Health, Safety and Industry Professional Practice
Health, Safety and Industry Professional Practice
This domain tests safe work habits, hazard control, environmental responsibility and professional conduct in a light vehicle workshop. It includes PPE, lifting, fire, chemicals, waste and accurate documentation.
Core rules
- Follow the hierarchy of control: eliminate, substitute, engineer, administrate, then PPE. PPE is the last line of defence.
- Use wheel chocks, axle stands and rated lifting points; never work under a vehicle held only by a jack.
- Fuel, solvents and used oil are hazardous; store in labelled containers and dispose through approved waste streams.
- Match the extinguisher to the fire class: water for class A only, CO₂ or dry powder for electrical and flammable liquid fires, and never water on a live electrical or fuel fire.
- High-voltage systems require isolation, verified zero energy, and the manufacturer's wait time before work.
- Record work performed, parts used and safety checks; inaccurate records are an ethical and legal problem.
Worked example
A solvent-soaked shop rag is left in an open bin. The correct response is to remove the ignition source, place the rag in a self-closing metal waste can, ventilate the area and dispose of it as hazardous waste. Solvent vapours are heavier than air and can ignite; spontaneous combustion is a real risk with oily rags. The fix is not to dilute the spill or hide the rag.
Traps
- Using water on a fuel or electrical fire.
- Reaching into a running engine bay or near a cooling fan.
- Assuming a jack is a safe support.
- Disconnecting an HV battery without waiting the specified time or verifying zero volts.
- Disposing of brake fluid or coolant into the drain.