Home Page › Forums › Discussions › General independent garage chat › Safety plea during inquest into mechanic who got crushed by car
Tagged: Legislation
- This topic has 14 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 5 years, 7 months ago by Andy Watkins.
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Mike Ruff, GW editorKeymaster
A coroner has highlighted the dangers of working underneath vehicles and has urged all mechanics to always take precautions after a man died from ches
[See the full post at: Safety plea during inquest into mechanic who got crushed by car]TonyGuestThere are mechanics and there are people who tat with cars on the drive. You change a tyre and you could easily be killed by the jack slipping. I think any garage would recognises the potential for lost production if a tech is pinned under a car.
DougalGuestWould industry licensing have any relevance in these sad cases.
It sounds as though the work was being undertaken outside the industry.AlanGuestThere are times that I don’t use an axle stand and should be , sometimes we get complacent,this makes you rethink and I will use stands more
Des PullarGuestMost technicians won’t take the chance because we know the dangers, it’s a very sad case but I doubt he was a professional tech, more of a home handyman.
Rip, sounded like a decent bloke all the same.DanGuestIt’s a sad thing but all us techs have no doubt done it at some point like oh I just need a quick look just using the jack it can happen to any of us not just the diy mechanic
John RevillGuestIf you are reading this, you probably will think about personal safety and the safety of others. Well Done! If you are working under something, spare wheel, Blocks, axle stands, anything is better than nothing. Just consider, ” What happens if it slips?”… Courage and care to you all.. Work safely.. go home in one piece!JR
JamesGuestSafty first the car should be on level ground it not worth taking the chance with a jack. Use axle stands if they are missing parts spend the extra money and buy a new set .if I ever do a car i prefer level ground i use axle stands i chuck the wheels under the car and if i even chuck the ramps under the car if I’m working on under the front of car i make sure hand break is on and there is something at the of the rear wheels them extra few min you spend on safety is a good chance it will save your life .for got to add i give the car extra support by putting the jaxk underneath it as well . Some of you may think it over the top.but I’m not a chancer .stay safe fellow mechanics
AnonymousInactiveLegislation would have no effect, having worked in the industry for 40+ years I find that laws only make the government coffers bulge more and have little practical use.
Anthony RoeGuestRip Both lads that lost their lives, but you have to use the right equipment diy mechanics no problem with that at all but you must MUST secure the car properly as others have said level ground is a must axle stands and yes whatever you can put under the car that is not in your way or stop you getting to the area you need to fix, do it as i would imagine the vehicle failing on you would be quite horrific and could be a horrible way to go, best wishes to the family that are left behind and anybody reading the comments please learn from it.
Demetris KoulourisGuestI have seen everything and I say that mainly nobody is using axle to secure a car on a trolley jack and if so the axle pin is replaced by a bolt or screwdriver. Cutting corners in a high risk environment is dangerous. Under similar circumstances found death a master technician for Bull Racing cars couple of years ago. It is very sad to hear such bad news. Use the right tools for the job in hand. Evaluate the risk. Take precautions.
It is also nice to see that some people care more about the loss of profit of the industry, than the cost of life…..
Philip DunmoreGuestThe coroner is not correct if he us referring to professional technicians. Most of those will be using full height lifts in proper workshops, another subject, highly regulated.
In our workshop trolly jacks are only used for occasional wheel change or supporting an engine whilst one mount is removed.
All professionals should be aware of the dangers.
Eddie BamberGuestI personally know two people who have been killed in this way. One when a Jaguar sump pan crushed his face, and the other when the air bag on a bus suspension burst and the bus came down on him. I always use axle stands, and when I lower the jack onto them, I lock the jack out and leave that in place as well. We’ve all been guilty of a quick look underneath, but remember, your life is relying on one little ‘O’ ring. I think these guys have been enthusiastic amateurs without the right equipment. Stay safe everyone.
stuart gentGuesti have seen first hand the consequences of jacking up a vehicle on uneven ground and the mechanic crushed under the front hub of an alfa 75,it was only the week before that i advised him to insert axle stands as what he was doing was dangerous sadly he did not listen and the image of him will stay with me forever. dont take the risk its not worth it.
Andy WatkinsGuestIf your breaking cars for spares this is a heavily regulated industry probably not suited to granny’s drive.
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