If you have never used a jack stand before, invest some time in learning the correct way to set it up. Each unit you rent or buy will come with specific setup instructions. You should always stick to these things in order to ensure that you get the right place and optimal insurance. This is vital to avoid a major accident.
There are many additional things that you should do before you start your business.
The outfit you will be wearing is another important consideration that you must make. Bare arms, bare hands, and unprotected eyes can all be injured. By making an effort to prepare for this task in the desired way, you can avoid minor burns, cuts, and even more serious problems. A sturdy pair of jeans or work pants is essential. You will probably kneel a bit and if you have any knee issues, you may want to wear a pair of pants with knee pads.
Safety glasses are an essential addition to your work attire. If you don't have these, the eyes remain weak and can be exposed to broken glass, flying metal bits, and sprays of hot chemicals. These tools are especially necessary if you are going to perform a coolant-related repair. No matter how carefully you cool your car before you start, this solution can splash, causing damage to your skin and eyes. A simple pair of safety glasses will help prevent the worst of these potential injuries.
It is also essential that you never start work on the vehicle until it has cooled completely. While this requires patience, it is definitely worth the extra time it will take. This can reduce the possibility of coolant flowing out when the coolant cap is removed. It will also prevent you from getting burned due to the hot metal interior. Although surface parts may get cold to the touch, things are likely to get hotter the closer you get to the engine. It is critical that you consider the possibility of heat retention when addressing an issue that has caused the engine to overheat. In these cases, the cool-down period should be significantly extended. The same is true if you will be performing these tasks outdoors on a very hot day.
If you are working on door handles or car doors, be very careful with sharp parts.
Always have plenty of good lighting and give the eyes enough time to adjust to any lighting changes that occur. When using a flashlight or other hand-held lighting device, wait several seconds for visibility to change. As the eye adapts to the effect of light, you will be able to see more and you will be able to avoid more dangers.
Maintaining a safe work area is another vital effort that must be undertaken. If there are a lot of oily areas on the floor, you can clean them up with sand or even cat litter. They are absorbent and will provide you with a floor surface that will not fall or slide while carrying heavy parts or other materials. You should also close all open cabinets and drawers as they can make you trip or stumble at a very inopportune time. Maintaining a clean workspace will help you and everyone who will work with you avoid unnecessary accidents. The more diligent you are about your work, the easier and hassle-free the project is likely to be. The right system and organization will also help you find what you need when you need it.
