OSH Answers: Working Under Vehicles

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail

OSH Answers Lists

	Autobody Frame Straightening
	Autobody Repair
	Batteries
	Fuel Safety
	General Requirements
	Hydraulic Lifts - General Information
	Hydraulic Lifts - Operation
	Inflating Tires on Wheels with Split Rims or Rims using Retainer Rings
	Road Service
	Servicing Split Rim Wheels
	Servicing Vehicles
	Single-piece Rim Wheels
	Tire Precautions
	Vehicle Maintenance
	Washing and Cleaning
	Work Practices
	Working Under Vehicles


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Working Under Vehicles

Check pit for presence of flammable or other hazardous vapours.
Remove all flammable/combustible materials from pit.
Ensure that the ventilation system is working efficiently.
Place vehicle so there is room to get out of pit in an emergency.
Set chocks to keep vehicle from moving.
Use only explosion-proof lights. Ensure that light globes are not broken or missing.
Use pneumatic (air-powered) or explosion-protected tools as a safety precaution even though the pit has been checked for flammable vapours.
Do not drain a fuel tank over or near a pit. Vapours from gasoline and paint solvents are heavier than air.
Cover pit when not in use with solid, well-fitting boards or install guardrails on all sides of pit. Replace any guardrails that are damaged.
Do not jump across pits.

What are some safety tips to know when using a jack?

Place the jack securely on a dry, level, clean surface at right angles to the load.
Position the jack at the jack point recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Shift the vehicle with automatic transmission to park or to low gear, if it has a standard transmission, and apply the parking break.
Use chocks in front and back of the wheel that is on the diagonal from the wheel that will be raised (e.g., if jacking up the right, front wheel, use the chocks on the left, rear wheel).
Do not overload a jack beyond its capacity. All lifts must be vertical.
Do not position yourself where you could be pinned between the operating handle and the wall if the vehicle or jack moves accidentally.
Place safety stands under the vehicle to support the vehicle if an employee must work under the vehicle.
Ensure that the safety stands are in good condition and positioned properly and that the correct support pins are used in adjustable axle stands.
Do not get under a vehicle that is supported by a jack only - always use suitable safety stands.

What are some tips for using a creeper?

Make sure the proper stands are in position in case of hoist failure or jack movement.
Wear appropriate eye and head protection.
Keep feet clear of other traffic.
Use tool trays on sides of cart to transport hand tools rather than on your chest.
Secure creepers in a wall rack when not in use.
Do not leave creepers leaning against the wall where they could be a tripping or "skate board" hazard.

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