Safety Gear You Should Wear in the Tire Shop
- Gloves to avoid burns when engines and other auto parts get extremely hot
- Safety goggles to prevent eye injury while working with chemicals, welding, or grinding
- Work overalls or a protective uniform to protect your whole body from extreme temperatures and dangerous chemicals
- Steel toe work boots with non-slip soles to protect your feet and reduce the risk of slipping or falling
- Ear protection when using loud equipment: Common power tools used in auto repair shops, such as disk sanders, impact wrenches, shop vacs, and electric drills, can create enough noise to cause hearing damage over time
- Back brace when lifting heavy parts: Use proper lifting techniques and ask a coworker for help or use hoists if needed
Shop Organization Tips for Safety
- Organize your shop so your equipment and tools are safe and accessible. Securely store tools and auto parts in cabinets to keep the shop free from clutter.
- Vehicle repair work can be full of fire hazards. Make sure your shop has easily accessible and appropriate fire extinguishers for each type of fire: gas, oil, electrical. Test fire alarms regularly.
- Keep your work area clean and organized, so emergency exits are always clear and easy to evacuate in case of a fire.
Shop Flooring Care
- Spilled oil, transmission fluid, or other liquids can put you at risk for falls. Make sure you clean up spills immediately.
- Floors should be swept and cleaned daily to avoid inhaling residue from dust particles or chemical waste.
Chemical Caution in the Shop
- Never eat or drink on the shop floor to avoid contamination from hazardous chemicals.
- Follow proper state guidelines for disposing of chemical waste, especially flammables such as gasoline or oil.
- Vent your shop adequately to reduce the risk of inhaling harmful fumes.
- Never ever smoke in or near the garage. The shop is full of flammable and combustible fluids that can easily ignite if they come into contact with hot ash or a cigarette butt.
Vehicle Safety in the Shop
- Be sure that the vehicle is stopped, and the brakes are engaged before you start working on it. Never work underneath a car unless it is adequately supported and stable to avoid the risk of falling and causing injury.
- Remove keys from the ignition switch and cut the power supply to all electrical parts before working on them to avoid electrocution. Besides an electrical shock to yourself, electrical spikes may damage electronic components and wiring. Even when the vehicle is off, there is still the potential for current to pass through electrical wiring.
- Never place hands, tools, or other objects near the engine while it is running. The moving parts could cause injury to you or damage to the vehicle.
ABOUT MCCARTHY TIRE SERVICE
Founded in 1926, McCarthy Tire Service is a family-owned and operated tire dealer headquartered in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The company has more than 70 service locations and 12 Bandag retread tire manufacturing plants along the east coast of the United States. McCarthy Tire is the 5th largest independent commercial tire dealer and one of the top 50 retail tire dealers in the country. The company offers tire sales and service; automotive mechanical services and repairs; fleet services; truck mechanical services; 24-hour commercial roadside assistance; and retread tire manufacturing. For more information, visit www.McCarthyTire.com.
SAFETY CONTACT: Russ Devens