Garages

Automotive garages provide a broad range of mechanical services for cars, trucks, and motorcycles, including tune-ups, engine repairs, and routine maintenance. The garage might be a standalone establishment or a component of another company, such a gas station or vehicle dealer. They could specialize in a particular area of car repair, such as brakes or transmissions, or they might work on other kinds of motorized vehicles, like snowmobiles or recreational vehicles. Some produce unique replacements for obsolete, hard-to-find components or repair or rebuild parts like brake drums. Sales of gasoline or diesel fuel as well as retail sales of tools and accessories for cars are examples of operations. Automotive shops often only do body work or painting as a side job to other repairs.

Property Exposure

Due to the usage of flammables such lubricants, oils, degreasers, and solvents during repair procedures, there is a considerable risk of property exposure. They must be kept apart from combustibles, appropriately labeled, and segregated. The whole fire load includes flammable additives and aerosols. In addition to being properly separated from the other processes with either a separate room or flash/welding curtains, welding has to be reviewed for how effectively it handles the tanks and gases. Although tires don’t burn rapidly, when they do, the fire is challenging to put out and an oily haze fills the air. Smoking ought to be outlawed.

Crime Exposure

Employee dishonesty and theft of money and securities both have considerable criminal risk. All workers should undergo background checks. Multiple people must oversee the inventory in order to provide a system of checks and balances. Ordering, billing, and disbursements must all be managed separately from one another. Audits must be performed often. Regularly remove cash from the cash drawers and store it in a safe that is not close to the front entrance. To avoid a large buildup of cash on the property, irregular drops should be made to the bank.

Products Liability exposure

Due to the possibility of an accident in the event that a vehicle is improperly fixed, products liability risk might be significant. Before releasing the car to the client, a check-off mechanism should be in place to ensure that none of its crucial components are malfunctioning. The exposure to a manufacturer grows if the garage directly imports or refurbishes things for resale.

Environmental Impairment Exposure

Due to the disposal of spent lubricants, oils, degreasers, solvents, batteries, and tires, environmental impairment exposures might be quite high. Pollutant spills and leaks into the air, ground, or water may result in expensive cleaning expenses and penalties. It is necessary to put in place and adhere to adequate measures to stop any leaks or contamination. All substances that are harmful to the environment should be disposed of according to agreements.

Auto Exposure

For workers doing errands to pick up necessary supplies, automobile exposures may be restricted to hired and nonownership drivers. All staff drivers should have a valid driver’s license if the company owns any cars, and their MVRs should be periodically verified. Procedures in writing should be in place for staff automobiles that are provided for personal and authorized usage. All vehicles must undergo routine maintenance, and records must be kept. Because there is a chance that the automobiles being towed may be damaged, towing provides a more significant risk. Drivers of tow trucks must have experience. Regular inspections of towing vehicles are required, especially of the hoists and tow bars.

Garagekeepers Exposure

Damage to clients’ cars while in the repair shop’s care, custody, and control is a source of exposure for garage owners. To avoid illegal usage, client car keys should be placed in a secured box. To avoid giving a customer’s automobile to the incorrect owner, proper identification should be needed. Chains must be in place and lots must be well-lit to prevent transfer. Fences and other forms of security may also be necessary.