Safety in the Small Gas Engine Shop
After Studying this chapter you will be able to:
• Explain why a clean, well-organized shop is
extremely important.
• List several danger associated with working in a
small engine shop
• Explain the importance of maintaining and using
tools properly
• Describe Methods of minimizing the risks
involved in working with small engines
• Explain the function of OSHA

Shop Safety
• Special precautions should be taken when
working with small engines.
• It is very important to recognize potential
hazards and make sure that your work area is
safe.
• Safety is the responsibility of everyone in the
small engine shop.
• Never take unnecessary risks to complete a
job.

Keep work area clean
• An oily floor is slippery and can cause serious
falls.
• Always use spill control devices to capture
leaks from any type of container.
• Keeping the shop area clean can also
eliminate fire hazards.
• Never store used rags in a closet or corner.
• Rags saturated with gasoline or solvent are
highly flammable and can be easily ignited.

Handle hazardous materials properly
• There are many
dangerous chemicals
used in the small engine
shop.
• Always store chemicals
in a safe place.
• These containers should
be stored in safety
cabinets to further
minimize risks.

Wear proper clothing
• Avoid loose-fitting clothing, which can get caught
in moving machine parts.
• Log hair should be worn up or secured under a
cap.
• Safety glasses should be worn to protect eyes
when doing any procedure in the small engine
shop.
• Ear Protection should be worn to protect ears
when working with and loud noise in the shop.

See Figure 1-7 in text for
“recommended permissible limits”

Maintain adequate ventilation
• The exhaust gasses produced by gasoline
engines contain carbon monoxide.
• Carbon Monoxide is colorless and odorless.
• Large amounts of CO2 can cause death.
• A lethal amount of CO2 can accumulate in a
closed one-car garage in three minutes.
• solvents used to clean engine parts also
release toxic fumes.

Use Hand Tools Properly
• Many accidents are caused by the improper use
of common hand tools.
• Greasy or oily tools are likely to slip from your
hand and may fall into rotating engine parts.
• Tools should only be used for the job they were
designed for.
• When using a wrench, always pull the handle
towards you when you are able to.
• Hammer heads must be securely attached to the
handle before use.

Use power tools properly
• Make sure all guards and shields are in place, and
working.
• Wear safety glasses when operating power tools.
• Never make adjustments on a power tool when it
is running.
• All power tools should be equipped with a dead
man switch. (switch automatically shuts the tool
off when the operator releases the control
button.)

Use compressed air carefully
• Wear safety glasses when using compressed air.
• Use no more then 30 psi when cleaning any parts
of your engine.
• Never use compressed air to clean your clothing
or hair.
• Always hold the hose nozzle tightly when using
compressed air.
• Pressure in the hose can cause it to whip
violently.

Lift properly
• Always lift heavy object
carefully.
• If necessary, ask for
help when moving
heavy items.
• To avoid unnecessary
back strain, always lift
with your legs, not with
your back.

Protect the knees
• Many times kneeling is don on a
hard, rough, and/or irregular surface.
• Similar to injury to hearing, knee injury may
be acquired over a long period of time and
show up as and arthritic condition.

Operate engines safely
• Never operate a small engine at speeds greater than those
recommended by the manufacturer.
• Never tamper with the governor setting to increase
maximum engine speed.
• Keep hands, feet, and hair away from rotating engine parts.
• Never operate an engine with guards or shrouds removed.
• Let engine cool before attempting repairs.
• Avoid touching electrical wires while the engine is running.
• Wear ear protection when working on a running engine for
a long period of time.

Be prepared for emergencies
• Emergency equipment
should be stored in a
highly visible place.
• All shop areas should be
equipped with fire
extinguishers.
• Be sure to use the proper
type of extinguisher.
• First aid kits should be
properly stocked and
placed in prominent
locations.

Follow OSHA requirements
• The Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) is a governmental
organization that established rules for safe
work practices.
• All businesses and industries are required to
follow OSHA regulations.

Your Assignment.
Read Chapter 1 in the Textbook
Chapter 1 Workbook Questions 1-40