Personal Protective Equipment

What personal protective equipment should every technician use?

At minimum, safety glasses whenever working, gloves suited to the job, hearing protection around loud tools, and respiratory protection when dust or fumes are present.

What gloves do I need for hybrid and EV high-voltage work?

Short answer: Use rubber insulating gloves rated for the system voltage, commonly Class 0, worn with leather protectors, inspected before each use and retested on schedule.

High-voltage systems on hybrids and EVs can be lethal. Rubber insulating gloves rated for the voltage class are the main personal protection. Many automotive applications call for Class 0 gloves, but follow the vehicle maker's requirements.

Wear leather protector gloves over the rubber gloves to prevent cuts and punctures. Before each use, inspect the gloves and perform an air test by trapping air and checking for leaks. Damaged gloves must be removed from service.

Insulating gloves must be retested at intervals set by safety standards, and stored away from sunlight, heat and sharp objects. Gloves are only one part of high-voltage safety; follow the maker's disable procedure, verify zero voltage with a properly rated meter, use insulated tools, and only work on high-voltage systems with proper training.

Which gloves are best for general automotive repair?

Short answer: Disposable nitrile gloves protect against oil, fuel and chemicals while keeping dexterity; thicker textured nitrile resists tearing, and impact or anti-vibration gloves help with power tools.

Nitrile gloves resist many automotive fluids and do not contain latex, which some people are allergic to. Thicker gloves last longer and resist punctures, while textured surfaces improve grip on oily parts.

Mechanic-style work gloves protect against cuts and impacts during heavy work. Anti-vibration gloves reduce fatigue with impacts and grinders.

No single glove fits every job. Check chemical compatibility for solvents, and never use regular gloves for high-voltage work; use rated insulated gloves. Replace damaged gloves and wash hands after work.

When do I need a face shield instead of safety glasses?

Short answer: Use a face shield over safety glasses when grinding, cutting, using wire wheels, or handling chemicals that could splash, because a shield protects the whole face from debris and liquids.

Safety glasses protect eyes from flying particles but leave the face exposed. Grinding wheels, wire brushes and cut-off wheels throw debris with force. Chemicals and hot fluids can splash.

A face shield adds protection for the face and neck. It should always be worn with safety glasses underneath, as shields alone are not designed as primary eye protection.

Choose shields rated for impact, keep them clean and replace scratched visors. Wear gloves and hearing protection with grinders, and keep sparks away from flammable materials.

Do I need hearing protection in an auto shop?

Short answer: Yes; impact wrenches, air hammers, grinders and compressors can produce noise loud enough to damage hearing over time, so wear earplugs or earmuffs during loud work.

Hearing loss from noise is permanent and builds slowly. Many shop tools are loud enough to contribute over a workday.

Wear earplugs or earmuffs when using loud tools or working near others who are. Earmuffs are easy to put on and remove, while earplugs fit under other PPE.

Choose protection that still allows you to hear warnings and coworkers. Combine hearing protection with safety glasses and gloves for complete PPE, and take care to keep compressors and noisy equipment maintained.

How should I protect myself when working under a vehicle?

Short answer: Use safety glasses to keep debris out of your eyes, gloves for sharp edges, and a hat or bump cap, and make sure the vehicle is supported correctly on a lift or rated stands.

Under-vehicle work exposes you to falling debris, dripping fluids and sharp edges. Safety glasses are essential, since rust and dirt fall when you loosen parts.

Gloves protect against cuts and chemicals. A creeper reduces strain, and good lighting helps you see hazards.

Keep the floor clean and dry so creepers roll easily and you do not slip when getting up. Tools left on the floor are a trip hazard for everyone in the bay.

Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Use a lift with arms positioned correctly or rated jack stands on solid ground, and let someone know when you are working alone.

What should I look for in an auto-darkening welding helmet?

Short answer: Look for a helmet that meets recognized safety standards, offers shade settings suited to your welding processes, fits comfortably, and gives a clear view of the work.

Auto-darkening helmets let you see the work before striking an arc, then darken when welding starts. This helps you position the torch accurately and keep the helmet down.

Check that the helmet meets recognized safety standards and offers shade and sensitivity settings for the processes you use. Comfort and fit matter if you weld for long periods.

Inspect the lens and cover plates regularly. Wear flame-resistant clothing, welding gloves and safety glasses under the helmet, keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and weld only in a ventilated area away from fuel and flammable materials.