Repair of modern cars is a complex technological process, associated with many risks to the health and life of staff. Safety and security In the car service, it is not just a set of bureaucratic rules, but a critical system of measures aimed at preventing accidents. Statistics of industrial injuries show that it is in the field of maintenance of cars that a significant number of incidents related to falling cargoes, electric shock and chemical burns occur.
The basis of safety is strict compliance with regulations when working with lifting equipment and heavy components. Hydraulic jacksDouble-pillar lifts and crane beams require regular inspection and proper use. Ignoring the basic rules of installation of supports can lead to fatal consequences when a multi-ton car suddenly crashes on the specialist under it.
Every employee of the service, from the master receptionist to the diagnostician, must be aware of their responsibility. Security It starts with the right organization of the workspace and the availability of a useful tool. In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of personnel protection, requirements for premises and the specific risks of various types of work.
Organization of the workplace and requirements for the premises
A well-organized workplace is the foundation of injury prevention. According to the current regulations, the area per employee in the repair area should be at least 5 square meters to avoid collisions and ensure free access to the car components. The floors in the workshop should be made of materials resistant to oils, gasoline and acids, as well as have anti-slip properties.
Particular attention is paid to lighting and ventilation. Insufficient visibility often causes errors in diagnosis circuitry Or assembling complex units. Natural lighting should be supplemented by artificial, providing uniform illumination of the working area without sharp shadows and glare.
Use portable lights with a protective grille and a voltage of no more than 36 V to work in viewing ditches and hard-to-reach places of the car.
The ventilation system plays a key role in removing harmful gases generated during engine operation. The exhaust devices shall be located directly at the exhaust source. The lack of effective air exchange leads to the accumulation of carbon monoxide, which creates a direct threat to the lives of staff.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to start the engine of the car in a closed room without connecting to the exhaust gas removal system. CO concentrations become deadly in minutes.
Staff requirements and personal protective equipment
Persons who have undergone appropriate training, instruction on labor protection and medical examination are allowed to work on repair and maintenance of cars. Workshop should be selected in size, do not have hanging ends that can be tightened by rotating mechanisms. Different types of work are provided with different sets of protection.
When working with aggressive fluids, such as electrolyte or brake fluid, rubber gloves and safety glasses should be used. Mechanical injuries to the hands are one of the most common causes of injury, so the use of gloves with protection from cuts and punctures is a must.
- 👷 Protective shoes Shoes should have a non-slip sole resistant to oil and a metal sock to protect against falling heavy objects.
- 👓 Glasses and shields - mandatory when working with a Bulgarian, a drilling machine or when blowing parts with compressed air.
- 🧤 Hats - used when working with hot parts or sharp edges of body elements.
A neat appearance and lack of jewelry (rings, chains) are also safety requirements. Metal products can cause short circuits when in contact with battery terminals or get stuck in moving parts of the engine.
Safety when working with lifting equipment
Work on lifts and in observation ditches refers to work of increased danger. Before starting the lifting of the car, it is necessary to make sure that the load-grabbing devices are serviceable and that the lift paws are correctly installed in the normal points of the body. An error at this stage can cause the thresholds to deform or the car to fall.
When the car is on weight it is strictly forbidden to be under it without installing additional insurance supports. Hydraulic system The lift can fail due to oil leakage or pump failure, so you can not rely only on hydraulics.
Check before lifting:1. Visual inspection of paws and pillows.
2. Installation of paws in the regular points.
3. Test climb of 10-15 cm.
4. Checking stability by swinging.
The ditches shall be equipped with jack bars and shall be covered with lids or guarded when not in use. Lighting in the ditch should be made by lamps with a voltage of not more than 12 V to exclude electric shock in conditions of high humidity.
☑️ Checking the lift
Electrical safety and battery handling
The modern car is saturated with electronics, which requires a master of high qualification in the field of electrical safety. When working with battery-powered You need to be especially careful, as they are sources of high current and contain an aggressive electrolyte. A short circuit of the terminals can cause a powerful spark discharge, capable of igniting gasoline vapors or melting a tool.
