When you are training or working as a mechanic it is important to be aware of the relevant health and safety rules and ensure you follow them.

Please note that this is just a guide and you should have a formal health and safety induction and risk assessment carried out when you start a new job as this will give you the detailed information on the risks specific to your workplace.

First Aid – You should be aware of who the trained first aiders are and also where you can locate the first aid kits.

Fire – You should know where the fire extinguishers are located, which extinguishers can be used on what type of fire, and given the basic instructions needed to be able to operate them. You should also pay attention to the mandatory fire point sign on the wall which will tell you how to vacate the premises in the event of a fire and who to report to once outside. You should be trained how to drain fuel tanks and lines, carry out hot work and repair diesel tanks safely to avoid the risk of fire.

Protective Equipment – There are many items of protective equipment that you should be issued with and told when & why they should be worn, these include goggles, ear plugs or defenders, steel toe cap boots, long overalls, gloves, face masks.

Chemicals – Your employer should discuss with you the potential risks of:

• Prolonged contact with engine oil – the importance of protecting your skin against it through use of gloves and overalls.
• Cleaning & Degreasing Substances – the importance of good ventilation, use of protective equipment such as gloves, overalls and goggles.
• Benzene – A chemical that makes up about 1% of crude oil and petrol – ensure gloves and overalls are used when dealing with these.
• Fluoroelastomers – Viton is a synthetic rubber material (a fluoroelastomer) used, for example, in some engine gaskets. When Viton is heated to a very high temperature (for example a car fire) it can in some cases produce hydrofluoric acid which can burn the skin. The risk of this is under 1% but it is still recommended that you wear gloves for protection.
• Vehicle Exhaust Emissions – Vehicle exhaust fumes can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract, and are a risk to health by breathing in. You should ensure that the workplace is kept well ventilated.

Asbestos – In the past, asbestos was used in motor vehicles as the friction material in clutches, automatic transmission and brake linings, and in gaskets. Care should be taken when removing an existing component that you suspect may contain asbestos (which must be replaced by one which is asbestos-free). Your employer should give you information on how to spot Asbestos and the procedure they use for dealing with it. The employer should also be aware if there is any Asbestos contained within the structure of the building and if so the risks associated.

Harmful Dusts – Most body fillers consist of a thermosetting unsaturated polyester in a solvent which is mixed with a reactive hardener. Hardeners are usually skin irritants and some are strong skin sensitisers – both can cause dermatitis. The filling and preparation area should be away from the main work area and face masks should be worn when working in dusty conditions.

Falls from Height – There are various risks from falling that are found in the workplace, these include –

• Vehicle Inspection Pits & Rolling Roads – There should be high visibility warning tape around the edges of these and they should be fenced off or boarded over when not in use.
• Tops of Commercial Vehicles & Trailers – Adequate equipment should be provided to ensure safety when working at height.

Manual Handling – Manual handling is the lifting, carrying, supporting or moving of heavy or bulky loads by hand or bodily force. Where ever possible you should use mechanical aids and equipment to assist you and your employer should also train you in how to handle heavy and bulky items safely. Mechanical aids you might use are things such as an engine hoist, scissor table, tyre/wheel trolley, cylinder trolley or drum trolley.

Slips & Trips – You will be equally responsible along with your colleagues to take adequate measures to avoid the risks of slips and trips, this is simply preventing liquid spills and cleaning up any immediately, keep work areas tidy, ensure parts and equipment are not left on the floor when not in use, avoid trailing leads and keeping walkways clear at all times.

Moving Vehicles – You should ensure that when driving vehicles you drive slowly, watching for any hazards. Customers should have a designated parking area and should be kept out of the working area.

Hand-Arm Vibration – You should be trained in the use of hand-held portable power tools and told how to use them safely to avoid any risks associated with Hand-Arm Vibration.

Lifting Equipment – You must ensure you always correctly position jacks and axle stands, and use chocks, use correct pins in axle stands and ensure vehicles are correctly supported before commencing work.

This is a summary of the main health and safety rules that you should be aware of when working in the motor vehicle industry, your employer is required to provide you with detailed health and safety information relevant to your workplace and you are required to follow it.

For further information please see the health and safety executive website.