Inspection Pit Safety
The below-ground nature of inspection pits creates risks that range from slips and falls to entrapment and lack of adequate ventilation.
Inspection pit dangers
The principal types of hazards associated with inspection pits in auto repair shops include:
- Falling into the pit
- Slipping on the steps descending into the pit
- Asphyxiation from exposure to the accumulation of hazardous gases
- Fire hazards from the accumulation of flammable gases/materials where sources of ignition are present
- An improperly secured vehicle falling into the inspection pit
- Tools and equipment falling into the inspection pit
- Head injuries caused by contact with vehicles on lifts
Limit unauthorized access
Place warning signs around inspection pits, and restrict access to employees who need to work in them. Members of the general public should be kept away from the area surrounding an inspection pit.
Rails can be used to bar access to the pit. According to Hennig, an inspection pit cover is also an acceptable way to meet safety requirements. Covers should be easy to install and remove. They should fit securely in place and be strong enough to support the weight of a person accidently falling into the pit.
Preventing slips and falls
Slips are falls are a significant risk when working around inspection pits. The following measures help to reduce this risk:
- The inspection pit stairs and surrounding surfaces should be made of slip-resistant materials.
- If possible, install a handrail along the stairs leading into inspection pits.
- Encourage employees assigned to work in inspection pits to wear slip-resistant shoes.
- Promptly clean up any spills.
- Limit the means of entry and exit. There should be one fixed entry/exit point, with an alternate entry/exit point if a vehicle blocks the primary entry/exit point.
Other tips for slip and fall prevention
Lighting plays a role here. Make sure the areas around inspection pits are well lit. When lights are installed along the edges of inspection pits, make sure the light casings are clean and any burnt out bulbs are promptly replaced.
If the length of the inspection pits extends beyond the lifts, install moveable bridges across the area to allow people to cross over safely. Moveable bridges should be equipped with handrails to prevent falls.
Mitigating asphyxiation and fire risks
Because of the closed-off nature of inspection pits, precautions should be taken to address the risk of asphyxiation and fires:
- Always turn of the vehicle's motor before working underneath it.
- Don't perform "hot work" (welding or brazing) in inspection pits unless local exhaust ventilation is available.
- Avoid working on non-diesel tanks or fuel lines due to the risk of leaks or the building up of fumes.
- Empty refrigerants from air conditioning units before working on these units in inspection pits.
- Don't use portable heaters or other ignition sources.
- Hand lamps and other lighting should be of a type designed not to act as an ignition source.
