Owning a business requires taking compliance, regulations, and safety seriously, especially when working in the auto industry. If you own an auto shop or organization of your own, there are a few safety features you may want to invest in to protect and preserve your location. The right safety features will not only protect your surroundings but any employees and customers who enter your shop, too. Here are a few to consider.
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An Intrinsically Safe Barrier
Using safety barriers is essential when you are working in an auto shop and building your business from the ground up. When it comes to an intrinsically safe circuit, there are three components involved: the intrinsically safe barrier, field wiring, and a safe circuit. Whenever you’re working on various vehicles and electrical components, you’ll want to do so with the right barriers and protective equipment solutions in place. This will prevent potential mishaps and accidents or even serious and life-threatening injuries from taking place, especially when you’re conducting a major repair job. Intrinsically safe barriers do the important job of not allowing electrical issues to cause fires and other outages that could majorly affect your auto equipment.
Ongoing Training Services
Routine training services for all technicians and staff members who work for your auto shop are always recommended, regardless of the number of years someone has been in the business. Understanding and learning about the latest relevant auto technologies is essential for safety and protection purposes, especially while working on the job. In 2022 alone, it was estimated that there were more than 782,000 automotive service mechanics and technicians in the United States. Ensuring your mechanics and technicians are certified and up to date with the latest technologies and safety protocols is imperative when you’re the owner or manager of any type of auto shop.
First Aid Kits
When you first think of an automotive shop or a mechanic’s shop, you might not think of investing in first-aid kits. However, it’s essential to do so, especially when you’re employing other staff members to take on potentially dangerous jobs. In addition to providing comprehensive first aid kits that are optimal for an auto mechanic shop, it’s also recommended to host relevant training courses to ensure your employees are well-versed in how to go about using the kits when they may be in need.
Fire Safety Gear and Equipment
Along with traditional first-aid kits, you might also want to invest in fire safety gear and equipment when you’re running an auto shop. Fire safety equipment is extremely important in the automotive industry, as the industry accounts for 3% of the total GDP in the United States at present. From traditional commercial fire detectors and blankets to commercial-grade extinguishers, the right gear can prevent major disasters and damage from taking place. Fire gear and equipment are extremely important anytime you are working in an auto shop that takes on high-risk jobs or even part replacement.
Safety Signage
Providing safety signage and guidance in your auto shop is also recommended, regardless of the type of repair or body detailing work you take on. Safety signage will provide directions to employees while ensuring they are protected each time they enter the workplace. You will need to consider which type of hazard and emergency exit signage is appropriate for your auto shop based on your location and the layout of your storefront.
Personal Protective Gear (PPE)
If you’re working in an auto shop with access to chemicals, you’ll need to invest in PPE, or Personal Protective Gear. Gloves, goggles, and commercial-grade respirators are optimal whenever you’re exposed to chemicals in closed spaces. Ensure you invest in commercial-grade equipment and gear for optimal protection and compliance purposes.
Owning and operating a successful auto shop begins with compliance with regulations and safety protocols. The right safety features, gear, and equipment will not only protect you and your employees, but it’ll allow you to maintain your peace of mind without receiving fines or fees. Understanding the most important safety features of any auto shop is crucial when you want to succeed in the industry today.
