{"id":10723,"date":"2021-04-15T13:40:34","date_gmt":"2021-04-15T11:40:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/?p=10723"},"modified":"2021-04-15T13:40:34","modified_gmt":"2021-04-15T11:40:34","slug":"shop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/2021\/04\/15\/shop\/","title":{"rendered":"Staying safe in the shop"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the right policies, procedures, and training in place, fleets can lessen the inherent risks of operating a maintenance facility \u2014 without having to compromise efficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n

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One of a fleet\u2019s top risks is downtime. Much can be done to reduce that risk by adhering to a thorough, consistent preventive maintenance regimen in the shop. But a maintenance facility presents its own set of risks, namely in the way of technician safety.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eric Daniels, director of truck care operations for Love\u2019s, says safety remains at the forefront of everything the Love\u2019s family of companies does, which includes Love\u2019s Truck Care and Speedco. \u201cFrom the time we interview a potential technician through all of their training, safety is integrated into the process,\u201d Daniels says. \u201cThen, routine safety meetings and continued training ensure that safety is always top of mind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Conditioning technicians to work safely is also made easier when strong policies are in place.<\/span><\/p>\n

James Ward, director of safety and compliance at Transervice, a provider of freight management, fleet leasing, and contract maintenance services, says the first chapter of the company\u2019s Technician\u2019s Safety Guide is entitled, \u201cFleet Maintenance Employee Rules.\u201d There are rules for everything from safe battery charging and flammable liquid storage to lockout\/tagout procedures and dealing with bloodborne pathogens. Safety rules also exist for operating compressed air equipment, welders, lifts, and power tools, among many others.<\/span><\/p>\n

Establishing accountability<\/span><\/h3>\n

Transervice\u2019s thorough and detailed employee rulebook makes it clear that Transervice takes shop safety seriously \u2014 and that technicians are expected to take it just as seriously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEach of our shops is required to perform a monthly shop inspection that covers all of the topics in our safety guide, plus others,\u201d Ward points out. \u201cFor teaching purposes, we recommend that a technician or foreman perform the inspection each month, as opposed to the location manager. The manager then fills out a shop safety self-audit twice a year.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Inspections and documentation are essential tools in establishing accountability, which is essential in cementing a safety culture. Two-way communication is also vital.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAccountability and communication are what drives a culture of engaged technicians who help vet-out the inherent dangers in various repair procedures,\u201d says Larry Olson, director of field maintenance for the West Region at transportation and logistics company Ryder. \u201cIn fact, sometimes a technician notices something that finds its way back to the OE, encouraging that OE to change a component in such a way to reduce or eliminate a known hazard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

To get to that point, technicians must be held accountable for the safety measures they are trained to adhere to. It is up to a service department\u2019s leaders to maintain that accountability. \u201cIf a fleet\u2019s leaders are not safety-minded, technicians will likely adapt to an overly relaxed, injury-ridden business,\u201d Olson warns.<\/span><\/p>\n

Commitment to training<\/span><\/h3>\n

Instilling a safety culture starts when a technician is first hired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur Learning and Development team provides a robust onboarding process that communicates the importance of what training is required based on various criteria,\u201d says Tim Hoekzema, truck service risk manager for TravelCenters of America (TA). \u201cThis helps ensure that our team members get all of the training they need based on their skillset and\/or time with the company.\u201d TA Truck Service provides heavy truck maintenance and emergency roadside service.<\/span><\/p>\n

As for the training itself, TA Truck Service emphasizes hands-on training instructed by skilled mentors. Online manufacturer training is also leveraged, including safety advice in step-by-step procedures.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Penske takes a similar approach to training, with one added twist to video training.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the first steps of our onboarding process is to go through our employee safety handbook,\u201d says Chuck Pagesy, director of safety for Penske Transportation Solutions. \u201cWe also provide some online safety training, including an interactive video we produced in-house that covers personal protective equipment (PPE).\u201d Penske Transportation Solutions includes truck leasing and rental, logistics, transportation systems, and vehicle services.<\/span><\/p>\n

