Whether you already work in an auto repair garage or are training to work in one in the future, it’s important to know safety tips to stay safe on the job. Following mechanic safety tips can help protect yourself, your coworkers, and your customers from injuries and accidents. At NYADI The College of Transportation Technology in Jamaica, New York, we provide automotive academic programs that prepare students to work in the industry, including coursework with a strong emphasis on safety. Here, we outline five safety tips that all automotive technicians should follow while working in garages or repair shops.

1. Wear Protective Gear

Working in a garage can surround workers with heavy equipment, sharp tools, chemicals, loud noises, and other potential dangers. It’s essential to wear protective gear when working in a garage, including:

• Gloves to protect skin against harsh chemicals
• Steel-toe shoes or boots to protect against heavy equipment or impacts
• Safety goggles to protect against eyes from dust and other debris
• Hearing protection to protect ears from loud noises

Some mechanics may choose to wear face masks when working with paint, high-visibility clothing, coveralls, and other protective equipment for added safety.

2. Keep Work Areas Clean and Clear

Mechanics working in garages use a lot of tools, equipment, and chemicals every day. It’s important to keep work areas as clean and clear as possible to prevent trips, falls, slips, and other injuries. Mechanics should store tools in proper spots and not on the ground to keep walkways clear. Cleaning up oil and fluid spills should also be done promptly to prevent slips.

3. Use Proper Equipment

When mechanics work on or under cars, it’s imperative to use the proper equipment to secure the vehicles. Before working underneath vehicles, mechanics should be sure the proper equipment, like hydraulic lifts, jack stands, and wheel chocks, is in use. It’s also important to inspect these tools regularly to make sure they are working properly.

4. Don’t Smoke in or Near Garages

Garages and auto repair shops are filled with flammable and combustible fluids like gasoline and diesel. It’s essential that mechanics don’t smoke cigarettes or other products in or near garages to prevent fires and even explosions. Mechanics should also be aware of where fire extinguishers are if a fire does start.

5. Store and Dispose of Chemicals Properly

Since mechanics often work with chemicals in garages, it’s crucial to handle them with care and to store and dispose of them properly. Storing them incorrectly can lead to injuries while disposing of them improperly can cause environmental harm. Mechanics should follow local, state, and federal regulations for disposal guidelines and never dump automotive fluids on the ground, into drains, or septic systems.

How Does ASE Certification Help With Safety?

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) provides certification tests for automotive technicians and mechanics. To become certified, technicians must gain hands-on training and experience and pass a written test. Students can also complete a two-year associate degree program in Automotive Technology or Automotive and Diesel Technology, plus one year of on-the-job training to be eligible for ASE certification tests. Having an ASE certification demonstrates that a worker has the qualifications, skills, and knowledge to repair and maintain vehicles properly.

Getting an ASE certification helps with safety because it ensures that mechanics are trained to follow safety standards and guidelines. ASE certifications can also make mechanics less likely to cut corners, misdiagnose problems, or use worn parts, which could contribute to an unsafe working environment. Certain ASE certifications like the one for high-voltage electrical safety include training on how to maintain a safe working area and use personal protective equipment (PPE).

To learn more about ASE certification, check out NYADI’s ASE student guide.

Learn About Mechanic Safety in NYADI Automotive Programs

If you’re looking to train to become an auto technician or mechanic and learn proper safety skills, consider applying to one of the automotive programs at NYADI in Jamaica, NY. We offer students several advantages, from hands-on training to ASE-certified instructors and financial aid opportunities for qualified students. To learn more about our programs or curriculum, contact an admissions representative today.