Safety in the Small Gas Engine Shop

2. 1 Safety in the Small Gas Engine Shop

3. Learning Objectives • Explain why a clean, well-organized shop is extremely important. • List several dangers associated with working in a small engine shop. • Explain the importance of maintaining and using tools properly. • Describe methods for minimizing the risks involved in working with small engines. • Explain the function of OSHA.

4. Shop Safety • Small engine shop can be dangerous • Special precautions should be taken when working on small engines • Safety is the responsibility of everyone in the shop

5. Proper Housekeeping • Shop should be clean and well organized • Floor should be free from oil and dirt • Use spill control devices • Store tools in toolbox or workbench • Return all unused supplies to storage area • Discard waste in appropriate containers

6. Proper Housekeeping • Keeping shop clean will minimize fire hazards • Possibility of fire increases when combustible materials are allowed to accumulate • Oil- or solvent-saturated waste should be stored in a proper container

7. Hazardous Materials • Store chemicals in safe place • Store flammable liquids in closed safety containers • Safety containers should be stored in safety cabinets

8. Hazardous Materials • Gasoline • Vapors can explode if exposed to sparks or flames • Low flashpoint • Never fill the fuel tank of a hot or running engine • Never use as a cleaning solvent

9. Hazardous Materials • Do not splash battery acid on clothes or skin • Battery can explode if hydrogen gas is ignited • Many chemicals can cause serious burns • Avoid skin contact • Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles when working with cleaning solvents

10. Protective Gear • Avoid loose-fitting clothing • Long hair should be worn up or secured under a cap • Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing away from rotating engine parts

11. Protective Gear • Safety glasses • Impact resistant lenses • May have side shields • Safety goggles • Fit tightly against face • Face shield • Covers entire face

12. Personal Protective Gear • Safety shoes • Non-skid soles • Steel inserts • Hearing protection • Headphone-type protectors • Earplugs • Respirators • Choose type designed for contaminant present

13. Ventilation • Adequate ventilation extremely important in small engine shop • Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide • Can quickly accumulate in shop • Can cause death • Solvents used in shop can release toxic fumes

14. Tool Safety • Hand tools • Keep clean and in good condition • Use only for intended application • Power tools • Keep in good condition • Make sure guards and shields are in place • Never make adjustments with tool running • Should be equipped with dead man switch

15. Compressed Air Safety • Wear safety goggles • Check all connections before turning on system • Regulate cleaning air to no more than 30 psi • Never use to clean clothing or hair • Never set hose down without shutting off air nozzle

16. Proper Lifting • Ask for help when lifting heavy objects • Lift with legs, not back • Do not carry items that will obstruct your view • Make several trips if needed • Never reach for heavy overhead items

17. Electrical Safety • Check wires for cracking or fraying • Make sure all electrical equipment is properly grounded or double insulated • Extension cords should not be used as permanent substitutes for fixed wiring • Do not overload circuits

18. Engine Operating Safety • Do not exceed maximum recommended engine speed • Keep hands, feet, and hair away from rotating parts • Avoid touching hot engine parts • Allow to cool before attempting repairs

19. Engine Operating Safety • Do not touch electrical parts with engine running • Some systems produce more than 30,000 volts • Can cause electrical shock • Do not operate engine without muffler • Wear ear protection

20. Be Prepared for Emergencies • Store emergency equipment in highly visible areas • List emergency numbers next to each phone • Make sure first aid kits are located in prominent locations • Make sure kits are properly stocked

21. Fire Extinguishers • Mounted in highly-visible, unobstructed area • Inspect monthly • Fire classifications • Class A • Class B • Class C • Using the wrong extinguisher can be dangerous

22. Figure Extinguishers

23. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) • Establishes rules for safe work practices • All businesses and industries required to follow OSHA regulations • Regulations require employers to provide employees access to material safety sheets

24. Why is it important to keep the shop clean and well organized? Oily floors are slippery and may cause falls. Clutter may be a tripping hazard. Keeping the work area clean minimizes fire hazards.

25. Why must you never fill the tank of a hot or running engine? Gasoline is extremely flammable and its vapors may ignite.

26. When using a wrench, why should you pull the handle toward your body? Pulling on the handle may help prevent injury if the tool slips.

27. Why should engines never be operated at speeds greater than those recommended by the manufacturer? Excessive engine speed can cause parts to break loose from the engine, causing severe injury.

28. What is the function of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)? OSHA establishes rules for safe work practices that all businesses and industries are required to follow.