Automobile Fundamentals and Workshop Safety
Domain 1 checks whether you can describe how a vehicle is put together and apply workshop safety rules - usually as short-answer items: define the chassis, name a drive layout, choose a fire extinguisher, list PPE.
Layout and main assemblies
The rolling chassis carries engine, clutch, gearbox, propeller shaft, axles, suspension, steering and wheels; the body is the shell mounted on it. Layout codes state engine position and driven wheels: FF (front engine, front-wheel drive), FR, RR, 4WD. The five functional groups are engine, transmission/drivetrain, running gear (suspension, wheels, tyres), steering and brakes, and the electrical system.
Safety rules that are marked
- Fire classes: A (wood, paper, cloth) water or dry powder; B (petrol, oil, paint) foam, CO2 or dry powder; C (gas) CO2 or dry powder; live electrical CO2 or dry powder, never water.
- Jack up, then lower onto axle stands before going underneath; chock the wheels.
- Battery charging releases hydrogen - no sparks; when mixing electrolyte, add acid to water, never water to acid.
- Decant petrol only with earthing/bonding, no naked flame, extinguisher at hand.
- PPE: safety shoes, goggles, gloves, overalls; report leaks before starting any job.
Worked example
A car on the ramp drips petrol. Reasoning: Class B flammable liquid plus ignition risk, so switch off the ignition, do not crank the engine, absorb the spill with a drip tray and absorbent, remove ignition sources and keep dry powder or foam ready. Water would spread burning petrol, so it is the wrong choice.
Traps that cost marks
Water on a petrol fire; CO2 quoted for a deep-seated wood fire; forgetting axle stands; calling the body part of the chassis; writing FF for a rear-wheel-drive vehicle; treating a 12 V battery as harmless when it can arc and ignite fuel vapour.