Automotive Shop Safety Rules

A career working on vehicles as an automotive technician can be exciting and fast-paced. In fact, total auto technician employment is expected to exceed 794,000 by 2032.⁴⁷ 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 auto shop safety rules and precautions that those working in the industry should follow 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 auto repair shop policies and procedures 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, it 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 auto repair 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, sometimes known as personal protection equipment (PPE). Depending on the task at hand, this might include safety goggles, gloves to avoid burns and steel-toed work boots.
• Chemical safety: When there are chemicals in a shop, waste must be 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 of 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.

Automotive 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 receive training in a shop environment.^1,18

UTI emphasizes the importance of auto shop safety rules, 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.

Automotive Shop Safety FAQs

What are the potential risks and accidents in an auto repair shop?

There are several safety risks when it comes to working in an auto repair shop. These can include the potential for lifting injuries due to manual handling of heavy parts, slips or falls, electrical fires or welding and cutting hazards and irritation from chemical exposure. However, practicing auto shop safety rules can help prevent these risks and accidents from occurring.

What are the common safety hazards in an auto repair shop?

Common safety hazards in an auto repair shop can come from a combination of working alongside heavy machinery, hazardous materials and the general physical nature of the work involved.

What are the best practices for maintaining safety in an auto repair shop?

It’s important that technicians undergo regular safety training and are well-versed in the shop’s safety regulations and emergency procedures. Utilizing PPE like goggles, gloves and steel-toed boots is also important. Keeping an organized and clean workspace, along with maintaining equipment regularly, can help ensure safety in the shop setting.

Practice Safety While Training for a Career at UTI

Training in UTI’s automotive program can help you gain the skills and knowledge employers are looking for. Having a knowledge of automotive shop safety rules and regulations before pursuing a career can help foster an emphasis on safety that could make whatever environment graduates end up working in a safe one.

Along with our automotive safety tips, we also feature blogs focused on welding safety and safety tips for CNC machinists for those who are interested.  

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