With the help of an outside vendor, Penske also creates customized safety training posters. A safety topic is presented on a poster each month. Topics are based on specific safety-related issues Penske repair facilities have been experiencing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe use actual Penske employees and shops to create the posters,\u201d Pagesy points out. A training guide is also developed to help each branch maintenance supervisor conduct training on whatever topic the poster is about.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to monthly poster-based training, Penske also emphasizes daily shift huddles. Each Penske repair facility is given a weekly agenda with daily training topics. Each shift must complete the daily training. Each branch maintenance supervisor is responsible for making sure the training is delivered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a great way to look at emerging trends and common issues our repair shops are having,\u201d Pagesy says. \u201cIt\u2019s also a great way to keep common issues at the forefront, such as how to handle batteries. The key is to keep it at the forefront, and you do that by talking about safety every day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Another reason to keep safety training at the forefront is to stay on top of changes in the commercial vehicle industry.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlternative fuel vehicles like electric and CNG continue to evolve,\u201d says Chris Hough, vice president of maintenance services for Penske Truck Leasing. \u201cAnytime we introduce new technology to our repair teams, there is always a safety side to the repair procedure training, including any unique PPE they need to use. Anytime you bring something new into the fold, you want to make sure you have procedures written that address any safety issues. Here at Penske, the maintenance department coordinates with the safety department to make sure we are all in agreement.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

COVID and cleaning<\/span><\/h3>\n

COVID-19 is another example of something \u201cnew\u201d that fleet maintenance facilities have had to adapt to. Many continue to follow the same procedures and protocols put in place one year ago.<\/span><\/p>\n

TravelCenters of America\u2019s Hoekzema says their repair facilities frequently disinfect common touch points using best-in-class chemicals. \u201cWe also continue to follow CDC recommendations including mask wearing, increased hand washing, and social distancing,\u201d Hoekzema adds.<\/span><\/p>\n

CDC guidelines stress proper handwashing and cleaning using either soap and water or gel\/liquid hand sanitizers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFleets can protect technicians with bulk hand sanitizer or hand washing stations positioned at doorways, in breakrooms, and in other high-traffic areas,\u201d says Chris Iuzzolino, director of product operations at New Pig, a provider of industrial cleaning products, safety supplies, and PPE. \u201cThese stations should be checked frequently to ensure they are properly stocked. To help reinforce proper hand cleaning, place wall signs and floor stickers in strategic locations.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hand cleaning is only one element of functioning safely in the post-COVID world. Iuzzolino says surface cleaning is another vital protocol for technicians to continue following.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEPA List-N sanitizers are an important key in helping defeat COVID and other pathogens,\u201d Iuzzolino explains. \u201cThese sanitizers can be chosen based on the surface type and the method used to clean that surface. Pre-moistened wipes that contain the sanitizer are a great way to clean a surface because they are more efficient than liquid chemicals and wipes. That said, dry wipes in self-contained buckets or canisters allow the user to add the cleaning agent of choice, helping reduce waste by reusing and refilling the bucket or canister.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Microfiber towels are ideal because they can be reused over and over simply by laundering them. \u201cSome microfiber towels are even impregnated with silver fibers to help reduce pathogen growth on the towel during reuse,\u201d Iuzzolino points out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Repair facilities are also having to make sure vehicles are sanitized after being serviced. According to Iuzzolino, ultra-low volume disinfectant foggers are being used to quickly and effectively sanitize the entire inside of a vehicle. \u201cThey create a fog or mist of a sanitizing chemical that coats surfaces and are much more efficient than trying to wipe down all surfaces inside of a vehicle,\u201d Iuzzolino says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Working around high voltage<\/span><\/h3>\n

With hybrid and full-electric vehicles making their way to the marketplace, high-voltage battery packs and connectors are presenting additional safety risks for technicians.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Homer Hogg, director of technical service for TravelCenters of America, the most important thing to remember when working on a high-voltage system is to be certain that the system is de-energized. \u201cTechnicians must validate that the system is free of voltage before they start working on it,\u201d Hogg emphasizes.<\/span><\/p>\n

