0-17
Safety first
Professional mechanics are trained in safe working procedures.
However enthusiastic you may be about getting on with the job at
hand, take the time to ensure that your safety is not put at risk. A
moment's lack of attention can result in an accident, as can failure to
observe simple precautions.
There will always be new ways of having accidents, and the
following is not a comprehensive list of all dangers; it is intended rather
to make you aware of the risks and to encourage a safe approach to all
work you carry out on your bike.
Essential DOs and DON'Ts
DON'T start the engine without first ascertaining that the transmission
is in neutral.
DON'T suddenly remove the filler cap from a hot cooling system -
cover it with a cloth and release the pressure gradually first, or you may
get scalded by escaping coolant.
DON'T attempt to drain oil until you are sure it has cooled sufficiently
to avoid scalding you.
DON'T grasp any part of the engine or exhaust system without first
ascertaining that it is cool enough not to burn you.
DON'T allow brake fluid or antifreeze to contact the machine's paint
work or plastic components.
DON'T siphon toxic liquids such as fuel, hydraulic fluid or antifreeze by
mouth, or allow them to remain on your skin.
DON'T inhale dust - it may be injurious to health (see Asbestos
heading).
DON'T allow any spilled oil or grease to remain on the floor - wipe it up
right away, before someone slips on it.
DON'T use ill fitting wrenches or other tools which may slip and cause
injury.
DON'T attempt to lift a heavy component which may be beyond your
capability - get assistance.
DON'T rush to finish a job or take unverified short cuts.
DON'T allow children or animals in or around an unattended vehicle.
DON'T inflate a tire to a pressure above the recommended maximum.
Apart from over stressing the carcase and wheel rim, in extreme cases
the tire may blow off forcibly.
DO ensure that the machine is supported securely at all times. This is
especially important when the machine is blocked up to aid wheel or
fork removal.
DO take care when attempting to loosen a stubborn nut or bolt. It is
generally better to pull on a wrench, rather than push, so that if you
slip, you fall away from the machine rather than onto it.
DO wear eye protection when using power tools such as drill, sander,
bench grinder etc.
DO use a barrier cream on your hands prior to undertaking dirty jobs -'it
will protect your skin from infection as well as making the dirt easier to
remove afterwards; but make sure your hands aren't left slippery. Note
that long-term contact with used engine oil can be a health hazard.
DO keep loose clothing (cuffs, ties etc. and long hair) well out of the
way of moving mechanical parts.
DO remove rings, wristwatch etc., before working on the vehicle-
especially the electrical system.
DO keep your work area tidy - it is only too easy to fall over articles left
lying around.
DO exercise caution when compressing springs for removal or instal-
lation. Ensure that the tension is applied and released in a controlled
manner, using suitable tools which preclude the possibility of the
spring escaping violently.
DO ensure that any lifting tackle used has a safe working load rating
adequate for the job.
DO get someone to check periodically that all is well, when working
alone on the vehicle.
DO carry out work in a logical sequence and check that everything is
correctly assembled and tightened afterwards.
DO remember that your vehicle's safety affects that of yourself and
others. If in doubt on any point, get professional advice.
IF, in spite of following these precautions, you are unfortunate enough
to injure yourself, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Asbestos
Certain friction, insulating, sealing and other products - such as
brake pads, clutch linings, gaskets, etc. - contain asbestos. Extreme
care must be taken to avoid inhalation of dust from such products
since it is hazardous to health. If in doubt, assume that they do contain
asbestos.
Fire
Remember at all times that gasoline (petrol) is highly flammable.
Never smoke or have any kind of naked flame around, when working
on the vehicle. But the risk does not end there - a spark caused by an
electrical short-circuit, by two metal surfaces contacting each other, by
careless use of tools, or even by static electricity built up in your body
under certain conditions, can ignite gasoline (petrol) vapor, which in a
confined space is highly explosive. Never use gasoline (petrol) as a
cleaning solvent. Use an approved safety solvent.
Always disconnect the battery ground (earth) terminal before
working on any part of the fuel or electrical system, and never risk
spilling fuel on to a hot engine or exhaust.
It is recommended that a fire extinguisher of a type suitable for
fuel and electrical fires is kept handy in the garage or workplace at all
times. Never try to extinguish a fuel or electrical fire with water.
Fumes
Certain fumes are highly toxic and can quickly cause un-
consciousness and even death if inhaled to any extent. Gasoline
(petrol) vapor comes into this category, as do the vapors from certain
solvents such as trichloroethylene. Any draining or pouring of such
volatile fluids should be done in a well ventilated area.
When using cleaning fluids and solvents, read the instructions
carefully. Never use materials from unmarked containers - they may
give off poisonous vapors.
Never run the engine of a motor vehicle in an enclosed space such
as a garage. Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide which is
extremely poisonous; if you need to run the engine, always do so in the
open air or at least have the rear of the vehicle outside the workplace.
The battery
Never cause a spark, or allow a naked light near the vehicle's
battery. It will normally be giving off a certain amount of hydrogen gas,
which is highly explosive.
Always disconnect the battery ground (earth) terminal before
working on the fuel or electrical systems (except where noted).
If possible, loosen the filler plugs or cover when charging the
battery from an external source. Do not charge at an excessive rate or
the battery may burst.
Take care when topping up, cleaning or carrying the battery. The
acid electrolyte, even when diluted, is very corrosive and should not be
allowed to contact the eyes or skin. Always wear rubber gloves and
goggles or a face shield. If you ever need to prepare electrolyte yourself,
always add the acid slowly to the water; never add the water to the acid.
Electricity
When using an electric power tool, inspection light etc., always
ensure that the appliance is correctly connected to its plug and that,
where necessary, it is properly grounded (earthed). Do not use such
appliances in damp conditions and, again, beware of creating a spark
or applying excessive heat in the vicinity of fuel or fuel vapor. Also
ensure that the appliances meet national safety standards.
A severe electric shock can result from touching certain parts of
the electrical" system, such as the spark plug wires (HT leads), when
the engine is running or being cranked, particularly if components are
damp or the insulation is defective. Where an electronic ignition
system is used, the secondary (HT) voltage is much higher and could
prove fatal.
