In the automotive business and vehicle maintenance industry, there is a strict set of rules, violation of which can lead to serious fines and even suspension of business. Resolution 612 of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan) is precisely the regulatory act that regulates the sanitary and epidemiological requirements for automotive infrastructure facilities. Owners of car services, service stations, garage cooperatives and car wash complexes are required to know this document by heart, as it concerns issues of personnel health, ecology and customer safety.
The document sets clear boundaries for the permissible impact of harmful factors in the working environment on the human body. This applies not only to chemical air pollution from exhaust gases, but also to noise levels, vibration, and proper lighting of work areas. SanPiN (sanitary rules and regulations) dictate how the space should be organized in order to minimize the risks of occupational diseases and accidents. Ignoring these standards often causes conflicts with inspection authorities and complaints from the population if the facility is located in a residential area.
Understanding the requirements of Resolution 612 of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan is necessary for the competent design of new facilities and the modernization of existing ones. Incorrectly calculated ventilation or lack of zoning of premises can make the operation of the service impossible from a legal point of view. In this article, we will examine in detail the key aspects of the document, paying attention to the technical parameters and organizational issues that most often raise questions among entrepreneurs.
Scope and basic concepts
The regulatory act applies to all designed, constructed, reconstructed and operating facilities related to the storage, maintenance and repair of vehicles. This includes both large industrial complexes and small private car serviceslocated in garages or detached buildings. It is important to understand that requirements may vary depending on the class of the facility and the number of vehicles being serviced simultaneously.
One of the key concepts in the document is zoning of the territory. Resolution 612 of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan clearly separates the production area, where repair work is carried out, and the customer waiting area, where the level of noise and gas pollution should be minimal. This separation is necessary to ensure comfortable and safe living conditions for people not directly involved in the production process. Violation of zone boundaries often becomes the reason for sanctions during inspections.
The document also regulates the requirements for sanitary protection zones (SPZ). The distance from the boundaries of the car service area to residential buildings, schools and hospitals must comply with established standards, which depend on the capacity of the facility. For large enterprises, this distance can reach several hundred meters, while for small service points the requirements are less stringent, but still mandatory.
The resolution also addresses issues of water supply and sewerage. Wastewater generated during car washing or draining technical fluids cannot be discharged into the general storm sewer without prior treatment. Oil catchers and special filters are a mandatory element of the engineering infrastructure of any modern service.
Requirements for planning and zoning of premises
Proper layout of production facilities is the foundation for safe work. According to sanitary standards, production areas must be isolated from administrative and household premises. This prevents the spread of harmful substances and noise. The interior finishing of walls and floors in repair areas should be made from materials that are resistant to oils, gasoline and acids, and can also be easily cleaned with wet cleaning.
Particular attention is paid to organizing the passage and maneuvering of vehicles indoors. The width of the passages should allow the free movement of equipment without the risk of damage to building structures or injury to personnel. Gate must be equipped with mechanisms that prevent spontaneous closing, and have sufficient dimensions to accommodate the largest vehicles planned for servicing.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly prohibited to place car washing stations and car painting areas in close proximity to personnel eating or rest areas. Even the presence of powerful ventilation does not guarantee complete isolation of odors and chemical impurities.
Separate storage facilities must be allocated for storing spare parts, tires and consumables. Storing parts directly on the floor of the production workshop is unacceptable, as this makes cleaning difficult and creates a fire hazard. All materials should be stored on racks or pallets that provide access to cleaning equipment.
☑️ Checking the zoning of the object
Ventilation and microclimate in the working area
The ventilation system is a critical element of any auto repair shop. The main task is to remove exhaust gases containing carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and other toxic compounds. Exhaust hoods must be installed directly above vehicle exhaust points when the engine is running. Natural ventilation cannot be considered the only method of air exchange in industrial premises.
The air exchange rate is calculated based on the volume of the room and the number of simultaneously operating engines. For painting and drying areas, the requirements are even stricter: forced supply and exhaust ventilation with air filtration is required here. Insufficient air exchange leads to the accumulation of explosive concentrations of solvent and gasoline vapors, which poses a direct threat to human life.
| Parameter | Normative value | Unit of measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Air temperature (cold period) | 16 - 18 | °C |
| Air temperature (warm period) | no more than +28 | °C |
| Air mobility | 0.2 - 0.4 | m/s |
| CO content in the air | no more than 20 | mg/m³ |
The condition of the ventilation system should be monitored regularly. Filters must be changed when they become dirty, and the performance of fans must be checked using anemometers. Blocked air ducts dust and fluff not only reduces the efficiency of the system, but also increases the risk of fire.
