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