Pit Safety
Pits provide access underneath vehicles, commonly heavy vehicles, for servicing and maintenance however, pits also introduce hazards in the automotive workshop environment. It’s important to identify workplace hazards and implement appropriate controls to ensure the safety of those working in your workshop.
Likely hazards associated with working in or around vehicle service pits may include:
- falls into an unguarded or uncovered pit
- asphyxiation
- explosion or fire
- Poor lighting
Risk management approaches
To prevent the risk of falls, MTA recommends the use of engineering controls such as the installation of pit covers, sectionalised guardrails or chain barriers when the pit is not in use. These options prevent people from falling into pits. Other controls may include restricting unauthorised access to workshops, e.g. not allowing customers to walk around in the workshop where they are not familiar with hazards or painting the edges of the pit in yellow paint and the interior of the pit white to accentuate the pit area.
Hazardous vapours generated from workshop activities may be present in the atmosphere. Consider where activities occur in relation to the location of pits as some vapours have a tendency to settle in low areas. Ideally, pits should be fitted with a mechanical ventilation system. Where there is no mechanical ventilation system, there should be adequate natural ventilation – e.g. opening workshop doors to allow fresh air to circulate through the workshop. Where possible, avoid welding or oxy cutting in or near pits, minimise the time spent in the pits when the engine of the vehicle is running to fault find or test and ensure flammable goods are stored a safe distance away from pits.
Lighting and equipment used in pits should be intrinsically safe to remove ignition sources. Additionally, not having adequate and appropriate lighting may increase the risk of injury to workers by means of slips and trips and potentially impact the quality of workmanship.
Finally, and most importantly, ensure emergency management response is considered, discussed amongst the workforce and practiced. Whilst we all strive for a safe workplace, it’s better to be prepared for worst-case scenarios
