Automotive Shop Safety Rules

Oct 8, 2021 -

A career working on vehicles as an automotive technician can be exciting and fast-paced. In fact, total technician employment is expected to exceed 1.8 million by 2032.38 Those with the skills to repair and maintain cars could be able to take advantage of the opportunities the industry has to offer.

Something all automotive technicians need to keep in mind is adherence to various safety rules. Whether technicians are employed at a dealership or a specialty shop, safety is extremely important.

Keep reading to learn more about general shop safety rules and precautions that those working in the industry should be following every day.

OSHA Mechanic Shop Regulations

The U.S. Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have established workplace standards for automotive technicians. These standards help ensure that those working in these jobs have access to the proper equipment, as well as information about workers’ rights.

Because of the exposure to different chemicals and various workplace hazards automotive techs can face, having standards in place can help reduce the risk of accidents or injury.

OSHA regulations are constantly updated to keep pace with an ever-changing industry. If an automotive shop or repair business doesn’t comply with these standards, they might face fines and could even get permanently closed.

OSHA regulations help ensure that employees are aware of any possible dangers and how chemicals in the workplace could affect them. Shops are required to provide employees with proper safety and protective equipment.

In-depth information about OSHA standards can be found on the agency’s website, as well as additional safety resources and more information about workers’ rights. When working in the automotive industry, it’s important to be familiar with these government regulations!

General Auto Repair Safety

Following regulations and safety guidelines can help prevent injuries in the workplace. Apart from OSHA standards, there are some general rules to keep in mind when working as an automotive technician. These include:

  • Safety gear: It’s important that automotive techs wear appropriate safety gear. Depending on the task at hand, this might include safety goggles, gloves to avoid burns and steel-toe work boots.
  • Chemical safety: When there are chemicals in a shop, it’s important that waste is disposed of according to state and federal guidelines. Shops should be ventilated, and eating and drinking on the shop floor should be avoided so there isn’t a risk for contamination.
  • Organizing: Floors and work areas should be clean and organized so the workplace can be easily evacuated in case of a fire or other emergency. Extinguishers for different types of fires should be easily accessible.
  • Vehicle safety: Technicians need to ensure vehicles are stopped and the brakes are engaged before working on them. It’s also important to ensure that vehicles are supported properly before working beneath them.
  • Using tools: Tools and equipment should be used for their intended purposes. Tools also should not be placed near a car engine while it’s running, since moving parts can cause injuries.

Shop Safety at UTI

The Automotive Technology program at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) features a blended learning system that combines online instructor-led training with hands-on labs that allow students to gain experience in a shop environment.18

UTI emphasizes the importance of shop safety, which is why lab sheets feature a list of safety rules for students to review prior to beginning training. Download this PDF to see UTI’s general shop and machine safety rules.

Practice Safety While Training for a Career at UTI

Training at UTI can help give you the skills and experience employers are looking for.1 Having a knowledge of automotive shop safety rules and regulations before starting your career can help foster an emphasis on safety that could make whatever environment you end up working in a safe one.

We also offer Welding and CNC Machining programs, and if interested you can explore the blogs we have on welding safety and safety tips for CNC machinists.  

Find out more about attending UTI by requesting more information today and take the first step toward a job doing what you love.

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1 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2 ) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
18 ) UTI now offers all of its automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine technician training in a blended-learning format consisting of online lecture courses along with in-person, hands-on lab training.
38 ) The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that total national employment in each of the following occupations by 2032 will be: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, 795,000; Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, 438,000; Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists, 294,100; Automotive Body and Related Repairers, 155,200; and Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators, 167,200. See Table 1.2 Employment by detailed occupation, 2022 and projected 2032, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, viewed November 16, 2023. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.

Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

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