fl uids Skin damage or eye damage Wear gloves and eye protection and also be aware of
exactly what precautions are needed by referring to the
safety data information. ( Fig. 1.40 shows an example)