Safety in Workshops

Safety should be non-negotiable in any mechanical workshop that has heavy equipment for lifting and moving vehicles. The daily tasks of mechanics involve high risks when servicing or repairing large vehicles. In addition, manual tasks become complicated due to the weight and size of trucks, buses and other commercial vehicles. Hence, it is critical to follow safety protocols and ensure that staff are well-trained on the equipment.

This article explores how workshop handling equipment, such as heavy vehicle hoists and accessories, can influence the safety, efficiency and productivity of a smooth workshop environment.

The Role of Heavy Vehicle Hoists

Lifting heavy vehicles has potential risks that can lead to injury if not managed correctly. Outdated and unsafe methods or improper equipment can lead to accidents, making selecting a high-quality, fit-for-purpose vehicle hoist and accessories a critical business decision.

Main Types of Lifting Equipment:

• Mobile Column Lifts: As the name suggests, they are flexible and can be moved inside and around the workshop. They can be configured in sets of four, six, or more, which allows a workshop to handle a wide range of vehicles, from a small truck to an articulated prime mover and trailers
• Vehicle Ramps: When used with hoists, they reduce your vehicle turnaround time. No positioning adjustments are required for different vehicles and they offer support for the full length with underside access

 Heavy Vehicle Hoist Manufacturers & Innovations:

• Endurequip: Owned by RUD Australia, Endurequip is the only Australian-made chain-driven heavy vehicle hoist. Reputed nationally for over 35 years and IP65 rated for indoor and outdoor use. The simple setup ensures easy training for mechanics and safe operation
• Finkbeiner: Made in Germany and the inventor of the first hydraulic mobile column hoist. Finkbeiner hoists include hydraulic drives and wireless radio controls for a safer option over other types of hoists

These innovations of the above two companies are integral to a safety-first approach, reducing manual labour and minimising human error during a lift.

Essential Workshop Accessories for Safety and Efficiency

Beyond the hoist itself, workshop accessories also reduce risk and enhance productivity. While a hoist can be the primary lifting mechanism, accessories offer secondary support and expanded functionality, which are essential for comprehensive vehicle maintenance.

Secondary Support:

• Vehicle Stands: Safety authorities like SafeWork SA and SafeWork NSW highlight that it is a non-negotiable safety requirement to never work under a vehicle unsupported by a secondary system. Vehicle stands act as a fail-safe support, providing a safety net in case of a hoist failure. Which is why investing in high-quality, certified stands is critical

 Enhanced Versatility & Functionality:

• A-Frame Trailer Adaptors: Allow a workshop to lift safely and service trailers
• Small Wheel Adaptors: Can be fitted to a heavy vehicle hoist to accommodate smaller vehicles, such as cars or vans

The above accessories allow a workshop to service a mixed fleet without needing multiple, expensive lifting systems, thereby optimising space and improving workflow.

Boosting Workshop Safety Beyond the Lift

The broad topic of workshop safety extends beyond lifting equipment, encompassing an approach to minimise hazards for mechanics.

Hazardous Manual Tasks (HMTs):

• According to SafeWork SA, HMTs are a significant contributor to injuries in automotive workshops, leading to sprains, strains and other musculoskeletal disorders
• Solution: Using mechanical aids like hoists and cranes reduces the risk associated with these tasks. Modern tools, such as high-torque impact wrenches and battery-powered grease guns, also help to minimise physical strain on mechanics

Safety Practices:

• Workshop Layout: A well-organised workspace, free of clutter and spills, is essential for preventing slips, trips and falls
• Vehicle Immobilisation: Ensuring vehicles are properly chocked and the handbrake is applied before any work commences
• Risk Assessments & Training: Implementing thorough risk assessments for all tasks and ensuring all staff receive proper training on equipment operation and safety protocols

In Conclusion

Every heavy vehicle workshop needs to implement a safety-first policy. This can involve investing in high-quality, certified equipment and regular training for mechanics. The first step is choosing the right heavy vehicle hoist with a strong service network. In addition, the hoist systems should be complemented with workshop accessories, such as vehicle stands and adaptors, to ensure a reliable support system.

By integrating technology and adhering to safety guidelines, workshops can not only protect their most valuable assets - their employees, but also enhance productivity, streamline operations and solidify their reputation as a responsible business.

References:

• SafeWork SA - https://www.safework.sa.gov.au/
• SafeWork NSW - https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/
• WorkSafe QLD - https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/

For more information on robust, Australian-compliant heavy vehicle lifting solutions that empower your workshop, call us on 07 3809 1300.

Copyright to RUD: This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.