Health and safety in motor vehicle repair and associated industries

Health and Safety
Executive
210 The cabs of some heavy goods vehicles can be tilted forward to allow access
to the engine and other vehicle parts. They are commonly fitted with a prop, which
should be locked in position before gaining access, as in Figure 57. Similarly, the
load area of some goods vehicles can be elevated (eg tipper lorries) and if access is
needed below them they should be effectively propped (see Figure 58).
Examination of vehicle supports
211 The safe operation of a vehicle support is dependent on its condition in
use, and deterioration would lead to a significant risk to the operator or other
worker. They should be inspected, as required by the Provision and Use of Work
Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), 25 typically every 12 months. Keep a record
of the results until the next inspection.
Vehicle on the level
212 Access can be gained under a vehicle that remains on the level on its road
wheels, either from a pit or by crawling or sliding underneath it. For a vehicle that
remains on its road wheels, there is a risk that it could be driven away. Before
work commences, where possible, the starting control should be removed from
the vehicle and retained by the worker gaining under-vehicle access (eg take the
keys out of the ignition). If access is necessary with the starting control active, eg to
operate the engine or the power steering, it is important to operate a safe system
of work, particularly if two or more people are working on the vehicle.
213 Where access is gained under a vehicle which remains on its road wheels and
is fitted with pneumatic suspension (eg some buses) there is a risk of a serious
or fatal accident if the suspension is deflated, either due to catastrophic failure
or inadvertent deflation. People carrying out such work should be trained and
competent. Further guidance is given in paragraphs 175-178.
Inspection pits
214 Inspection pits are still commonly found in MVR premises and an assessment
of workplace risks may well show that they are the safest option when working on
diesel-fuelled vehicles. But they present particular hazards and are a common cause
of accidents, not only to those unfamiliar with the premises but also to employees
who momentarily forget the presence of an unfenced pit, or who slip or trip, and fall
into them. When working on petrol-fuelled vehicles, a lift is usually a safer alternative.
215 The principal hazards are:
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falling into the pit (the Work at Height Regulations will apply, see paragraphs
368-378);
slipping on access steps;
fire or asphyxiation from an accumulation of gases or vapours that are heavier
than air, or fuel release;
a vehicle or other objects falling on an employee in the pit;
head injuries from contact with the vehicle over the pit.
Preventing falls into pits
216 When deciding on the precautions, the employer needs to consider a number
of options. The best solution is likely to depend on the particular work undertaken,
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