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The Inquiries Service at CCOHS answers questions on the health or safety concerns people have about the work they do.

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Servicing Vehicles

What should I do when servicing vehicles?
What are some things I should avoid servicing vehicles?


What should I do when servicing vehicles?

  • Look completely around and under vehicle and check for brake pedal pressure before moving the vehicle.
  • Have all bystanders stay in a safe area until the driver has stopped the vehicle.
  • Move vehicles at a low speed and in low gear - especially up and down ramps.
  • Use a guide when moving the a vehicle in reverse, near blind corners or narrow areas.
  • Park on a level, hard surface to make repairs.
  • Chock and block the wheels to prevent movement during servicing.
  • Disconnect battery and discharge any capacitors before starting to work on vehicle.
  • Secure the trunk and hood to prevent them from falling on you when you are working underneath them.
  • Inspect a running engine with extreme caution. Avoid contact with fan blades and belts.
  • Avoid working around hot equipment such as exhaust pipes or manifolds. If such work is absolutely necessary, cover the hot equipment with some insulating protection to prevent getting burned.
  • Store the keys in a secure place when the vehicles are not in use or not attended.

What are some things I should avoid servicing vehicles?

  • Do not use tools or service equipment without proper training.
  • Do not allow smoking, open flames, or other sources of ignition in areas used for fueling or servicing fuel systems. Warn others before servicing a fuel system.
  • Do not walk between a moving vehicle and a stationary object such as another vehicle or a wall.
  • Do not hold open a fuel nozzle with fuel caps or other objects. Use only approved latches supplied by the nozzle manufacturer to hold open an automatic nozzle.
  • Do not stretch or pull on a hose with small loops in it. The hose can kink and break.
  • Do not rely on jacks, hoists or hydraulic cylinders to hold the vehicle. Support equipment on proper size blocks or stands.
  • Do not use compressed air to remove dust from equipment, work surfaces, or from clothing.
Document last updated on December 14, 1999

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