Car Restoration: Workshop Safety

From Classic Car Life

Car Restoration: Workshop Safety

Car Restoration is a widely loved and rewarding hobby. However, when rejuvenating old cars, there can be several risks involved. Workshop safety is an important issue for all who choose to work in such an environment. A garage will inevitably have a variety of materials and substances that can be very hazardous if not used carefully. Flammable liquids, water and electricity are just some of the dangers. With some common sense and preventative measures in place, you can greatly reduce the chances of injury, fire and electrocution. This guide shows how work safety can help to avoid a number of potentially horrifying accidents.

Workshop Safety – Things You Should Do

• Ensure that old cars are supported not only by the jack, but on strong axle stands and ramps.
• Wear face masks for any Car Restoration work that includes sanding and old paint.
• Keep young children, animals and breakables away from the area that you are working on old cars in.
• Wear work safety glasses/goggles when drilling, grinding, welding, or doing anything that produces dirt or sparks.
• Protect your ears from foreign substances and loud noises for the best work safety.
• Wear thick gloves and toe-capped footwear when using heavy machinery or tools.
• Ensure there is nothing flammable nearby, as one spark can start a huge fire.
• Use a main power breaker when you operate power tools to avoid electric shocks.
• Dispose of old oil in the correct manner.
• Keep your mobile phone to hand in case of an emergency.
• Use the correct work safety face shields for different types of welding on old cars.

Workshop Safety – Things NOT to Do

• Avoid being covered in old cars engine oil as this can be harmful to your health.
• Do not smoke in the Car Restoration area.
• Do not store petrol and other flammable liquids in open containers.
• Jack-up old cars on flat and level ground, not on slopes.
• Do not be tempted to use cheap tools as these can snap when in use.
• Only use a blowlamp if you are sure there are no combustible items in the area.
• When welding, strip out the interior trim from the welding area.
• Make sure the car restoration area is totally free from unnecessary clutter that can be tripped over.
• Stash power cables and leads away when you are not using them for good workshop safety.