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Although an automobile presents many hazards, common sense and good equipment can ensure safety. Accidents happen because of carelessness. Pay attention, and stick to these few important safety rules.
3.1 Safety
WARNING-
 | Never run the engine in the work area unless it is well-ventilated. The exhaust should be ducted to the outside. Carbon Monoxide (CO) in the exhaust kills. |
| Remove all neckties, scarfs, loose clothing, or jewelry when working near running engines or power tools. Tuck in shirts. Tie long hair and secure it under a cap. Severe injury can result from these things being caught in rotating parts. |
| Remove rings, watches, and bracelets. Aside from the dangers of moving parts, metallic jewelry conducts electricity and may cause shorts, sparks, bums, or damage to the electrical system when accidently contacting the battery or other electrical terminals. |
| Disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal whenever working on the fuel system or anything that is electrically powered. Accidental electrical contact may damage the electrical system or cause fire. |
| Never work under a lifted car unless it is solidly supported on jack stands which are intended for that purpose. Do not support a car on cinder blocks, bricks, or other objects which may shift or crumble under continuous load. Never work under a car that is supported only by the lifting jack. |
| The fuel system is designed to retain pressure even when the ignition is off. When working with the fuel system, loosen the fuel lines very slowly to allow the residual pressure to dissipate gradually. Avoid spraying fuel. |
| Fuel is highly flammable. When working around fuel, do not smoke or work near heaters or other fire hazards. Keep an approved fire extinguisher handy. |
| Illuminate the work area adequately and safely. Use a portable safety light for working inside or under the car. A fluorescent type is best because it gives off less heat. If using a light with a normal incandescent bulb, use rough service bulbs to avoid breakage. The hot filament of an accidently broken bulb can ignite spilled fuel or oil. |
| Keep sparks, lighted matches, and open flame away from the top of the battery. Hydrogen gas emitted by the battery is highly flammable. Any nearby source of ignition may cause the battery to explode. |
| Never lay tools or parts in the engine compartment or on top of the battery. They may fall into confined spaces and be difficult to retrieve, become caught in belts or other rotating parts when the engine is started, or cause electrical shorts and damage to the electrical system. |
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