Tool-Time Tuesday: Safety First!

Photo Courtesy of Sears

We’ve all heard the term, “Safety first!” when it comes to working on cars, or out in the garage. With a mechanic, there isn’t much safety equipment, as compared to building a sky scraper. However, that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. There’s still tons of things that can go wrong and cause serious injury, or even death.

Be Aware

First of foremost, be aware of what you’re doing, and what the car is doing. If you’re working under the car, make sure the wheels are blocked, or that the jack stands are properly placed and the car won’t slip off them. When sticking your hands into tight spots, make sure they are out of pinch points, or mechanical items that could move on you. At the end of the day, just asses the situation and make sure you’re aware.

Safety Glasses

We all know that we should be wearing safety glasses, but most of us opt not to. It’s a great habit to get into, and can really save a ton of pain, money, and most importantly your eye sight. They are cheap, readily available, and there isn’t a valid excuse out there to not throw on a set real quick. Editors Note: I’ve had metal in my eye, twice due to not wearing safety glasses. This wasn’t a fun or pleasurable experience.

Ear Protection

Wearing a set of ear plugs or over-the-ear protection is good practice as well. The problem with ear damage, is it usually doesn’t show up until it’s too late. It’s a good idea to use them while using air tools, as the decibel levels can get out of hand. It’s mandatory to wear them when starting a car without an exhaust system installed, or when using an air hammer. Wearing ear protection such as ear plugs is also a great way to keep metal shavings and crud from falling into your ears while you’re wrenching as well.

Optional Safety

There’s a few items out there for safety that are good practice, but most likely not as critical as eye and ear protection. That would be wearing pants instead of shorts. Pants can protect against cuts and abrasions from hitting your legs on parts, or if parts happen to fall on you. Steel toe shoes will save your toes when you accidentally drop a heavy part right on your feet. Gloves can help with cuts and abrasions like pants, but a lot of mechanics don’t like to use them because they can’t get as good of a feel on nut or bolt.

Remember the best safety protection out there is you, and being aware of your surroundings. Working on cars can be a very hazardous job, and shouldn’t be taken lightly, because they can injure or kill you if you’re not paying attention!