Health and safety in the shop or garage
(→Respiratory protection) |
(→Lifting and handling heavy parts) |
||
| Line 41: | Line 41: | ||
Lifting and moving parts around the garage/shop can get to be a real pain (in the lower back). A quality, well built engine hoist will work well for moving heavy parts such as engines, transmissions and axles. An overhead hoist or gantry can work well for lifting a frame or even removing the body off a car. | Lifting and moving parts around the garage/shop can get to be a real pain (in the lower back). A quality, well built engine hoist will work well for moving heavy parts such as engines, transmissions and axles. An overhead hoist or gantry can work well for lifting a frame or even removing the body off a car. | ||
| − | It is important to use the right lifting gear for the job. Though this has been done more times than can be counted, using a 3/8" grade 3 bolt and a chain is not the safe way to move heavy items like an engine. If at all possible use some sort of lifting fixture to lift the engine. Using a set like those found on a factory installed engine works well | + | It is important to use the right lifting gear for the job. Though this has been done more times than can be counted, using a 3/8" grade 3 bolt and a chain is not the safe way to move heavy items like an engine. If at all possible, use some sort of lifting fixture to lift the engine. Using a set like those found on a factory installed engine works well. Combined with a high quality chain with hooks on each end, this will provide a much more secure way of lifting or transporting an engine. |
| − | Other heavy or awkward objects like axles or automotive bodies should be moved with high quality nylon (or even kevlar) straps that are free from cuts, frays or tears. Do not wrap the straps around sharp objects or edges in order to prevent damage to the straps and possible loss and damage to the load. If wrapping around sharp edges cannot be avoided then place a layer (or several layers) of material such as heavy cloth or canvas between the item being lifted and the strap. | + | Other heavy or awkward objects like axles or automotive bodies should be moved with high quality nylon (or even kevlar) straps that are free from cuts, frays, or tears. Do not wrap the straps around sharp objects or edges, in order to prevent damage to the straps and possible loss and damage to the load. If wrapping around sharp edges cannot be avoided then place a layer (or several layers) of material such as heavy cloth or canvas between the item being lifted and the strap. |
| − | Try to refrain from working under heavy objects. When this can't be avoided be sure to firmly support | + | Try to refrain from working under heavy objects. When this can't be avoided be sure to firmly support the load. When working under a vehicle that has to be jacked up, be sure to support the weight with jack stands or ramps designed to support the weight of the vehicle. Do not use the jack as the sole means of support. Always work on a solid, level surface and block the wheels to ensure the vehicle doesn't roll or fall off the supports. |
| − | When | + | When setting jack stands or car lifts, make sure that one person sets the lift points. If two different people set them, it is likely that they will be in different spots, possibly making the object unstable. |
| − | + | ||
| − | If two different people set them it is likely that they will be in different spots possibly making the object | + | |
== Ladders and climbing == | == Ladders and climbing == | ||
Your Privacy Choices