What to do
- Protect your eyes when using power tools and when working under the machine,
- Keep loose clothing and long hair away from moving machine parts.
- If you're working alone, have someone check in from time to time to make sure you're all right.
- Remove rings, watches, etc., before working on the vehicle, especially on wiring diagrams.
- Before using lifting and supporting devices, make sure that they have sufficient strength for the intended work.
- Keep liquids in tightly sealed containers and out of reach of children and pets
- Remember that the serviceability of your car is important not only for yourself, but also for those around you.
What Not to Do
- Do not rely solely on the jack when working under the vehicle. After lifting the machine, place it under reliable props in the recommended places.
- Do not try to loosen a tight bolted connection if the car is only on a jack - the car may fall.
- Do not start the engine without making sure that the gearbox is engaged "neutral' (or "parking" in automatic transmission).
- Do not remove the radiator cap until the engine is cold. Let it cool or cover the lid by shaking and slowly release the pressure.
- Do not attempt to drain the oil unless you are sure it will not scald you.
- Do not touch the engine or exhaust system until it is cool enough to burn you.
- Do not inhale poisonous liquids such as gasoline, antifreeze, or brake fluid by mouth or allow them to come into contact with the skin.
- Do not inhale the dust accumulated in the brakes. It may contain asbestos, which is □ dangerous.
- Do not leave spilled oil on the floor. Take it away. until someone slips on it.
- Do not use a defective tool - it may break and cause injury.
- When loosening or tightening a threaded connection, do not push the wrench away from you, but pull it towards you,
- Don't try to pick it up. what is beyond your capabilities - call an assistant.
- Do not rush to finish the work - take breaks.
- Do not allow children and pets to play in or near the vehicle. where work is being done.
Sources of danger
Asbestos
Asbestos dust is a carcinogen: it can cause cancer if inhaled or swallowed. Asbestos is an integral part of some gaskets, as well as brake and friction linings. If you do not know if a component contains asbestos, it is safer to assume that it contains asbestos.
Fire
Always remember that gasoline is highly flammable. Do not smoke or use open flames when working on the vehicle. But the risk doesn't end there. A spark caused by a short circuit, being struck by two metal objects, or even an electrostatic discharge from your body can ignite gasoline vapors, which can be highly explosive in confined spaces. Under no circumstances should gasoline be used to wash parts. There are less hazardous solvents for this.
Always disconnect the wire from the negative when working on the fuel or electrical system (-) battery terminals. Do not spill fuel on a hot engine or exhaust system.
Have a fire extinguisher on hand suitable for extinguishing burning fuel and electrical wiring. Do not extinguish burning fuel with water.
Toxic vapors and gases
Vapors from certain liquids are very toxic and can cause unconsciousness and even death if continued to be inhaled. This category includes vapors from gasoline and some solvents. Drain or pour such liquids only in well-ventilated areas.
When using solvents, read the instructions affixed to the container and follow them carefully. Do not use liquids from unnamed containers.
Do not operate the engine in an enclosed area such as a garage. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide), which is a highly toxic substance. If you need to warm up the engine, do it outdoors, or at least position the car so that the rear of it is outside.
If the garage has a viewing hole. never drain gasoline and do not start the engine when it is above the pit, especially if you yourself are in the pit. Fuel vapors and exhaust gases are heavier than air and. accumulating in a hole. can cause severe consequences.
Battery
A small amount of hydrogen is released from the battery, which, when mixed with atmospheric oxygen, forms an explosive detonating gas. Do not use open flames and avoid sparks near the battery. Be careful when connecting and disconnecting the charger and other portable cords.
Before working on the fuel or electrical systems, disconnect the wire from the negative terminal of the battery.
When charging the battery with an external charger, unscrew the plugs or remove the battery cover (this does not apply to maintenance-free batteries). Do not charge the battery with too much current.
Be careful when adding water or when carrying the battery. The battery is filled with sulfuric acid, which, even in a diluted state, is a very active oxidizing agent and easily reacts with the body, your clothes and skin.
Wear safety goggles when working with the battery to protect your eyes from splashes.
Mains voltage
When using power tools. portable lamp and other devices. powered by the mains, make sure that its plug and socket are in good condition and securely connected. Do not use such devices in high humidity, keep them away from fuel vapors.
Ignition system
The voltage in the secondary circuit of the ignition system reaches tens of thousands of volts. Touching some parts of the ignition system (e.g. spark plug wires) while the engine is running, can cause severe electrical shock, especially in wet conditions.