Emergency Response in the Shop

When something goes wrong in a shop, it goes wrong fast. A fire, a chemical exposure, a vehicle falling off a lift, a coworker injured by a tool — you do not have time to figure out what to do in the moment. You have to know what to do before it happens. This is not about being a hero. It is about reacting correctly in the first few seconds, because those seconds determine whether a minor incident stays minor or becomes a catastrophe.

Know the location of every fire extinguisher in your shop. Walk over and physically look at each one so you know where they are without thinking. Know the type — ABC extinguishers handle most shop fires including paper, wood, flammable liquids, and electrical fires. Remember PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side. Only fight a fire if it is small, you have a clear escape route behind you, and you have the right extinguisher. If the fire is larger than a trash can, get out and call 911. A burning car in a bay means fuel, battery acid, airbag inflators, magnesium components, and potentially pressurized AC refrigerant. Those can all make the situation worse in a hurry. Get everyone out and let the fire department handle it.

Every shop must have an eyewash station and a safety shower. Know exactly where they are. If battery acid, solvent, brake cleaner, or any chemical splashes in your eyes, get to the eyewash station immediately and flush both eyes for a full 15 minutes. Not one minute. Not five minutes. Fifteen minutes. Then get medical attention. If a chemical soaks through clothing to skin, remove the contaminated clothing and flush the area with water for at least 15 minutes. Time matters with chemical burns — the faster you start flushing, the less damage.

If a vehicle falls off a lift or jack stand onto someone, do not try to lift the vehicle off them unless you have the proper equipment to do it safely and quickly. Call 911 immediately. Keep the injured person still and calm if they are conscious. Do not move them unless they are in immediate danger from fire or additional collapse. Spinal injuries are possible with crush events, and moving the person incorrectly can cause permanent paralysis. Every shop should have a first aid kit and at least one person trained in basic first aid and CPR on every shift.