All electrical equipment used, including diagnostic scanners and chargers, must have proper wire insulation and grounding. It is prohibited to use homemade control lamps (“controls”) to check high voltage circuits or ignition systems.
| Parameter | Normative value | Excessive action |
|---|---|---|
| Hand tool tension | Up to 42 V (in dry areas) | Stop working. |
| Resistance to isolation | At least 0.5 MOHm | Replacement of cable/tool |
| Grounding of equipment | No more than 4 ohms. | Recontouring |
When charging batteries in the room, forced ventilation should be organized, since explosive hydrogen is released during charging. The formation of such an atmosphere will inevitably lead to an explosion.
⚠️ Attention: Remove and install the battery is necessary with the engine shut down and disconnected current consumers in order to avoid voltage surges that can damage EBOU (electronic control unit).
Dangers when working with pressure systems and fuels
Automotive systems are under high pressure. The engine cooling system with a warmed-up engine has a pressure of up to 1.5 atmospheres, and the fuel system of injection engines - up to 6-7 atmospheres. A sharp opening radiator covers or detachment of the fuel ramp without prior pressure relief leads to the release of hot liquid or gasoline under pressure, which is fraught with burns and fire.
Working with fuel and lubricants (LCM) requires the availability of primary fire extinguishing means. The rags, soaked in oil or gasoline, should be stored in metal boxes with tightly closed lids. Fused technical liquids are subject to disposal in special containers.
What to do when electrolyte hits the skin?
Immediately wash the affected area with a large amount of running water for 10-15 minutes. Then treat with a solution of baking soda or soapy water to neutralize the acid. In case of severe burns, consult a doctor.
When replacing tires or repairing wheels, the energy of compressed air in the tire must be taken into account. Unrolling the tire without first removing the air valve can lead to an explosive rupture of the tire, the force of impact of which can break bones.
Fire safety in the car service
A fire in a car service center is a catastrophic event that threatens people’s lives and destroys expensive equipment. The main causes of fires are careless handling of fire, malfunction of electrical equipment and spontaneous combustion of oily rags. Smoking should be prohibited in the room, except for specially designated places.
Each workplace must be equipped with a fire extinguisher of the appropriate class (usually powder or carbon dioxide). Staff must know the location of fire shields and be able to use fire extinguishing equipment. Passages and exits should always be free from cluttering with parts and equipment.
- 🔥 Class B - fires of flammable liquids (gasoline, oil, solvents).
- ⚡ Class E Fires of electrical equipment under voltage.
- 🚗 Class A - fires of solid substances (plastic, upholstery, wood).
Regular check of the condition of the electrical wiring and the absence of twists in the connections significantly reduce the risk of fire. The use of uncalibrated fuses ("bugs") is strictly prohibited, as this leads to overheating of the wiring.
Fire prevention is more effective than fire control: regular cleaning of oily materials and checking electrical wiring save lives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the frequency of testing knowledge on labor protection for mechanic?
Verification of knowledge on labor protection for car service workers should be carried out at least once a year. An extraordinary inspection is carried out when new rules are introduced, after accidents or when an employee is transferred to new equipment.
Can I store gasoline in plastic canisters in the repair area?
Storage of gasoline in plastic containers is prohibited due to the ability of plastic to accumulate static electricity, a spark from which can ignite fuel vapors. Only special metal canisters with grounding can be used.
What are the first aid requirements for acid burns?
In case of burns with acid (electrolyte), it is necessary to immediately wash the substance with a large amount of water. You can not try to neutralize the acid with alkali on the skin, since the neutralization reaction takes place with the release of heat, which will increase the burn. After washing, a weak solution of soda can be used.
Do you have to have a box in every box?
Yes, according to the requirements of labor protection, each workplace or repair post must be equipped with a first aid kit with an unexpired shelf life of drugs. Responsible for the equipment of the first aid kit is appointed by the order of the head.