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HSE ebulletin

Issued: 1 July 2022

This eBulletin provides specific updates, news and information that may be of interest to the motor vehicle repair (MVR) sector.

Visit our MVR website for guidance and information.

Fatal accidents while working on incorrectly supported vehicles

HSE is aware of at least 8 fatal accidents since 2019, due to work being carried out on incorrectly supported vehicles or cabs.

Never work beneath a vehicle that is only supported on jacks:

• Use axle stands that are in good condition and inspected every year
• Use stands on firm, level ground and securely located under a strong point on the vehicle
• Securely chock wheels remaining on the ground
• Do not exceed the rated capacity of the stand

Never work beneath a cab or tipping trailer unless it is propped:

• Always prop cabs, trailers etc that could drop under their own weight
• The prop should be locked in position before gaining access
• If there is no prop fitted, or if one is fitted but you are unsure it will be effective, provide your own

Never crawl beneath a vehicle fitted with air suspension unless it is properly supported:

• Prevent movement of air suspension, either by using suitably rated props or stands to prevent the chassis lowering or by deflating the system
• Don’t tamper with the ride height for the purpose of recovery or repair

Further information is available in our publication Working safely under motor vehicles being repaired (INDG434).

You can also find out more in a safety alert (issued May 2020) about air suspension systems on vehicles.

Inadequate controls while using Dichloromethane (DCM) during wheel stripping

Exposure to high concentrations of DCM vapour has caused impaired consciousness and death. It is also suspected of causing cancer and can burn the skin and eyes.

Recent inspections have found stripping of surface coatings from alloy wheels with DCM being carried out without key control measures in place, resulting in the process being prohibited until they are provided.

Follow these control measures to reduce exposure to DCM vapour::

• Provide a tank with effective local exhaust ventilation, e.g. back slot extraction
• Use a pump or siphon to transfer the stripping mixture when filling or emptying the tank
• Use lifting equipment to lower and lift workpieces from the tank to prevent the need to lean over the tank
• Use lids to cover stripping tanks and only remove them to load or retrieve the workpieces being stripped
• Use constant flow airline breathing apparatus when:
  - manually lowering or lifting workpieces
  - manually transferring wet workpieces to another area for scraping and rinsing
  - performing cleaning and maintenance tasks, like sludge removal and replacing stripping fluid, and while dealing with spills

There is advice for managers (.PDF) and a direct advice sheet (.PDF) for stripping surface coatings from alloy wheels.

For further information visit our website.

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