Slips and Falls

  • Wear proper slip-resistant shoes.
  • Pay close attention to changing conditions and remember that wet cement can be very slick.
  • Do not run.
  • Put tools, equipment, and materials back in the proper storage location (ensure hoses are tucked away after use, etc.).
  • Practice good housekeeping. If you note potential slip or trip hazards, address them immediately and appropriately.
  • Remove ice and snow before it accumulates.
  • Do not allow detergent, soap, or wax to build up. Clean surfaces frequently.
  • Clean oil spills in an approved manner.
  • Clean up trash and debris and put in proper receptacle bins.

Electrical Safety

  • Do not use cords that have splices, exposed wires, or cracked/frayed ends.
  • Do not carry electrical equipment by the cord.
  • Keep power cords away from path of vacuum cleaners and vehicles.
  • Turn off electrical equipment before plugging in or unplugging.
  • Disconnect the electrical equipment from the outlet by pulling on the plug, not the cord.
  • Do not leave switched-on electrical equipment unattended.
  • Do not handle or operate electrical equipment when your hands are wet or when you are standing on wet floors.
  • Do not operate any electrical equipment if the ground pin from a three-pronged power plug is missing or has been removed.

Chemical Safety

  • Train employees about company hazard communication and GHS program.
  • Review all safety data sheets (SDS) to become familiar with the proper use of each chemical.
  • Do not mix chemicals, unless permitted by the SDS.
  • When handling chemicals, employees must wear proper PPE to protect eyes and skin.
  • Have copies of each chemical’s SDS on hand.
  • If an employee needs to be taken to the hospital due to exposure, this info can speed up treatment and possibly avert serious or permanent injury.
  • Fit secondary containers with proper labels and warnings.

Strain Prevention

  • Lift properly – when lifting, be sure of your footing and grip. Bend your legs to get close to the object, keeping your back straight, and then lift by straightening your legs. Hold the load close to your body. Avoid twisting or turning your body while lifting or carrying a load.
  • If the object is too heavy for you, get someone to help you. Use proper lifting equipment.
  • When washing vehicles, do not overextend. Use appropriate extension tools to help reach the work area.

Working with High Pressure Air and Water Hoses

  • When not in use, keep all air and high-pressure hoses properly coiled.
  • Keep both hands on the spray gun while operating.
  • Don’t point high-pressure spray wand at another person.
  • Direct compressed air guns away from face and use goggles to protect operator’s eyes from flying dust particles.
  • When working near steam-cleaning operations, always wear rubber boots, thick gloves, and face protection to protect from burns.

Moving Vehicles

  • Post property speed limits and restrictions.
  • Fit blind spots with mirrors that allow visibility for both inside and outside. Establish a safety procedure for driving a vehicle in and out of a bay.
  • Use a spotter.
  • Spotter should never stand directly in front of or behind a vehicle. Do not approach any vehicle until the driver stops and exits.
  • Ensure all doors are shut while driving vehicles.
  • When vehicles are brought into the bay, ensure the vehicle is fully stopped and parked. Engage the brakes before exiting the vehicle. 
  • When entering and exiting the vehicle, maintain three points of contact as the ground may be wet.

Ladders

  • Pre-inspect ladders prior to use. Do not use ladders that wobble or lean.
  • Do not use ladders with loose rungs, cracked rails, missing rubber foot pads, or other damages.
  • Allow only one person on the ladder at a time.
  • Ensure rungs are clean and free of slip hazards; employees should clean their shoes of slip hazards prior to using a ladder.
  • Maintain three points of contact when ascending or descending.
  • Do not carry items while climbing up or down a ladder.
  • Never “walk” a ladder by rocking it. Instead, descend and re-position the ladder.

Sources
International Carwash Association – Safety Tips Sheet: Slips, Trips, and Fall Injuries
State Auto Insurance Companies – Safety Rules Car Washes