Keeping your car wash facility safe for staff and customers.
Workers at car wash facilities encounter many potential hazards on the job every day and safeguarding against injuries is paramount.
The daily operation of car washes means soapy water, oil, and waxes are present on vertical and horizontal surfaces, presenting potential hazards for slips and falls.
Slips, trips, and falls account for the majority of site injuries. These can range in seriousness from minor cuts to severe lacerations, sprains and fractures, and even concussions.
For these reasons, it is paramount that workers understand the consequences of this hazardous combination and are trained to work safely at all times.
To reduce the chances of injury caused by slips and falls, workers and site operators should take several precautions:
- Wear slip-resistant shoes: The soles of slip-resistant shoes are made with tread patterns that enhance grip and stability. These patterns often include deep grooves that help channel away liquids and provide better contact with the ground, significantly reducing the likelihood of slipping.
- Practice caution: Caution should always be used when walking through work areas, especially on damp and wet surfaces. Workers should always walk, never run, to maintain balance and control.
- Maintain good housekeeping: Walking surfaces should be kept clean to prevent the build up of cleaning products, waxes, and oil. All spills should be cleaned up immediately to eliminate potential hazards.
- Avoid trip hazards: To ensure walkways remain clear an safe, hoses should be kept coiled when not in use. Buckets and tools should be stored in dedicated areas, away from walking paths.
- Use of proper tools: Only use ladders or step stools that are designed for the specific purpose. This ensures stability and reduces the risk of falls.
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 regularly 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.
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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.