Motor Vehicle Repair (MVR) workshops such as garages, MoT centres, bodyshops and panel beaters are pretty hazardous places to work in. Flammable liquids, oil, grease, toxic substances and repair equipment can all lead to accidents, injuries and illnesses at work caused by fire, exposure, noise pollution, slips and trips to name but a few.
The HSE has set guidelines to increase safety for workers in MVRs. One way to help increase safety is by installing heavy duty PVC flooring specifically designed for MVRs.
Here’s a look at just some of the hazards in MVRs and how PVC flooring can help increase safety in these work environments.
Slips and Trips
20% of MVR injuries are caused by slips and trips. To prevent accidents, the HSE recommends the following safety precautions:
- Suitable footwear with non-slip, shock absorbent soles, oil resistant uppers and steel toe caps.
- Suitable flooring that is regularly maintained and has a non-slip surface.
- Gangways should be clearly marked and kept clear.
- Parts and Equipment should be tidied away and not cause obstructions in walkways.
- Suitable cleaning substances, equipment and procedures in the event of oil, grease or hazardous fluid spillages.
Heavy duty PVC is tough, durable, can withstand heavy loads and is ideal for MVRs. Its non-slip properties provide a safer working environment and can drastically reduce the risk of slips and trips.
Fire
Draining fuel tanks, flame, spark and heat generated repairs and exposure to flammable liquids are all fire risks in MVRs.
If a fire should occur, PVC flooring will char and burn out rather than spread the fire and will also reduce the release of toxic fumes.
Dust Contamination
Toxic substances can be released into the air, especially from sanding jobs in bodyshops. These dust particles can be inhaled, damaging the lungs or causing skin irritations.
PPEs such as overalls, gloves and respiratory masks should be worn to reduce exposure. However, PVC flooring can also reduce dust build-up and dispersal of harmful dust into the atmosphere.
Noise Pollution
Pneumatic tools, sanders and grinders used in panel beating and in MVR workshops have a particularly high decibel noise level.
Continuous, long term exposure to loud noise can permanently damage your hearing. This can range from tinnitus to irreversible hearing loss.
PVC flooring has insulating properties that help absorb and reduce noise levels in MVR areas.
Ecotile heavy duty PVC flooring is ideal for all types of MVRs. For more information our range of garage and workshop flooring, contact Ecotile today or visit us online.
Lucinda O’Reilly, Exports & Marketing Director is an integral part of the team that has grown Ecotile Flooring in to the successful manufacturing business it is today. Over the last 20 years she has successfully employed her skills in sales and marketing to ensure Ecotile Flooring is recognised as the market leading manufacturer of PVC interlocking floor tiles. Lucinda’s love of travel means the Ecotile brand is dominant all over Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia and India.
To ensure compliance with export regulations Lucinda has gained accreditations from the Chamber of Commerce in Incoterms & Export Licence Controls and Export Procedures & Documentation and has completed the Institute of Export course on Incoterms 2020. She is a member of the Institute of Export, was a finalist in the Natwest Open to Export competition in 2018 and was instrumental in Ecotile Flooring winning a Queen’s Enterprise for International Trade in 2017. Lucinda has recently been interviewed by BBC News and Channel 4 News for her insights on Brexit and is an Export Champion for the Department for International Trade.
