Fire Safety
Auto repair work combines flammable materials with possible exposure to heat and sparks, often in fast-paced environments and enclosed spaces.
Have a fire safety plan
Auto repair shop owners are required to develop a fire prevention plan incorporating the following elements:
- Employee training in understanding possible sources of ignition around the shop
- Employee training in the selection and use of fire extinguishers
- Storage of flammable liquids in approved fire-rated cabinets
- Establishing emergency evacuation routes
More information on these requirements can be found in the "Fire Safety" section of our guide on OSHA requirements for auto repair shops.
Fire safety equipment and materials
Keep a fire extinguisher, rated for the combustible materials you'll be working with, nearby when performing repairs.
Never use space heaters in areas where spray painting or welding is being done, or close to any gas or oil tanks. Lighting, lamps, and electrical fixtures used in auto repair shops must also be non-explosive.
Store different types of welding cylinders in separate storage areas. Tanks should be stored in dry, well-ventilated areas and never stored in direct sunlight. Ensure that cylinders used for welding are properly labeled and secured by chains to keep them from falling over and rupturing.
Take active measures to prevent fires and burns
Clean up spills of flammable materials immediately and dispose of clean-up materials in designated airtight containers.
Always check power cords for fraying and other defects that could generate sparks and ignite flammable vapors. Make sure all electrical equipment is properly grounded.
Engines get extremely hot during operation. Exhaust pipes, mufflers, manifolds and radiator hoses can all cause severe burns. When working on or near a hot engine, be very careful and wear heavy gloves to prevent burns.
Never remove the radiator cap from a hot engine all at once. Wear heavy gloves and place a heavy cloth over the radiator cap, then very slowly open the cap to the first indent. When the steam and fluid have stopped, wait another minute and then slowly remove the cap the rest of the way. Always avert your face and eyes while loosening or removing the radiator cap.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid and emit hydrogen gas. Both can cause a car battery to explode if an ignition source is close by. Wear protective gloves, such as latex examination gloves, when working on or around the battery. Avoid creating sparks and keep any sources of ignition well away.