The proper PPE is also essential when working around high voltage. \u201cPPE must meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E requirements for safe work practices,\u201d Hogg points out. \u201cUnderstanding and complying with these standards will help fleets keep their employees safe and in compliance with OSHA 1920 Subpart S and 1926 Subpart K.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Hogg points out, necessary pieces of PPE include a face shield with a hard hat, and arc flash protection for the face and eyes. Technicians also need a flash-protection coat that meets the required arc protection value. Lastly, technicians need electric safety gloves with over-glove protectors.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Ryder\u2019s Olson, a technician needs specially insulated gloves that prevent the flow of electricity to the surface of the skin. He has had luck finding them at various electrical and industrial supply stores. \u201cA good pair provides excellent shock protection,\u201d Olson adds. \u201cBut it is up to the technician to not only wear them properly, but also keep them in good condition to avoid accidental exposure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Working with hazardous materials<\/span><\/h3>\n

When working with hazardous chemicals and other materials, TravelCenters of America\u2019s Hoekzema says it\u2019s important for fleets to provide training on how to comprehend a Safety Data Sheet (SDS). This will enable a technician to understand what protection is necessary for different types of chemicals.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEach chemical has an SDS sheet that has been created by the manufacturer,\u201d Hoekzema points out. \u201cSection 8 of the SDS provides guidance on what PPE is appropriate during normal use of that chemical. Section 6, Accidental Release Measures, covers requirements in the event of an unexpected leak or spill.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Due to the variety of chemicals found in repair shops, there will be varying PPE requirements to protect a technician\u2019s hands, face, and arms from exposure.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor liquid chemical protection, we utilize nitrile gloves for cleaning parts with aqueous solvents, as well as when handling grease, coolant, fuel, and motor oil,\u201d Ryder\u2019s Olson says. \u201cThe type we have found to work best are fabric-based gloves dipped in nitrile. That type of glove allows for some breathability, decent dexterity, and longer life than the throw-away, single-use type of glove.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For flooded cell batteries, Olson says Ryder technicians opt for some additional protection. Gloves that protect both the hand and forearm are necessary. These gloves are kept next to a battery charging station along with a face shield and full apron.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though not terribly common yet, LNG engines require cryogenic protection gloves due to the extremely low temperatures of this alternative fuel. \u201cA technician also wants a full face shield if working on fuel storage tanks or fuel lines,\u201d Olson adds.<\/span><\/p>\n

One other \u201chazardous material\u201d a heavy duty technician will often run into is a sharp-edged piece of metal. To protect against this, Olson says technicians should wear Level 5 cut-proof gloves when working around machined surfaces or other sharp edges found throughout a vehicle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis type of glove is especially helpful in tight quarters where it is difficult to maneuver, such as under the dash,\u201d Olson relates. \u201cWe have found gloves like this that provide great protection but also excellent dexterity. That combination is very important for a technician who needs to do tasks where bare fingers are preferred, such as when working with small fasteners.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Getting back to the various liquid hazards in a shop, the unfortunate truth is that technicians sometimes find themselves dealing with a spill or leak. New Pig\u2019s Iuzzolino says pre-planning and training are keys to mitigation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSpill clean-up materials \u2014 including absorbent pads, socks, loose absorbents, and pre-packaged spill kits \u2014 should be selected based on the type of liquids a technician needs to absorb,\u201d Iuzzolino says. \u201cThey should also be made easily accessible in the event of a spill.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Iuzzolino, self-contained spill kits are ideal for accidental leaks and spills from drums, containers, or bulk storage tanks. Pre-packed spill kits are available in various sizes and configurations. They are sized to absorb spills from less than one gallon to several hundred gallons at one time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKeep in mind that the volume of spill clean-up materials kept on hand should be based on the volume of liquid you may need to respond to,\u201d Iuzzolino says. \u201cConsideration should also be taken as to where the kit will be stored. Once the location is determined, select the type of kit container that works best for your needs \u2014 a portable bag, wheeled container, or stationary drums or overpacks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Staying safe around lifts<\/span><\/h3>\n

When proper care is not exercised, vehicle lifts can lead to hazardous conditions in a fleet maintenance facility. Aside from using a proper lift with the proper ratings, it\u2019s critical for technicians to understand how to work with and around the lift in a safe way.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEach lift manufacturer provides a manual for the safe operation of the lift along with a schedule of safety checks that should be strictly adhered to,\u201d says Matt Copot, vice president of maintenance at Transervice. \u201cWithin each manual are safety rules that we provide to each technician who will be using the lift.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

There is also a chapter on lift safety in Transervice\u2019s Technician\u2019s Safety Guide. Topics include:<\/span><\/p>\n