AUTOMOTIVE MECHANICS

Small engine vehicles

Main risks in a vehicle repair workshop.
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 Objective
Identify the main risks in a vehicle repair workshop

1- Top risks in a vehicle repair workshop

2- Main risks in a vehicle repair workshop
a- Slips and trips
b- Falling objects
c- Accidents through manual handling
d- Fire explosion
e- Skin disease

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 Top risks in a vehicle repair workshop

Working in a vehicle repair workshop is

actually one of the most dangerous jobs in
the UK.

There were 18 deaths in this sector group in

2018/19, seven of which were in wholesale
and retail trade of motor vehicles, which
includes vehicle repair

More HSE data shows that in the past five

years, there have been 33 deaths and more
than 7,000 injuries in the motor vehicle repair
(MVR) industry. So, what are the top risks in
the workshop? And what can be done to
prevent related accidents?

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 Main risks in a vehicle repair workshop

Slips and
trips

Falling
Skin disease
objects

Accidents
through
Fire explosion
manual
handling

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 Risk: Slips and trips
Workshops are full of
tools, equipment and
other objects which, if left
in the wrong places,
could lead to slips and
trips – which could result
in hospital trips and long
periods of time off work.
Slips and trips are
actually the most
common risk in vehicle
repair workshops.
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How to control risks
-Clear away tools straight
away
-Provide non-slip floor
surfaces
-Clear oil spillages
immediately
-Make sure any water, snow
or ice from cars is cleaned up
immediately
- Encourage everyone to
clear up after themselves
 Risk: Falling Objects

There’s a real risk of objects falling from cars while

mechanics are working underneath them. Worse still,
car lifts or jacks could fail, with potentially fatal
consequences.

Refrain from using any vehicle lift, lifting

plant/equipment or compressors unless they have a
certificate of inspection and have been thoroughly
examined by a competent person.

Never leave vehicles unbraked when on the lift.

Only use jacks where the ground is firm, level and
stable. Axle stands should be used once the car is lifted
from the ground.
Don’t exceed safe working loads.

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 Risk: Accidents through manual handling

Lifting, moving and carrying heavy and/or

bulky items can lead to a number of
accidents if the appropriate precautionary
steps aren’t taken. Manual handling should
be a last resort when no other option is
possible.

How to Control
-Offer mechanical aids where necessary
-Ask your team if they have any practical
solutions to handling problems.
-Never let someone struggle.
-Make sure your team feel confident
asking for help to move heavy, bulky
objects.

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 Risk: Fire and explosion
A vehicle repair workshop is full of fuel and
other flammable materials that must be treated
with respect. Incidents related to fire and
explosion are often caused by the mishandling
of fuel, grinding or welding near fuel tanks or
other flammable materials, or the misuse of
flammable liquids like degreasers.

How to control the risk:

•Use a proprietary fuel retriever/adaptor when
draining petrol from lines and tanks, en
•Ensure flammable liquid have their lids on at all
times when they aren’t being used.
•Store flammable liquids in a safe place,
•Keep gas cylinders outside if possible. If not,
store in a safe and ventilated areas indoors.
•Do not smoke or weld while petrol is being
removed from vehicles.

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 Risk: Skin Disease
Dermatitis is up to seven times more common among
mechanics compared with the average UK worker. The
chemicals in things like two-part glues, fillers and sealants
are to blame for mechanics developing the disease.

To protect against this risk, you should follow this three-step

process:
Avoid contact, for instance use local exhaust ventilation
(LEV) for sanding, and automatic dispensers for two-part
glues.
Protect your skin with latex gloves (choose single-use,
nitrile or low-protein, non-powered), the mildest effective
skin cleaner and after-work creams.
Check for signs of skin disease, encourage staff to report
any concerns and nominate a person to conduct regular
checks.

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 Closing and Recommendations
Today you have learned about principal risks in a vehicle repair
workshop

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