Working under bonnets
Hazards/risks
Associated risks include over-reaching, awkward orsustained postures, poor lighting and unguarded parts (e.g. belts, fans).
Safety solutions
1. Adopt working positions between shoulder and knee, and close to the body.
2. Raise vehicles to approximately waist height to remove the need to bend as far forward.
3. Ensure postures are not held for long durations through job rotation, using mirrors to reduce time exploring the engine, and using purpose-built jigs.
4. Provide protective pads to allow for resting of the upper torso on vehicles being worked on (also prevents paintwork or panel damage).
5. Use overhead-mounted body support harnesses to reduce back strain.
6. Provide powered tools (e.g. air operated tools) that reduce the time spent applying force while working at the limits of reach.
7. Remove the bonnet to reduce awkward work positions.
8. Provide a stable step to give access to the engine bays of taller vehicles.
9. Use a hoist to give access from underneath, if this improves the working position.
10. Reduce the weight before handling (e.g. drain fluids before lifting).
11. Ensure there is adequate lighting (e.g. lead lights).