What happens if ventilation is not adequate?
If the ventilation system is found to be non-compliant with sanitary standards, regulatory authorities have the right to issue an order to eliminate the violations or suspend the operation of the facility until they are eliminated. This can lead to downtime and financial losses.
Lighting of production and auxiliary premises
The quality of lighting directly affects labor productivity and work safety. Car service centers use combined lighting: general for the entire room and local for specific workplaces. Natural light should be provided through window openings, the area of which is calculated depending on the floor area.
Artificial lighting should be uniform, without sudden changes in brightness or glare. For repair bays where high precision work is required (for example, body repair or electronics diagnostics), the standard illumination is higher than in washing or storage areas. It is recommended to use LED light sources with a high color rendering index.
Special requirements apply to emergency lighting. In the event of a main power failure, lights should automatically turn on to allow personnel to safely leave the room or complete the process cycle, if necessary. Lamps in dusty rooms must have an appropriate degree of protection (IP54 and higher).
Use motion sensors in low-traffic areas (warehouses, hallways) to save energy, but make sure key work areas have lights on at all times during business hours.
Waste disposal and environmental safety
The activities of car services are associated with the generation of various types of waste, many of which are classified as hazardous. Used oils, filters, rags soaked in fuel and lubricants, old batteries and tires - all this requires strict accounting and proper disposal. Resolution 612 of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan prohibits the discharge of any waste into sewers or onto the terrain.
To collect liquid waste, sealed containers must be used to prevent spills. Solid waste is sorted and stored in special containers. Agreements for the removal and disposal of hazardous waste must be concluded only with licensed organizations. The presence of such agreements is a mandatory requirement during inspections.
- 🛢️ Used oils: collected in separate metal or plastic tanks with tight-fitting lids.
- 🔋 Batteries: stored in a vertical position on special racks with acid-resistant coating.
- 🧻 Oily rags: disposed of as fire hazardous waste in metal boxes.
- 🚗 Tires: stored in stacks no more than 2 meters high or in special cages.
⚠️ Attention: Burning waste on the territory of a car service center or garage cooperative is strictly prohibited. This action causes enormous harm to the environment and entails criminal liability.
Occupational hygiene and personal services for personnel
Working conditions for car service workers are often classified as hazardous. Contact with petroleum products, noise, vibration and physical activity require a special approach to organizing everyday life. Each facility must be equipped with locker rooms with individual lockers for street and work clothes. Joint storage of work and personal clothing is not permitted.
Shower rooms must operate at the rate of a certain number of shower heads per number of workers per shift. Hot water supply must be uninterrupted. There are also rooms for heating and eating, which must be isolated from industrial odors. Sanitary facilities must be kept clean and provided with the necessary hygiene products.
Workers engaged in work with hazardous working conditions are required to undergo periodic medical examinations and be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE). Working clothes, special footwear and protective gloves are provided free of charge at the expense of the employer. Control over the use of PPE lies with the facility administration.
More than just bureaucracy, hygiene compliance is a way to keep employees healthy and avoid costly lawsuits in the future.
How often should industrial premises be cleaned?
Daily cleaning using detergents is required. General cleaning with washing of walls and lighting fixtures is carried out at least once a month. The cleaning schedule must be approved and posted in a visible place.
Is it possible to combine a car service center and an auto parts store in the same premises?
Yes, this is possible, but the trading area must be clearly marked and isolated from the production area (for example, by a glass partition) to prevent fuel vapors and dust from entering the area where goods are sold.
What are the requirements for ceiling heights in a repair box?
The height of the room from the floor to the bottom of the protruding structures should be no less than the height of the tallest car with a raised body or load plus 0.5 meters, but usually it is taken at least 3.5 - 4 meters for comfortable work.
Is it necessary to coordinate the opening of a car wash with Rospotrebnadzor (analogue in the Republic of Kazakhstan)?
Yes, before starting activities it is necessary to obtain a sanitary and epidemiological conclusion on the compliance of premises and equipment with sanitary standards. Without this document, the work of the facility will be considered illegal.