Inspection pit safety has always been a major concern in the vehicle maintenance industry. A vehicle inspection pit is a pit that allows workers to work underneath the vehicle, hence posing a potential safety issue as it prevents objects falling into the pit.
Another way to ensure vehicle pits safety is using regulated inspection pits such as Prefabricated Inspection Pits from Capital Garage Equipment.
But thankfully, there are some guidelines to lower the risks and prevent these accidents :
Types of equipment To Prevent Injuries
There are a few types of equipment that can be invested in to lower the risks of injuries. The list is as below :
Get an Inspection Pit Cover
Out of working hours, the workshop or garage can be very dark and low in visibility, which is why inspection pit covers are crucial as they prevent people from falling into the pit.
Moreover, during vehicle inspection, the vehicle inspection pits should cover unused parts of the inspection pit to prevent falls and can even act as a platform to be stood on.
There are a few criteria for an ideal inspection pit cover :
- Convenient installation and removal
- Appropriate sturdiness to handle falling objects or people
- Tight fitting
- High-pit equipment compatibility
Safety Net
A safety net, by definition, means a net that protects people from falling directly onto the ground. The net absorbs the impact of the person or object that is falling.
The same concept is applied to the inspection pit’s safety net. It prevents people falling directly inside open pits.
A safety net is the most effective and cost-efficient solution there is in the industry, as it is low cost, meets the criteria of safety regulations and it is highly accessible anywhere.
The bottom line of a safety net is that it should be able to handle a falling person or object.
Moveable Bridge
Inspection pits can be very long in length, which causes workers to just hop across the inspection pits. This can be very dangerous as it might cause potential injuries.
Installing a movable bridge with handrails allow workers to cross the inspection pits at ease and safely, despite the long pit. Like an inspection pit cover, it can also act as a platform for workers to work on.
It is a mobile bridge that moves along the open inspection pit, allowing workers to cross over to the opposite side of the vehicle pit.
However, the only downside to it is that it would be impractical when the pit is occupied, which might hinder the working process.
Pit Lights and High Visibility Paint
Increased visibility of the inspection pit allows people to easily notice hazard points. There are a few ways to increase the visibility of the inspection pits :
- Mark pit edges with black and yellow painting chevrons
- Install pit lighting with white painting inside the pits
Anti Slip Material
Inspection pits should be covered with anti-slip materials, especially access points, and exit points. A safe access point is crucial as access steps are one of the most frequent accident hotspots.
Other precautions such as adding guard rails or a handrail can also be beneficial in ensuring the safety of inspection pits.
Personnel Safety Equipment
Provide people with head protection for everyone entering the workshop. This can prevent major head injuries or lower the risk of serious injury.
Other equipment such as eye protection and ear protection is also needed when the situation deems it necessary.
Best Practices to Prevent Fire and Suffocation
Due to the likely limited natural ventilation provided by pits, the release of any low flashpoint material or heavier-than-air gas over or close to a pit might provide a risk of fire, explosion, and suffocation.
To lessen these dangers:
- Do not perform pit work on non-diesel tanks or it’s fuel lines where there is a risk of fuel release
- Always keep at least one fire extinguisher nearby
- Avoid performing any hot work near or on any tank or fuel line
- Avoid storing heaters powered by gas or propane near the pits due to the risk of leakage
- Empty the refrigerant from the air conditioning units before performing pit work
- Unless there is decent ventilation, do not
- Leave cars idling
- Do any kind of welding activity
- Use appropriate pit lightning (able to handle potentially explosive atmospheres and complies with the appropriate standard)
Risk Assessments
Frequent risk assessment can contribute to the health and safety of people working in the workshop. Risk assessment should be conducted in a periodic manner to ensure the wear and tear of the equipment will not pose a threat to people.
A safety executive should also be appointed to plan and oversee the whole safety operations. Regulations such as height regulations of the inspection pit should also be ensured by the safety executives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, inspection pit safety is not something that should be compromised, but rather be enforced. The health and safety of the people should be prioritized over anything else.
To purchase this safety equipment, please contact your local machinery provider for more information.
