How Mechanics Can Stay Safe On the Job After Their Auto Mechanic Training

Safety is a priority for mechanics. With the right knowledge and focus, you can prevent accidents and keep you and the rest of your team healthy and happy. Not only is wellbeing important, but illnesses or injuries can mean loss of valuable work time. When working with machinery, tools, toxic substances, and chemicals, it’s important to exercise caution. This protects employees, customers, and the vehicles in the shop. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) identifies various measures needed to ensure safety for auto mechanics. Read on for how you can apply these measures in your career and stay safe!

Personal Protective Equipment in Auto Mechanic Training and Beyond

Protective equipment is one of the first ways a mechanic can ensure their safety. When working on various jobs, different combinations of equipment will be necessary.

Goggles, glasses, or other eyewear are used to shield the eyes from particles, sparks, and other substances. Footwear is another key part of keeping yourself safe. Puncture-resistant shoes or boots can stand up to falling or rolling objects or sharp items that could injure the feet. Respirators safeguard mechanics from airborne dangers like smoke or fumes, or even dust. Helmets prevent harmful impact on the head and rubber-lined clothing can be used to protect against electrocution.
Appropriate protective equipment is compulsory when working on vehicles in automotive training programs, so you will get used to knowing when eyewear, masks, and other pieces of equipment are needed. Carry this knowledge through to your career and you will stay safe and sound at work.

Automotive Trade School Grads should be Aware of these Hazards

Asbestos is a concern for auto mechanics, as exposure to the silicate minerals can cause serious illness and diseases. Asbestos can be found in brakes, heat seals, and clutches and is released when it is disturbed. The dust of asbestos can be inhaled, so mechanics wear protective respirators and suits to prevent contact. Vacuuming is another way asbestos can be put into the air, so vigilant precautions are necessary.
Fires are another potential hazard for mechanics, but the good news is that they can usually be prevented. Keeping areas free of clutter and refraining from smoking near the garage will help prevent combustion of flammable fluids in vehicles. Fire extinguishers should be easy to access and clearly displayed in the shop. Extinguishers need to be appropriate for all fire types that can occur in a shop, including gas, oil, electrical, and more.
Electricity is another hazard where simple precautions can be taken. Batteries must be disconnected when working on electrical systems, and keys should never be left in the ignition switch. Unplugging fuses or wiring harnesses while the ignition is in the “on” position can cause shock or spikes.

Staying Clean and Organized for Shop Safety

Keeping clean is just as much about safety as it is about professionalism. In automotive trade schools you can get a chance to train in classroom sessions in a shop. This will show you how moving around a clear and clean shop prevents slips, trips, and falls. The less cluttered the floor of the shop is, the less likely your team is to experience sprains or strains from these accidents. Floors need to be swept and mopped, as dust and particles can cause harm if inhaled and oils, transmission fluids, and other spills can hurt people if not dealt with.
Proper storage of tools and other items is also important, particularly anything stored above head level. These items can fall and injure someone if not properly secured. Lastly, exits must be kept clear, as in the event of a fire or other accident, staff need to have a way to get out of the shop quickly.
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