Basic Safety Guidelines – DIY Auto Repairs
Getting Started with Safety
Before you even pick up your screwdriver, you should have a safe work environment.
Safety is synonymous with planning. If you plan your work area and task ahead, your
safety will be insured. The basics are simple. Attempting to work on your own car
without at least a basic level of safety is irresponsible. Like so many small tasks
that produce big results, just a small amount of safety-conscious planning could
mean you'll never be running inside for the ice- pack unless you're trying to keep
your lemonade cool.
- Keep your work area clean
Clutter and mess are the first enemies of safety.
- Always have emergency safety devices close at hand
You should have a special corner in your garage with safety devices/emergency supplies.
Hopefully you'll never need it.
- Be familiar with your tools
Many injuries in the automotive realm happen because of the misuse of a tool. Most
tools, (probably 99% of them), can't do any serious harm to your body. Know what
your tools are made to do, what they're capable of, and where their limitations
lie. It's a cornerstone of safety.
- Know the Don'ts
The list may be long, but there are some "dont's" that are universal and can come
up on a regular basis. If unsure, speak to your mechanic.
- Have an escape plan
We hope you'll never need it, but it's very important to be prepared should something
disastrous happen that needs professional attention. It takes a little planning,
but without it you'll be leaving your most critical thinking to a time when clear
decision making is the most difficult.
So get out there and experience some real Automotive Empowerment. You can do it, yourself.
By Matthew Wright; extracted from www.heartrate.com, August 2009.