“Car washes can be dangerous places if you aren’t careful and prepared. Think about all of the potentially harmful things you can encounter at a car wash. There are industrial motors operating at several thousand RPM, high-pressured water spraying at intense PSI levels, and concentrated chemicals that can hurt skin if used carelessly. Let’s not forget the vehicles driving around in different directions, coming around blind corners, and parking at strange angles! None of these are a surprise to car wash owners, who have probably seen just about everything on their property. Still, it’s good for even the most experienced owner to have a car wash safety item checklist that they occasionally review”.
Below are general car wash safety tips to help ensure your operation is as free from hazards as possible. Training and educating your employees on the importance of these safety tips goes a long way in creating a stronger safety work culture.
- Only authorized employees should conduct electrical or mechanical repairs. Lockout/tagout procedure should be used to be sure that all electricity or power supply to the area being serviced is shut off.
- Carefully read labels and SDS on all chemicals used at the car wash. These have detailed information letting you know the actual breakdown of the chemicals in a particular container, how to use the chemical safely, how to store the chemical, and how to administer first aid if accidental contact or consumption occurs.
- Properly train employees on how to use all the equipment on the property.
- Post and enforce speed, traffic flow, and parking restrictions to reduce accidents.
- Do not allow employees to ever stand in front of vehicles once an automatic wash has begun.
- Teach employees to properly lift heavy items to avoid strains.
- Keep areas free of clutter and clean up spills immediately to avoid slips and falls.
- Encourage employees to wear protective items like gloves, glasses/goggles, protective boots, and ear plugs/muffs.
- Keep a first aid kit on hand to deal with any accidents
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