Chapter 15 - Motor Vehicle Maintenance Safety Rules

Health and Safety Training Manual: Section 2 – General Safety Rules

  1. pdfEye protection is mandatory for all operations which produce sparks, chips, flying objects or involve use of corrosive chemicals. Face shields shall be worn for all operations that involve use of a high-pressure steam system. Appropriate gloves and protective clothing shall also be worn.
  2. Mechanics shall not wear loose clothing around rotating equipment. Clothes saturated with oil, grease, or solvents shall not be worn.
  3. Compressed air shall not be used to clean clothing.
  4. Shop floors will be kept free of grease, oil, gasoline, or other slipping hazards.
  5. Employees shall not use defective electrical or mechanical shop equipment or hand tools. All automotive shop machinery shall be grounded.
  6. Vehicles shall not be towed unless appropriate tow bars or other approved equipment is used.
  7. Jacks, hoists, or other lifting devices shall not be used beyond the safe load capacity recommended by the manufacturer. Employees shall not remain in vehicles being lifted by hydraulic lifts or jacks.
  8. Mechanics shall not work under vehicles that are not properly supported with approved stands. Makeshift stands made of wood, cement blocks, or boxes shall not be used.
  9. Gasoline, acetone, kerosene, or similar solvents shall not be used to clean hands, floors, walls, or other surfaces. Parts shall be cleaned only in approved containers using appropriate solvents.
  10. Employees shall not use standard sanitary sewer drains for the disposal of gasoline, oil, or solvents. Contact EH&S for disposal guidelines.
  11. Tanks or containers that are used for gasoline or other flammable solvents shall not be mechanically opened or repaired by welding without purging and cleaning.
  12. Do not begin tire inflation before the rim is properly seated. It is dangerous to attempt adjustment with a hammer when the tire is being inflated.
  13. Do not place hands or arms between mounted dual tires during inflation. Always use a long air chuck for inflation.
  14. Do not change tires on the road unless wheel chocks and warning devices are used. Flares should be used to warn others whenever a vehicle tire is changed while on a heavily used road.
  15. Changing of tires on split-rim wheels will be performed only by individuals with proper training and using only appropriate equipment.