Garages - Road Service

• Survey the area for any hazardous conditions, especially where other vehicles may be driving nearby (e.g., merging lanes, intersections, on-coming traffic, etc.).
• Use ample warning lights or pylons around the pick-up area.
• Wear high-visibility personal protective clothing, especially in low-light or dark conditions.
• Wear protective footwear.

• Label containers as required by regulations.
• Carry fuel in a labelled, approved portable container fitted with a tight cap and a pouring spout.
• Maintain contact between the container and the filler opening when refuelling a vehicle.
• Use separate containers for handling gasoline and diesel fuels.

• Check the type of transmission on the vehicle and follow the manufacturer's instructions for towing front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicles.
• Tow rather than push a vehicle whenever possible.
• Avoid the use of flares in case of fuel leaks.
• Turn on the disabled vehicle's 4-way flashing lights and, if available, place the tow extension stop/turn signals in a visible place on the vehicle being towed.
• Outfit service trucks with emergency equipment, warning signal devices, and wheel chocks.
• Equip service trucks with a properly rated fire extinguisher.
• Post the maximum hoisting capacity of the towing unit on the winch mast. Do not remove or paint over information on the manufacturer's data plate.
• Leave at least three wraps of the cable on the winch.
• Operate hoist controls away from the winch drum, travelling cables, and sheaves. Keep bystanders away.
• Make sure wheel lifts extend far enough to have clearance when turning.
• Be aware of electrical powerlines when the boom is extended.
• After a vehicle is rigged, do a double-check. Make sure all cables or connections are secure before driving.
• Make sure any locking pins are properly engaged.
• Wear appropriate gloves to prevent cuts from cables and sharp objects.
• Do not straddle the tow cable.
• Do not work under a vehicle suspended by a tow truck. Place jack stands or blocking under the frame.
• Do not exceed the towing capacity of the truck, or exceed the limits of the cables, chains, tow bars, etc.

Inspect weekly:

• control mechanisms for poor adjustment or excessive wear
• safety devices for poor adjustment and proper operation
• hooks for cracks or excessive deformation
• tire pressure and tread

Inspect monthly:

• structural parts for deformities, cracks, or corrosion
• sheaves and drums for cracks or wear
• pins, bearings, shafts, gears, and locking devices for cracks or distortion
• cables for excessive wear, corrosion, broken strands, severe kinking and improperly applied, cracked, or corroded cable connections

While uncommon in most vehicles, if priming a carburetor, ALWAYS:

• Wear protective gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and eyewear.
• Pour a small amount of fuel or starter liquid into the carburetor air intake with the engine stopped. (Use a small container that holds around 2 oz. or 60 mL - do not use a regular-size fuel container.) Replace the air cleaner and lower the hood.
• Do not spill gasoline on hot engine parts.
• Have a fire extinguisher (Class B for flammable liquids) handy in case of a fire.
• Stand back while the engine is being started to avoid the risk of burns. Repeat the procedure if necessary.
• Do not try to start a stalled vehicle while pouring the fuel into the carburetor. This action may cause a flashback and ignite the fuel in the container.

Refer to OSH Answers Garages - Tire Precautions for information on changing tires and Garages - Batteries for information on charging and boosting batteries.