Monthly Archive for July, 2011

Working Safely on an Import at Home

Tuning an import for drag or street racing often means working in a home garage. Although it may seem easy, safety precautions should be taken.

Clothes should be reasonably well-fitting. Loose clothing can easily be trapped or caught. The same goes for wearing jewelry, particularly bracelets or necklaces. Boots or shoes with a non-slip sole can prevent falls from oil or other vehicle fluids. When working with chemicals or welding, protective clothing should be donned.

Depending on the work, different types of gloves should be worn. Grinding or welding needs a heavy protective glove. For chemical work, vinyl or polyurethane gloves should be chosen.

Also for chemical work, a respirator may be necessary. Even with an open garage, fumes can overwhelm a person within minutes. Some vehicle chemicals may cause neurological damage if inhaled in large amounts.

Eye protection is vital. Safety goggles should completely enclose the eyes. Splash goggles or a full-face shield should be worn for working on air conditioning systems. When welding, wear a shield to protect the eyes.

Ear protection should be worn when using noisy equipment or power tools. In the confines of a garage, excess noise can quickly deafen a person. Even striking metal repeatedly with a hammer or mallet can produce hearing loss.

When working with a vehicle on a jack, always notify a third party. Keep a backup jack in place for extra security. A jack failure can result in a vehicle slipping and crushing the tuner.

By taking some basic precautions, import tuners can save money on medical fees and spend it on their import. A polished import is of no use to an injured driver. Keep safety equipment (such as a fire extinguisher) handy and in usable condition. Simple preparations can save time, money, and personal health down the line.




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