Request for Safety Tips - Working Under a Car

[Randy S.]

Re: Request for Safety Tips - Working Under a Car

Chris,
The older we get the smarter we get. Especially if we got away with doing something stupid.
When I was younger and knew it all, I was under my old chevy. Front end up on jackstands but emergrency brake didn't work so the rear wheels were on the ground with chocks and manual transmission was in gear. But I forgot to disconnect the battery. I was under the car tightening up something on the exhaust and shorted the starter with a screwdriver. The car lurched forward on the jackstands and they rocked back and forth as I held my breath. It wasn't my time.
Disconnect the battery especially if you are under the car.

[Brian Monticello]

Re: Request for Safety Tips - Working Under a Car

Can't stress it enough - disconnect the battery. Not only do you run the risk of getting squashed but you can get burned. A red hot clean air tube fell an inch from my face as I bumped my head trying to protect myself from the sparks. I was trying to jimmy the tube into position when it hit the positive lead on the starter -- WHAMM!!!! it turned red hot, bent under it's own weight, and dislodged itself on to the floor next to my head. My wife said WHAT WAS THAT???....nothing honey.....

I made damn sure the car was secure but I never thought about the battery.

[Art B.]

Re: Request for Safety Tips - Working Under a Car

Chris:
When jacking up one side of the car, be careful about gas spillage from the tank. I had my '61 up on jack stands last week while I was cleaning the underside. For a short time, the right side was up while the left side was on the floor. It didn't take long for gas to start coming out the gas tank filler even though the tank was only half full.