COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Hazard Prevention & Control in Automotive Workshops course. This course is designed to equip automotive professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, assess, and mitigate workplace hazards.
Automotive workshops present a range of risks, from physical injuries to chemical exposures, making proactive hazard prevention essential for maintaining a safe working environment. This course begins with introducing the key workplace hazards in the automotive industry, the importance of prevention strategies, and the legal and regulatory responsibilities that govern workplace safety.
Understanding and identifying common hazards is the first step in effective hazard prevention. This section covers the most frequent risks in automotive workplaces, including physical hazards such as slips, trips, and moving machinery, as well as chemical hazards related to fuels, solvents, and battery acids. Additionally, electrical hazards, such as faulty wiring and high-voltage vehicle systems, are examined to ensure safe handling practices are in place.
Compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations is a legal obligation for all automotive workplaces. This section provides an overview of Australian WHS laws, highlighting employer and employee responsibilities in hazard prevention. The consequences of non-compliance, including legal penalties and increased workplace incidents, reinforce the importance of adhering to safety standards.
A proactive approach to safety requires structured risk assessment and hazard control measures. This section explores how to conduct workplace hazard assessments, implement the hierarchy of controls—such as eliminating risks, substituting safer alternatives, and using protective measures—and conduct regular safety audits and workplace inspections.
Manual handling and lifting techniques are a key focus in preventing musculoskeletal injuries. This section covers best practices for lifting heavy objects, proper posture, and the use of mechanical aids or team lifting strategies to reduce strain-related injuries.
Fire safety and emergency response procedures are critical in preventing accidents in automotive workshops. This section examines common fire hazards, safe storage of flammable substances, and proper use of fire extinguishers and evacuation plans to ensure workplace readiness in emergency situations.
Managing chemical safety and hazardous substances is essential in automotive workplaces. This section provides guidance on safely storing and handling fuels, coolants, and lubricants, interpreting Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and properly disposing of hazardous chemicals to prevent contamination and workplace exposure risks.
Electrical safety is especially important when working with modern vehicles. This section focuses on identifying electrical hazards in automotive servicing, safe handling of hybrid and electric vehicle systems, and implementing lockout/tagout procedures for electrical maintenance.
Safe operation of automotive tools and equipment is necessary to prevent injuries. This section covers proper tool maintenance, identifying risks associated with hand and power tools, and ensuring safe usage practices to minimise accidents.
A well-organised workplace contributes significantly to hazard prevention. This section on workplace housekeeping and organisation highlights the importance of keeping workspaces clean, safely storing tools and materials, and preventing slips, trips, and falls through effective organisation.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a crucial role in workplace safety. This section outlines the different types of PPE used in automotive workshops, including gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection. It also covers correct PPE usage, maintenance, and employer obligations in ensuring PPE compliance.
Vehicle hoist and lift safety is a priority for preventing workplace injuries. This section provides guidelines on properly using vehicle hoists, jacks, and stands, conducting equipment inspections, and ensuring vehicles are securely positioned before work begins.
Preventing exposure to harmful airborne contaminants is another key aspect of hazard control. This section examines the risks of inhaling dust, fumes, and gases, strategies for improving ventilation and air quality, and the importance of respiratory protection in compliance with workplace air quality regulations.
Noise and vibration hazards in automotive workshops can cause long-term health issues. This section covers the impact of excessive noise and vibration, reduction strategies, and the importance of hearing protection and equipment maintenance.
Biological hazards, such as exposure to mould, bacteria, and bodily fluids from contaminated vehicles, are often overlooked. This section provides guidance on controlling biological hazards, implementing infection control procedures, and ensuring proper handling of contaminated materials.
Maintaining employee well-being is essential for hazard prevention. This section on workplace stress and fatigue management helps workshop leaders recognise signs of fatigue, implement strategies to maintain productivity, and prevent overwork and burnout among employees.
