Where identified hazards cannot

Be removed, appropriate action is

Taken immediately to minimize risk

to own and others’ health and safety

This section is about those situations where the hazards

cannot be readily removed, that is, how do you

behave in accident situations, or when equipment

malfunctions and you can see an accident about to

happen? Most mechanics are only likely to

encounter such problems every few years, but the

professional is the person who can save the day.

The following is an example of where a service

manager colleague came to the rescue. The central

locking and the car alarm on a six-month-old vehicle

malfunctioned. A small child was trapped in the

vehicle; it was a very hot day at a local car boot

sale. The mother and child were hysterical, the

father had gone for the fire brigade; other members

of the public just watched. The mother shouted for

help. My quick-witted friend grabbed a screwdriver

off one of the stalls, inserted it behind the rear quarterlight

rubber and levered out the glass, put his

hand inside the car, opened the door and released

the child. The panic was over.

There were other ways in which this situation

could have been dealt with, but this one was

acceptable because it provided a very quick solution

and caused the minimum amount of damage to the

vehicle. The important point is that people come first

and property second, although the amount of damage

to the property should be kept to the minimum.

Working by the roadside is always hazardous,

but you can minimize the risks by following a few

simple rules:

1 Always wear a reflective safety vest (bright

green or orange).

2 Use the warning triangle and hazard lights.

3 Use the flashing lamp on your recovery vehicle.

4 Only work on hard and level ground.

5 If you are on the hard shoulder get as far over

to the left as possible.

6 Always use props when vehicle cabs or other

panels are raised.

7 Think through the possible hazards, never take

risks.

8 Have the vehicle towed to the workshop if

necessary.

Often it is better to do nothing than cause damage,

this is referred to as preserving the situation. Many

times things look different after a cup of tea, or

you have had time to check it out with a colleague.

Dangerous situations are reported

Immediately and accurately to

Authorized persons

As a trainee in the motor industry your company

will require you to report any dangerous situations

to your supervisor; this will be a person that you

know as the chargehand, foreperson or service

manager. Any internal matter should in the first

instance be reported to one of these people – you

will know who this is from your induction training.

However, if you are working alone or the matter is

not a company one, then you must inform the relevant

authority. The four emergency services in the

UK are Police, Fire, Ambulance and Coast Guard.

To call them use any telephone and dial 999.

2.8.5 Suppliers’ and manufacturers’

Instructions relating to safety

And safe use of all equipment

Are followed

Many pieces of garage equipment are marked

‘only to be used by authorized personnel’. This is

mainly because incorrect use can cause damage to

Health and safety 79

the equipment, the workpiece or the operator. Do

not operate equipment which you have not been

properly trained to use and have not been given

specific permission to use.

The suppliers of garage equipment issue operating

instructions, and as part of your training you

must read these instruction booklets so that you

will understand the job better. You will also find

that certain safety instructions are marked on the

equipment. The vehicle hoist (ramp), hydraulic

jack and other lifting equipment are marked with

the Safe Working Load (SWL) in either tonnes or

kilogrammes. You must ensure that you do not

exceed these maximum load figures.

Some items of equipment have two-handed controls

or deadman grips – do not attempt to operate

these items incorrectly.

2.8.6 Approved/safe methods and