HSC Automotive (VET) key terms

The main Australian law that sets out the legal duties of employers, workers and others to keep workplaces safe. It requires risks to health and safety to be eliminated or reduced so far as reasonably practicable.

The legal and moral obligation everyone in a workplace has to take reasonable steps to protect their own safety and the safety of others. In automotive work it covers following procedures, reporting hazards and using equipment correctly.

A ranked list of ways to manage risk, from most to least effective: eliminate the hazard, substitute it, use engineering controls, apply administrative controls, then use protective equipment. It guides how automotive workplaces decide on safety measures.

The process of identifying hazards, judging how likely and how severe any harm could be, and deciding what controls are needed. It is usually recorded so controls can be reviewed and improved over time.

A written breakdown of a task into steps, with the hazards of each step and the controls required to do it safely. It is prepared before work starts and reviewed when conditions or procedures change.

A documented, step-by-step method for carrying out a task safely, based on risk assessment. Workers are trained in it and expected to follow it, and it is updated when equipment or processes change.

Any source or situation with the potential to cause injury, illness or damage, such as a fuel spill, an unguarded belt, or poor ventilation. Hazards are identified before work begins and reported when found.

Clothing and gear worn to reduce exposure to workplace hazards, such as safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, steel-capped boots and respirators. It is the last line of defence and must be inspected, fitted and maintained correctly.

Equipment such as dust masks and cartridge respirators that stop harmful particles or vapours being breathed in. Correct cartridge selection, face fit and replacement schedules are essential, especially when spraying paint or working with solvents.

Devices such as earplugs and earmuffs that reduce noise reaching the ear during loud tasks like grinding, hammering or air tool use. Selection depends on noise level and exposure time, and correct fitting is critical.

A chemical or material that can harm health, such as fuels, solvents, paints, adhesives and battery acid. It must be stored, labelled, handled and disposed of according to its safety data sheet and workplace rules.

A standard document supplied with a hazardous chemical that lists its hazards, safe handling, first aid, spill response, storage and disposal requirements. Workers must be able to access it and understand the key sections before using the product.

Substances that pose risks during transport or storage, such as flammables, corrosives and compressed gases. They are classified, packaged, marked and stored according to transport and storage regulations.

Organised keeping of chemicals in correct containers, with compatible substances separated, adequate ventilation, bunding and clear labelling. Flammables are kept away from ignition sources and quantities are limited to what is needed.

Lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling or carrying loads by hand or bodily force. Safe technique, team lifting and mechanical aids reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury, which is common in automotive work.

The procedure of shutting off energy sources such as electricity, fuel, compressed air or hydraulic pressure, then locking and tagging them so equipment cannot be restarted while someone works on it. Only the person who applied a lock removes it.

Raising a vehicle safely using a jack and supporting it on approved stands or a hoist at correct lifting points. A jack alone never supports a vehicle while work is done underneath it.

Preventing and responding to fires through housekeeping, correct storage of flammables, hot work permits and knowing how to use the right extinguisher. Extinguisher types are matched to the class of fire present.

Any task producing flames, sparks or significant heat, such as welding, grinding or cutting. It usually requires a permit, removal of combustibles, fire watch and suitable shielding.

The planned, practised response to fire, chemical release or other emergency, involving alarms, designated exits, assembly points and roll calls. Workers must know their roles and follow wardens' directions.

Immediate basic care given to an injured or ill person before professional help arrives, such as controlling bleeding, treating burns or performing CPR. Workplaces provide trained first aiders, kits and reporting procedures.

A written record of an injury, near miss, property damage or dangerous occurrence, completed promptly after the event. It supports investigation, corrective action and legal notification requirements.

Repeated unreasonable behaviour, or unwelcome conduct based on personal characteristics, that harms a person's safety or wellbeing. It is unlawful, and workplaces must have reporting channels and response procedures.

The principle that all people have fair access to jobs, training and promotion, and are treated without discrimination on grounds such as age, sex, race, disability or religion. It is supported by anti-discrimination law.

The obligation to prevent pollution and manage waste, spills and emissions responsibly. In automotive work this covers correct disposal of oils, coolants and batteries, spill containment and minimising air and noise emissions.

Sorting and removing waste through approved channels, such as used oil collection, scrap metal recycling, and separate streams for solvents, filters and batteries. Waste must never enter drains or general rubbish.

Using trays, bunding, absorbent materials and spill kits to stop leaks from spreading and reaching drains or soil. Spills are cleaned up immediately and contaminated material is disposed of correctly.

A documented method that describes exactly how a workshop task is performed to achieve consistent quality and safety. It links specifications, tools, steps and checks so different technicians get the same result.

The written record of work requested and performed on a vehicle, including customer concerns, tasks, parts used, times and technician sign-off. It links the repair to the customer, the vehicle and the invoice.

The authorised instruction to carry out specified work, often including a cost estimate and customer approval. It controls what is done, prevents unauthorised work and supports accurate billing.

A quoted prediction of the cost of a repair, covering labour time, parts and consumables. It must be clear about what is included and is confirmed with the customer before work proceeds.

Manufacturer data such as workshop manuals, technical bulletins, wiring diagrams, torque and fluid specifications, and diagnostic procedures. Technicians consult it to ensure repairs meet the manufacturer's requirements.

The manufacturer's stated tightening force for a fastener, usually given as a value with a tolerance and sometimes a sequence or angle. Correct torque prevents loosening, distortion and component failure.

A calibrated tool that releases or signals when a set tightening force is reached. It must be stored at its lowest setting, handled carefully and checked for accuracy so fasteners are tightened correctly.

Comparing a measuring or testing tool against a known standard and adjusting or recording its accuracy. Torque wrenches, wheel aligners, gas analysers and multimeters need current calibration for valid results.

A device that communicates with a vehicle's electronic control units to read fault codes, live data and readiness information, and sometimes to perform tests or resets. Results guide the diagnostic process rather than replacing it.

A code stored by a control unit when it detects an out-of-range signal or logic fault. It identifies the circuit or system involved and is used with test data to find the root cause.

A test instrument that measures voltage, resistance and current, and often continuity. It is used to check circuits, sensors and charging systems against specifications.

A structured method of tracing a fault back to its underlying cause rather than treating symptoms. It uses test results, observation and logic to confirm the cause before parts are replaced.

A manufacturer's or supplier's commitment to repair or replace faulty parts or workmanship within stated conditions and time. Technicians must follow procedures and record evidence so claims are valid.