Occupational Safety, Health and Environment
What this domain tests
The AITT theory paper checks workshop safety in the Mechanic Motorcycle trade: hazard identification, personal protective equipment, fire fighting, chemical and battery handling, electrical safety, exhaust ventilation, waste disposal and first aid. Questions are usually scenarios rather than definitions.
Core rules
- Wear safety glasses when grinding, cutting or using compressed air; never clean skin or clothing with compressed air.
- Fire classes: A solids, B flammable liquids, C gases, D metals. Petrol is Class B; energised electrical equipment needs CO2 or dry powder, never water.
- Petrol vapour is heavier than air and travels to drains and pits. No smoking, no naked flame, bond and earth containers during transfer.
- Charge lead-acid batteries only in a ventilated area; hydrogen is explosive. Keep acid away from skin and eyes.
- Route exhaust gas outdoors; carbon monoxide is odourless and lethal in a closed shop.
- Segregate used oil, coolant, brake fluid, solvent and batteries for authorised disposal.
Worked example
A drain tray of petrol catches fire beside a bench. Water is the wrong choice because petrol floats and water spreads the burning fuel. The correct response is to raise the alarm, switch off nearby electrical equipment if safe, evacuate, and use a foam, CO2 or dry-powder extinguisher rated for Class B. If the fire reaches an energised electrical panel, use CO2 and do not direct the jet onto live parts.
Traps that cost marks
Using water on petrol or electrical fires; storing acid and solvent together; ignoring a swollen battery; assuming a fume cupboard is unnecessary for solvent washing; using petrol as a cleaning agent.
Key points
- Match extinguisher class to fuel type.
- Ventilate for CO and hydrogen.
- PPE is task-specific, not decorative.
- Petrol vapour collects at low level.
- Battery acid needs copious water for skin contact and urgent medical help for eyes.