by Jake Schell
Inattention to detail can lead to serious consequences in a dangerous, busy shop environment
Place
There are numerous dangers in the shop. Technicians come into contact with materials that are flammable, poisonous, heavy, sharp, high-voltage and moving. Awareness to the potential dangers in the shop is of primary importance to staying safe. Sometimes items that seem inconsequential from one perspective are, in fact, a potential hazard.
Most technicians will know that engine coolant is toxic. But they may not know that engine coolant is also potentially flammable when exposed to open flame or hot surfaces. Obviously, gaining such knowledge through available information is better than learning about the danger when the truck bursts into flames.
Knowing what equipment and tools to use, and how to use them, will not only help to keep the technician safe, such knowledge makes performing the task more efficient and accurate. Using equipment not designed or rated for a job can easily result in damage to the equipment, the vehicle, oneself and potentially others. Reviewing the equipment operating information along with the vehicle service information can help reveal potential dangers before starting a job.
Strategy
A strategy can be as simple as a plan to grab a job ticket, fix a truck, and move on to the next job. It’s a rather open-ended strategy, to be sure, but it’s an approach. Service information will typically offer a systematic approach for diagnosing and repairing specific makes and models. Likewise, technician training programs will present a more generalized approach that may be used on a variety of vehicles or systems.
In either case, having a consistent plan to carry out diagnoses and repair can save time and maintain safety. Rushing and taking shortcuts offers no benefit if the repair does not fix the problem, something else gets damaged, or you get hurt.
Attitude
While attitude is the final part of this discussion, the technician’s attitude establishes the foundation for the dangerous nature of a shop. If I, as a technician, determine that being professional and responsible in my approach to the work is of the highest priority, then I can help keep myself and others safe while building my credibility as a world-class technician. The decision is mine to make.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Check out Jake Schell’s complete line-up of monthly columns in Fleet Equipment Magazine at https://www.fleetequipmentmag.com/author/jake-schell/.
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About the Author
Jake Schell
Jake Schell is the Associate Product Manager for Mitchell 1’s commercial vehicle product line. He has been with Mitchell 1 since 2001. Prior to coming to Mitchell 1, Jake spent 20 years as a technician, with Chevrolet Master certification in the transmission category as well as ASE certifications in both car and truck.
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