Dangers in workshops

Press, 10 June 1977, Page 9

Dangers in workshops

Accidents do not just happen — they are caused. In the workshop this is particularly true. There is always a cause for any catastrophe, and the unfortunate thing is that the reason is seldom found until after the accident.

Here are some of the ways in which ah accident can happen and, more important, what you have to do to prevent it. JACKS, when they are not used correctly can cause trouble. The thing to remember is that they are not intended to hold a car in the air while you work underneath it. They are supposed to lift the car so that you can put something much more substantial underneath — axle stands ideally. Even the action of positioning the axle stands could be fraught with danger if the jack is not positioned properly. At the

rear it should go under the rear axle or under a reinforced part of the body. Always check the body for soundness. If it is rusty the jack could go straight through the metal, letting the car down on top of you. At the front of the car put the jack under a cross member, under the spring pans of the front suspension or under a chassis member or reinforced part of the body. Often the car handbook will suggest suitable support points.

JACKS, supplied with the car can also be dangerous when not used properly. This type of jack often leaves much to be desired in any case. Of flimsy construction, it can also be of unstable "design.

The jack supplied with the car is not. always the most robust of devices. Suitable for changing a wheel perhaps but not to support the car while you work underneath. AXLE STANDS are the best support for the car but these too must be used

properly. Do not be tempted to increase their height by perching them on bricks or something similar. The same stipulations about their position under the car apply as to jacks. If you lose the pins which hold the axle stand extension, make sure the replacement is strong enough.

WHEEL RAMPS are a good alternative to axle stands, and running the car forwards or backwards on to these is usually a simple operation. Remember to chock the wheels that are still on the ground and to put the handbrake on. In GEAR is not the way to leave a car — either in the workshop or out of it. It is an additional safeguard against the car rolling but that is no consolation after someone else has jumped in, started and run straight into the wall — or worse.

HOISTS are something else that can cause trouble. Heavy weights, like engines are dangerous and the time to take precautions is before you lift them. Make sure that the hoist is strong enough to take the weight. Perhaps, not quite so obvious, make sure that the beam you suspent the hoist from can take it too.

While lifting never get any part of your body under the engine. If it falls back nasty injuries could result.

Engine Cooling FANS have been known to cause damage too. If you are working in the murky depths of an engine, you often cannot see the fan spinning and it is surprisingly easy to put your hand in the wav.

R/ DIATOR CAPS are something else to think about. Always check if the engine is hot before you take the cap off. You can often get away with it but just be sure, use a large piece of rag and ease the cap off slowly to release the pressure, keeping your face and body well clear.

BATTERY CHARGING has its dangers. The fumes given off during the charging process are highly inflammable and an explosion can result from the incautious flame. If you are charging on the car, take the caps off the battery, do not do it in an enclosed! space and certainly, no flames.

IGNITION should be turned off when you are working on the spark plugs and high tension side of the ignition system. If the engine is turned over and you get a shock from the: HT leads, most times it! would be just an annoying! kick to your arm. But if [ you have a weak heart,! maybe unsuspected, and [ the conditions are right the! results could be serious. I