SAFETY IN THE

MECHANICS SHOP
 Think Safety
 You are responsible for safety.
 More accidents are caused by unsafe acts
than unsafe conditions.
 Understand how tools and equipment are to
be used, and ask for a demonstration if you
are unsure.
 Read all safety signs.
 Become familiar with safety rules and
emergency drills.
 Causes of Accidents
 The National Safety Council released the
following statement concerning the
causes of accidents:
 Unsafe acts cause 88% of all accidents
 Unsafe conditions cause 10% of all accidents
 Acts of God cause 2% of all accidents
 Types of Shop Accidents
 Fires
 Explosions
 Asphyxiation
 Chemical burns
 Electric Shock
 Physical Injuries
 Fires
 Mainly caused by gasoline.
 Gasoline vapor is heavier than air.
 Burns can be life altering.
 Always control the spread of gasoline
vapor.
 Have a fire extinguisher in your garage.
 Never put water on a gasoline or oil fire!
 Fires
 https://youtu.be/MhjMYSdXEsI

 https://youtu.be/3LWYXJvU7yM
Explosions - Battery Safety
 Ensure a battery is not frozen.
 Do not place tools on a battery.
 Do not over charge a battery.
 Follow proper boosting procedures.
 Do not create sparks around a battery.
Battery Safety
What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless

odorless gas. When inhaled into
the lungs, it deprives the body of
oxygen.
 Where Does Carbon Monoxide
Come From?

Carbon Monoxide is a result of the incomplete combustion of fuel

and it results from a lack of oxygen during the combustion process.
Carbon monoxide is produced during the operation of these and
many other appliances/ machines:
• Vehicles.
• Fireplaces with poor ventilation.
• Furnaces with poor ventilation.
• Torches operated in areas with poor ventilation.
 How to Prevent Carbon
Monoxide Poisoning

1) Work in well ventilated areas.

2) When running vehicles in the shop, use exhaust extraction
equipment.
3) Avoid working in pits, especially those with no or poor ventilation.
Carbon monoxide is heavier than air and will want to sink and collect
in the lowest spots in a shop first.
 Chemical Safety
 Colored Solvent in tanks:
 Contains a carcinogenic agent.
 Wear gloves.
 Dry parts with an air stream directed into a
garbage can.
Chemical Safety
WHIMIS Symbols
 Shop Safety Rules
 Eye protection must be worn at all times.

 You may not leave the shop or compound

area without an instructor’s permission.

 Horseplay, fighting, practical jokes,

running and jumping are not allowed.

 Absolutely no food or drinks in the shop.

 Shop Safety Rules
 No sandals or other open toed shoes.
 Students are expected to wear coveralls
(except mechanics 10)
 Loose clothing, long hair, and jewelry are
potentially dangerous around moving
machine parts. Remove jewelry, secure
loose clothing and long hair.
 Students with medical conditions (i.e.
seizures) which could pose an injury risk
must notify their instructor.
 Shop Safety Rules
 Hoists, jacks, jack stands and other shop
tools may be used when:
 The instructor has granted permission.
 Instruction has been given.
 Students are not to start a vehicle or shop
engine without an instructor’s permission.
 Vehicles are not to be driven by students in
the compound or shop area.
 If you are unfamiliar with the shop
assignment given to you, work will stop,
until your instructor can provide assistance.
 Shop Safety Rules
 Report ALL injuries, regardless of how
minor, to your instructor.
 Keep tools and equipment, floors and work
benches clear of scraps and litter. Wipe up
spilled liquid(s) immediately.
 Students are not to use gasoline, or other
hazardous chemicals without an instructor’s
permission, proper personal protective
equipment (PPE) and instruction.
 The shop office is off limits to students.