Workplace safety for a car repair shop

Workplace safety for a car repair shop

On paper a car repair shop is a small business. In practice it is a workplace with lifting equipment, a pressure vessel, flammable liquids, noise and chemicals. These are exactly the things the Labour Inspectorate looks at first.

What you need from your first employee

• initial OSH training and refresher training at least every two years (Section 7(1) and (5) of Act No. 124/2006 Coll.),
• a written risk assessment document and a list of PPE provided (Section 6(1)(c) and (d) of Act No. 124/2006 Coll.),
• occupational health service and work categorisation (Section 21(3) of Act No. 124/2006 Coll.),
• fire protection training on entry and then every 24 months (Section 22 of Decree No. 121/2002 Coll.),
• fire protection documentation under Section 9(2) of Act No. 314/2001 Coll.,
• records of occupational accidents and the reporting duties under Section 17 of Act No. 124/2006 Coll.

Lifting equipment

Lifting equipment is dedicated technical equipment under Decree No. 508/2009 Coll. Group A and B equipment counts as dedicated technical equipment (Section 4). For a repair shop this means three things at once: professional inspections and tests within the intervals set by the decree (Section 13) and by the manufacturer's manual, operation by a person holding a valid certificate of professional competence where the decree requires it (Section 17), and daily and monthly checks of the lift recorded in an operating log rather than only in the foreman's memory. The same applies to lifting platforms, cranes and hoists in the workshop.

Compressor and pressure vessels

The compressor's air receiver is pressure equipment. Depending on its classification it is dedicated pressure equipment under Decree No. 508/2009 Coll. with its own intervals for professional inspections and tests. You need its documentation, inspection reports and instructed operators. A burst pressure vessel is a serious injury scenario, not an administrative problem.

Chemical factors

Oils, brake fluids, coolants, degreasers, thinners and paints in the spray booth fall under Government Regulation No. 355/2006 Coll. on the protection of employees from risks related to exposure to chemical factors at work. The employer must have safety data sheets, an assessment of the risk from chemical factors, operating procedures for handling and storage, and employees informed about the results of the assessment. Health surveillance of exposed employees is handled by the occupational health service.

Welding and cutting

Welding and cutting metal are activities with an increased risk of fire under Section 1(1) of Decree No. 121/2002 Coll. Before each such job you need a permit, a secured workplace, a fire watch and a check of the site after the work ends. The welder must hold a valid certificate of professional competence.

Exhaust fumes and noise

A running engine in a closed workshop means carbon monoxide. You need exhaust extraction or another technical solution, not just an open door. Pneumatic tools, grinders and panel beating exceed the noise action values under Government Regulation No. 115/2006 Coll.: the lower exposure action value is 80 dB, the upper 85 dB and the limit value 87 dB for eight-hour exposure. From the lower action value you must provide hearing protectors, from the upper you must ensure they are used.

Flammable liquids and waste

Store thinners, petrol and oils in a designated area with suitable containers, a spill tray and marking. Oil filters, waste oil, brake fluid and car batteries are hazardous waste under Act No. 79/2015 Coll.: you need a contract with an authorised collector and waste records.

Fire protection of the workshop

Portable fire extinguishers in the quantity set by Section 9 of Decree No. 347/2022 Coll. checked once a year, hydrants under Section 15 of Decree No. 699/2004 Coll., preventive fire inspections under Section 14 of Decree No. 121/2002 Coll., clear escape routes and marking under Government Regulation No. 387/2006 Coll. In rented premises these duties are performed by the tenant unless the lease says otherwise (Section 6(2) of Act No. 314/2001 Coll.).

Ask for a quotation for your repair shop, tell us the number of employees and whether you have a spray booth.