Work Environment

 

     The work environment can be described as anywhere you work. The condition of the work environment plays an important role in making the workplace safer. A safe work environment goes a long way toward preventing accidents, injuries, and illnesses. There are many ways to describe a safe work environment, but generally it would contain a well-organized shop layout, use of shop policies and procedures, safe equipment, safety equipment, safety training, employees who work safely, good supervision, and a workplace culture that supports safe work practices. Conversely, a shop that is cluttered with junk, poorly lit, and full of safety hazards is unsafe (FIGURE 3-9).

OSHA and EPA

      OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It is a U.S. government agency that was created to provide national leadership in occupational safety and health, and it works toward finding the most effective ways to help prevent worker fatalities and workplace injuries and illnesses. OSHA has the authority to conduct workplace inspections and, if required, fine employers and workplaces if they violate its regulations and procedures (FIGURE 3-10). For example, a fine may be imposed on the employer or workplace if a worker is electrocuted by a piece of faulty machinery that has not been regularly tested and maintained.

     EPA stands for the Environmental Protection Agency. This federal government agency deals with issues related to environmental safety. The EPA conducts research and monitoring, sets standards, conducts workplace inspections, and holds employees and companies legally accountable in order to keep the environment protected. Shop activities need to comply with EPA laws and regulations by ensuring that waste products are disposed of in an environmentally responsible way, chemicals and fluids are correctly stored, and work practices do not contribute to damaging the environment (FIGURE 3-11).

Applied Science

AS-2:Environmental lssues: The technician develops and maintains an understanding of all federal, state, and local rules and regulations regarding environmental issues related to the work of the automobile technician.

     You need to keep up to date with local laws and regulations regarding environmental issues.There are large lines associated with disregarded environmental regulations. To remain informed. you can log on to local state websites to check the latest laws and regulations.The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website also has up-to-date information on environmental regulations (www.epa.gov/lawsregs/). More information can be found on the specific regulations for the automotive industry at www.epagovilawsregslsectorslautomotive. html.This site has a full listing of laws and regulations. Compliance measures. and enforcement tactics. For additional laws that are FIGURE 3-11 Correct chemical storage. enforced by your local state environmental agencies. go to wwwepa.gov/epahome/state.htm.

AS-3: Environmental issues: The technician uses such things as government impact statements, media information, and general knowledge of pollution and waste management to correctly use and dispose of products that result from the performance of a repair task. 

     When you complete a job. you must be able to identify what to do with any waste products created from the repair task This could be as simple as knowing where and how to recycle cardboard boxes or as complex as knowing what to do with brake components that may contain asbestos. Normally there is a table posted in the garage that details the correct measures for disposing of and storing waste material. A sample table follows:

Shop Policies and Procedures

     Shop policies and procedures are a set of documents that out-line how tasks and activities in the shop are to be conducted and  managed. They also ensure that the shop operates according to OSHA and EPA laws and regulations. A policy is a guiding principle that sets the shop direction, and a procedure is a list of the steps required to get the same result each time a task or activity is performed (FIGURE 3-12). An example of a policy is an OSHA document for the shop that describes how the shop complies with legislation, such as a sign simply saying, “Safety glasses must be worn at all times in the shop.” An example of a procedure is a document that describes the steps required to safely use the vehicle hoist.

     Each shop has its own set of policies and procedures and a system in place to make sure the policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and updated. Regular reviews ensure that new policies and procedures are developed and old ones are modified in case something has changed. For example, if the shop moves to a new building, then a review of policies and procedures will ensure that they relate to the new shop, its layout, and equipment. In general, the policies and procedures are written to guide shop practice; help ensure compliance with laws, statutes, and regulations; and reduce the risk of injury. Always follow your shop policies and procedures to reduce the risk of injury to your coworkers and yourself and to prevent damage to property.

     It is everyone’s responsibility to know and follow the rules. Locate the general shop rules and procedures for your workplace. Look through the contents or index pages to familiarize yourself with the contents. Discuss the policy and the shop rules and procedures with your supervisor. Ask questions to ensure that you understand how the rules and procedures should be applied and your role in making sure they are followed.