o.8 Safety first!
Professional mechanics are trained in safe
working procedures. However enthusiastic you
may be about getting on with the job at hand,
take the time to ensure that your safety is not put
at risk. A moment's lack of attention can result in
an accident, as can failure to observe simple
precautions.
There will always be new ways of having
accidents,
and
the
following
is
not
a
comprehensive list of all dangers; it is intended
rather to make you aware of the risks and to
encourage a safe approach to all work you carry
out on your bike.
Asbestos
•
Certain friction, insulating, sealing and
other products - such as brake pads, clutch
linings, gaskets, etc. - contain asbestos.
Extreme
care
must
be
taken
to
avoid
inhalation of dust from such products since it
is hazardous to health. If in doubt, assume
that they do contain asbestos.
Fire
•
Remember at all times that petrol is highly
flammable. Never smoke or have any kind of
naked flame around, when working on the
vehicle. But the risk does not end there - a
spark caused by an electrical short-circuit, by
two metal surfaces contacting each other, by
careless use of tools, or even by static
electricity built up in your body under certain
conditions, can ignite petrol vapour, which in
a confined space is highly explosive. Never
use petrol as a cleaning solvent. Use an
approved safety solvent.
•
Always disconnect the battery earth terminal
before working on any part of the fuel or electrical
system, and never risk spilling fuel on to a hot
engine or exhaust.
•
It is recommended that a fire extinguisher of
a type suitable for fuel and electrical fires is kept
handy in the garage or workplace at all times.
Never try to extinguish a fuel or electrical fire with
water.
Fumes
•
Certain fumes are highly toxic and can
quickly cause unconsciousness and even death if
inhaled to any extent. Petrol vapour comes into
this category, as do the vapours from certain
solvents such as trichloro-ethylene. Any draining
or pouring of such volatile fluids should be done
in a well ventilated area.
•
When using cleaning fluids and solvents,
read the instructions carefully. Never use
materials from unmarked containers - they may
give off poisonous vapours.
•
Never run the engine of a motor vehicle in an
enclosed space such as a garage. Exhaust
fumes contain carbon monoxide which is
extremely poisonous; if you need to run the
engine, always do so in the open air or at least
have the rear of the vehicle outside the
workplace.
The battery
•
Never cause a spark, or allow a naked
light near the vehicle's battery. It will normally
be giving off a certain amount of hydrogen
gas, which is highly explosive.
•
Always disconnect the battery ground (earth)
terminal before working on the fuel or electrical
systems (except where noted).
•
If possible, loosen the filler plugs or cover
when charging the battery from an external
source. Do not charge at an excessive rate or the
battery may burst.
•
Take care when topping up, cleaning or
carrying the battery. The acid electrolyte,
evenwhen diluted, is very corrosive and should
not be allowed to contact the eyes or skin.
Always wear rubber gloves and goggles or a face
shield. If you ever need to prepare electrolyte
yourself, always add the acid slowly to the water;
never add the water to the acid.
Electricity
•
When using an electric power tool, inspection
light etc., always ensure that the appliance is
correctly connected to its plug and that, where
necessary, it is properly grounded (earthed). Do
not use such appliances in damp conditions and,
again, beware of creating a spark or applying
excessive heat in the vicinity of fuel or fuel
vapour. Also ensure that the appliances meet
national safety standards.
•
A severe electric shock can result from
touching certain parts of the electrical system,
such as the spark plug wires (HT leads), when
the engine is running or being cranked,
particularly if components are damp or the
insulation is defective. Where an electronic
ignition system is used, the secondary (HT)
voltage is much higher and could prove fatal.
Remember...
.X Don't
start the engine without first ascer-
taining that the transmission is in neutral.
X
Don't
suddenly remove the pressure cap from
a hot cooling system - cover it with a cloth and
release the pressure gradually first, or you may
get scalded by escaping coolant.
X Don't
attempt to drain oil until you are sure it has
cooled sufficiently to avoid scalding you.
X Don't
grasp any part of the engine or
exhaust system without first ascertaining that it
is cool enough not to burn you.
X Don't
allow
brake fluid or antifreeze to contact the
machine's paintwork or plastic components.
X Don't
siphon toxic liquids such as fuel,
hydraulic fluid or antifreeze by mouth, or allow
them to remain on your skin.
X Dont
inhale
dust - it may be injurious to health (see
Asbestos heading).
X Dont
allow any spilled oil
or grease to remain on the floor - wipe it up
right away, before someone slips on it.
X Don't
use ill-fitting spanners or other tools which may
slip and cause injury.
X Dont
lift a heavy
component which may be beyond your
capability - get assistance.
X Don't
rush to finish a job or take
unverified short cuts.
X Don't
allow children or animals in or
around an unattended vehicle.
X Don't
inflate a tyre above the
recommended pressure. Apart from
overstressing the carcass, in extreme cases
the tyre may blow off forcibly.
•
Do
ensure that the machine is supported
securely at all times. This is especially
important when the machine is blocked up
to aid wheel or fork removal.
</
Do
take care when attempting to loosen a
stubborn nut or bolt. It is generally better to pull
on a spanner, rather than push, so that if you
slip, you fall away from the machine rather
than onto it.
•
Do
wear eye protection when using power
tools such as drill, sander, bench grinder etc.
•
Do
use a barrier cream on your hands prior
to undertaking dirty jobs - it will protect your
skin from infection as well as making the dirt
easier to remove afterwards; but make sure
your hands aren't left slippery. Note that long-
term contact with used engine oil can be a
health hazard.
•
Do
keep loose clothing (cuffs, ties etc. and
long hair) well out of the way of moving
mechanical parts.
•
Do
remove rings, wristwatch etc., before
working on the vehicle - especially the
electrical system.
•
Do
keep your work area tidy - it is only too
easy to fall over articles left lying around.
•
Do
exercise caution when compressing
springs for removal or installation. Ensure that
the tension is applied and released in a
controlled manner, using suitable tools which
preclude the possibility of the spring escaping
violently.
•
Do
ensure that any lifting tackle used has a
safe working load rating adequate for the job.
•
Do
get someone to check periodically that
all is well, when working alone on the vehicle.
•
Do
carry out work in a logical sequence and
check that everything is correctly assembled
and tightened afterwards.
•
Do
remember that your vehicle's safety
affects that of yourself and others. If in doubt
on any point, get professional advice.
• If in
spite of following these precautions, you are
unfortunate enough to injure yourself, seek
medical attention as soon as possible.
Scaned by Stalker