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Safety first!
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I
Professional mechanics are trained in safe
working procedures. However enthusiastic
you may be about getting on with the job at
hand, take the time to ensure that your safety
is not put at risk. A moment's lack of attention
can result in an accident, as can failure to
observe simple precautions.
There will always be new ways of having
accidents, and the following is not a
comprehensive list of all dangers; it is
intended rather to make you aware of the risks
and to encourage a safe approach to all work
you carry out on your bike.
Always disconnect the battery earth
terminal before working on any part of the fuel
or electrical system, and never risk spilling
fuel on to a hot engine or exhaust.
It is recommended that a fire extinguisher
of a type suitable for fuel and electrical fires is
kept handy in the garage or workplace at all
times. Never try to extinguish a fuel or
electrical fire with water.
Always disconnect the battery ground
(earth) terminal before working on the fuel or
electrical systems (except where noted).
If possible, loosen the filler plugs or cover
when charging the battery from an external
source. Do not charge at an excessive rate or
the battery may burst.
Take care when topping up, cleaning or
carrying the battery. The acid electrolyte,
evenwhen diluted, is very corrosive and
should not be allowed to contact the eyes or
skin. Always wear rubber gloves and goggles
or a face shield. If you ever need to prepare
electrolyte yourself, always add the acid
slowly to the water; never add the water to the
acid.
Fumes
Certain fumes are highly toxic and can
quickly cause unconsciousness and even
death if inhaled to any extent. Petrol vapour
comes into this category, as do the vapours
from certain solvents such as trichloro-
ethylene. Any draining or pouring of such
volatile fluids should be done in a well
ventilated area.
When using cleaning fluids and solvents,
read the instructions carefully. Never use
materials from unmarked containers
-
they
may give off poisonous vapours.
Never run the engine of a motor vehicle in
an enclosed space such as a garage. Exhaust
fumes contain carbon monoxide which is
extremely poisonous; if you need to run the
engine, always do so in the open air or at least
have the rear of the vehicle outside the
workplace.
Asbestos
Certain friction, insulating, sealing and
other products
-
such as brake pads, clutch
linings, gaskets, etc.
-
contain asbestos.
Extreme care must be taken to avoid
inhalation of dust from such products since it
is hazardous to health. If in doubt, assume
that they do contain asbestos.
Electricity
When using an electric power tool,
inspection light etc., always ensure that the
appliance is correctly connected to its plug
and that, where necessary, it is properly
grounded (earthed). Do not use such
appliances in damp conditions and, again,
beware of creating a spark or applying
excessive heat in the vicinity of fuel or fuel
vapour. Also ensure that the appliances meet
national safety standards.
A severe electric shock can result from
touching certain parts of the electrical system,
such as the spark plug wires (HT leads), when
the engine is running or being cranked,
particularly if components are damp or the
insulation is defective. Where an electronic
ignition system is used, the secondary (HT)
voltage is much higher and could prove fatal.
Fire
Remember at all times that petrol is highly
flammable. Never smoke or have any kind of
naked flame around, when working on the
vehicle. But the risk does not end there
-
a
spark caused by an electrical short-circuit, by
two metal surfaces contacting each other, by
careless use of tools, or even by static
electricity built up in your body under certain
conditions, can ignite petrol vapour, which in
a confined space is highly explosive. Never
use petrol as a cleaning solvent. Use an
approved safety solvent.
The battery
Never cause a spark, or allow a naked
light near the vehicle's battery. It will normally
be giving off a certain amount of hydrogen
gas, which is highly explosive.
RI
X Don't rush to
rings, wrist
,
before
unverified short cuts
he vehicle
ally the
X Don't allow chilaren
o r anlrnals In
I
X Don't start the engine without first
I
unattended vehicle.
ascertaining that the transmission is in
inflate
neutral.
!nded prt
X Don- suddenly remove the pressvr~
can
overstressing the carcass, In extreme cast
from a hot cooling system
-
cover it
the tyre may blow off forcibly.
10
exercise
caution
\n
lresslng
cloth and release the pressure gradua
b' Do ensure that the machine
ngs for removal or ir
Ensure
or you may get scalded by escaping c
securely at all times. This i:
the tension is appliec
sed in a
X Don't attempt to drain oil until
y
important when the machine is blocked
L
trolled manner, using suitable tools
sure
to aid wheel or fork removal.
scalc
X D c
(/Do take care when attempti
exhaust sysrem wltnour rlrsr ascer
a stubborn nut or bolt. It is gel
that
I
to pull on a spanner, rather than push,
!
ife working load rating adequate for the
x
D c
that if you slip, you fall awi
cont,
machine rather than onto it.
odically
comC
-.
.
b'Do wear eye protection wnen uslr
all
w=lt,
,
v.vrking alone on the
X Don't siphon toxic liquids such as fuel,
Power
hydraulic fluid or antifreeze by mouth, or
grinder et
allow them to remain on your skin.
/Do ust
X Don% inhale dust
-
it may be injurious to
prior
undertaking dirty jc
smbled and tightened afterwards
health (see Asbestos head
protect your skin from infectic
making the dirt easier to removl
ler that yo1
X Don't allow any spillec
but make sure your hands
~f yourself
remain on the floor
-
wipe
before someone slips on il
slippery. Note that long-term contact wi
~oint, get p
X Don't use ill-fitting spanners or other
used engi
f in spite of following these precautions,
tools which may slip and cause injury.
/Do kec
X
Don't lift a heavy component which may
and long
be beyond your capability
-
get assistance.
mechanic
.
finish a j ob or tal
.-
10
remove
king on tl
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.
watch etc.
-
especii
wor
!m.
lur work ar
fall over
or
elec
b'D
I e
too
arot
:trical syste
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ft lying
around ar
X Don't
recomme
above
tt
4part
fro
10
keep yo
easy to
~ n d .
'ea tray
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articles le
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avoid
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the possi
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hat any lifti~
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ibility of thc
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that
it is cool er
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brake fluic
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or antifrf
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and
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icle.
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carry ou
check tl
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E
lat everyt
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logical se
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orrectly
your hanc
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cream on
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aren't If
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safety
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advice.
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oil or g n
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rememt:
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f
ur vehicle':
and othe~
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ne oil can I
?p loose cl
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a1 parts.
be a health
lothing (cu
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hazard.
ffs, ties et
ay of movir
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soon as
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