Effective hazard management requires incident reporting and investigation. This section discusses the importance of reporting workplace hazards, documenting workplace incidents, and implementing corrective actions to prevent future risks.
Finally, continuous improvement in hazard prevention strategies ensures that safety practices remain effective and up to date. This section emphasises reviewing and updating safety policies, providing ongoing WHS training, and fostering a proactive safety culture in the workplace.
By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge and skills to identify hazards, implement prevention strategies, comply with WHS regulations, and foster a culture of safety in automotive workplaces. This training is essential for reducing workplace incidents, protecting employees, and ensuring a safe and efficient working environment.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Hazard Prevention in Automotive Workplaces
- Understanding workplace hazards in the automotive industry
- Importance of proactive hazard prevention strategies
- Legal and regulatory responsibilities for workplace safety
2. Identifying Common Workplace Hazards
- Physical hazards
- Chemical hazards
- Electrical hazards
3. Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations and Compliance
- Overview of Australian WHS legislation for automotive workplaces
- Employer and employee responsibilities in hazard prevention
- Consequences of non-compliance with safety regulations
4. Risk Assessment and Hazard Control Measures
- Conducting workplace hazard identification and assessments
- Implementing the hierarchy of hazard controls
- Regular safety audits and workplace inspections
5. Safe Manual Handling and Lifting Techniques
- Identifying risks associated with lifting heavy objects
- Correct posture and lifting techniques to prevent injury
- Use of mechanical aids and team lifting strategies
6. Fire Safety and Emergency Response Procedures
- Common fire hazards in automotive workshops
- Safe storage and handling of flammable substances
- Evacuation plans and fire extinguisher usage training
7. Chemical Safety and Hazardous Substance Management
- Safe storage and handling of fuels, coolants, and lubricants
- Understanding and using Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Proper disposal of hazardous chemicals and waste
8. Electrical Safety in Automotive Workplaces
- Identifying electrical risks in automotive servicing
- Safe handling of high-voltage hybrid and electric vehicle systems
- Lockout/tagout procedures for electrical maintenance
9. Safe Use of Automotive Tools and Equipment
- Identifying risks associated with hand tools and power tools
- Safe operation and maintenance of workshop equipment
- Preventing injuries from tool misuse and malfunctions
10. Workplace Housekeeping and Organisation
- Maintaining a clean and clutter-free workspace
- Safe storage of tools, equipment, and materials
- Preventing slips, trips, and falls through organised workspaces
11. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Automotive Workshops
- Types of PPE and their functions
- Correct use, maintenance, and storage of PPE
- Employer obligations for providing and enforcing PPE use
12. Vehicle Hoist and Lift Safety Procedures
- Proper use of vehicle hoists, jacks, and stands
- Inspecting and maintaining lifting equipment for safety
- Ensuring proper vehicle positioning before working underneath
13. Preventing Exposure to Harmful Airborne Contaminants
- Risks of inhaling dust, fumes, and gases in automotive workplaces
- Ventilation and extraction systems for air quality control
- Respiratory protection and compliance with air quality regulations
14. Managing Noise and Vibration Hazards
- Health risks associated with prolonged exposure to noise and vibration
- Noise reduction strategies in the workshop environment
- Use of hearing protection and equipment maintenance
15. Controlling Biological Hazards in Automotive Workplaces
- Understanding biological hazards
- Safe handling of contaminated vehicles and parts
- Implementing infection control procedures
16. Workplace Stress and Fatigue Management
- Recognising signs of fatigue and stress in workshop employees
- Strategies for maintaining alertness and productivity
- Implementing policies to prevent overwork and burnout
17. Incident Reporting and Investigation Procedures
- Importance of reporting workplace hazards and near misses
- Steps for documenting and investigating workplace incidents
- Implementing corrective actions to prevent future hazards
18. Continuous Improvement in Hazard Prevention Strategies
- Reviewing and updating safety policies and procedures
- Providing ongoing WHS training for employees
- Encouraging a proactive safety culture in the workplace
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.