The operation of car washes requires the use of electrically driven machinery and tools near areas where water is present. For obvious reasons, it is paramount that workers understand the consequences of this hazardous combination and are trained to work safely in such an environment.
Below we have curated a list of recommended safety suggestions workers should follow regarding electrical hazards. While the points below may seem obvious, our service technicians are often alarmed by the complacency of the staff at some facilities when working around electrical equipment and machinery.
Recommended safety suggestions around electrical hazards
- Only authorised and trained workers should use or operate electric tools, machinery and equipment.
- Workers should not perform repairs unless licensed and qualified to do so (* see below)
- Unless specifically designed for such use, electric tools and equipment should not be used in damp or wet areas.
- Before activation or contact, tools and equipment should be checked for ‘point of use’ ground fault circuit interrupters.
- Workers should not touch or operate electric tools or equipment with wet hands.
- Workers should not touch or operate electric tools or equipment when standing on wet surfaces
- When handling electric tools and touching electrical machinery, workers should stand on a non-conductive mat or platform.
- Body contact with ground surfaces (machinery, pipes, blowers, etc) should be prevented.
- Tools, cords and equipment should be regularly checked for signs of damage and removed from use until they are repaired (don’t forget to check lights and signage too).
- Unsafe conditions, machinery and equipment faults, should be reported to superiors immediately.
Every facility should have a written safety program in place that is specific to their operation. Staff should be trained and instructed on safety procedures and protocols. Regular, periodic refresher training should be scheduled.
Equipment should be inspected on a regular basis with preventative maintenance procedures in place. All unsafe conditions should be immediately reported to supervisors and, importantly, workers should not fear reprisal or repair complacency when doing so.
An emergency response plan should be in place that includes procedures for dealing with accidents, chemical spills, fires, and other emergencies. All staff must be familiar with these procedures with refresher training in place. This, along with other workplace safety processes such as equipment safety and emergency preparedness, will be checked if your facility is visited by a WHS inspector.
* IMPORTANT – READ THIS *
Good Sight technicians hold the required electrical and mechanical licenses and qualifications to work on all car wash equipment and accessories at your facility. If you are not using Good Sight technicians to service and repair your equipment, we strongly recommend you ensure they hold the relevant licenses and qualifications.
Please note that this information has been curated as a guide only. They are by no means complete as every car wash facility differs. For guidelines specific to your facility, please contact us directly. You may also want to reach out to Safe Work Australia via https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au.