Health and Safety When working on a Motor Vehicle

When carrying out any work on a vehicle no matter were it is, you should always keep a thought for safe working practices. Garages, Workshops and vehicles all have their dangers and accidents are always waiting to happen. Fuel, Gas, Oil,Electricity, water, running engines and fast moving parts are all lethal when not treated with respect. The following are some simple points. It i by no means a complete list but you get the idea. Be aware of loose clothing when leaning over a working engine. be aware of volt meter cables lying across or near moving parts of an engine. Think about the worst case scenario, what would you do. Do you have a fire extinguisher, eye wash.ect Always support a car with axle stands, not just a jack. I have watched a friends foot point the wrong way after fitting brake pads without an axel stand. He made an awful screaming sound. Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. Ie, Glasses or goggles when drilling Wear a full faced shield when drop testing batteries. Batteries can and will blow up when faulty. Keep a mobile to hand if you are working on your own. get help to lift a heavy load. Make light work. wear gloves and eye protection when operating power tools. Try to use a power breaker on any extension cables or power tools.   Dont use cheap tools, or any tool for that matter, beyond its safe working range.   If you Spill oil or fuel don't think i Will clean it up later, do it now. Don't leave tools resting on the top of the battery. They may short between the terminals. Don't cut corners or rush things through. let an engine cool thoroughly before removing coolant or fuel hoses. Try to work clean and don't leave cables or equipment lying around unnecessarily. The list could go on but above all use common sense and be safe.