Employee Safety in the Automotive Industry 

Hazards for mechanics, paint sprayers and engineers can include, but aren’t limited to: 

• Isocyanate, a chemical used in the painting process that is known to cause asthma 

• Other dangerous ingredients in paints, lacquers and under-seals 

• Other dangerous liquids including fuel, waste oil, lubricants and brake fluid among others 

• Gases and fumes created during cutting or welding, or by engines in a bad state of repair 

• Adhesives 

• Fillers 

• Cleaning products 

• Degreaser 

• Battery acid 

• Dust created by use of abrasive wheels 

Once any of these hazards is identified, measures must be taken to remove or minimise any risk. 

For example, if you use isocyanate, COSHH regulations state that you must: 

• Spray in a separate, enclosed space away from your primary workspace 

• Wear an adequate respiratory mask 

• Wear appropriate PPE and regularly laundered workwear 

• Conduct skin and asthma checks and monitor your health 

Guidance sheets offering similar safety measures are available for specific jobs, including paint spraying, repairs, cleaning, and management. 

It is the responsibility of the employer or organisation to enforce the appropriate usage of safety workwear. 

Your staff should always: 

• Wear high visibility garments when working, especially in environments with moving vehicles, loud machinery and engines, or with reduced visibility. Flame resistant clothing should also be worn when the risk of fire is considered to be present, such as when working with flammable liquids 

• Wear automotive overalls to protect from dangerous substances such as battery acid, paint, oil etc. They should be tight fitting to avoid clothes getting caught in machinery 

• Wear protective gloves 

How Can phs Besafe Help You Keep Your Employees Safe? 

phs Besafe is the leading supplier of PPE and high visibility workwear in the UK. We offer a complete service from measurement and branding, to repairs and laundry services, as well as secure uniform destruction and more. Our range of fully compliant high visibility garments and PPE provide maximum quality, comfort and unparalleled protection for your employees.