Last month I discussed the critical importance of an Employee Orientation process. After reading that tip a fellow industry professional — M. Scott Ballard of Diamond Auto Spa and Lube — sent me an email pointing out one essential item that I was missing in that orientation — Safety. Safety at a car wash is arguably the most important aspect of any employee orientation.

I’ve included an excerpt from his email and, I’d like to thank Scott for sending me Diamond’s Safety Orientation for new employees — to share with you.

“…Safety is one type of training-orientation that all employees should get, DAY 1. This orientation should include a thorough discussion and walk-through demonstrating the hazards (mechanical, chemical, fire, electrical, etc.) that all employees should be aware of while employed at the car wash. Moreover this orientation should be well documented as it WILL BE asked for by the OSHA inspector when they arrive… I’ve attached our New Hire Safety-Chemical Safety Orientation for your review. If you think it’s something that your Car Wash College attendees might benefit from please feel free to pass along.” M. Scott Ballard, Director, Operations and Marketing.

For the NEW EMPLOYEE:

This document and the initial training you will receive is intended to give an overview of the routine hazards associated with working in and around moving vehicles, moving equipment, chemical hazards and other safety risks that are present in your new working environment.

You are responsible for listening closely; asking questions where you don’t understand; adhering to safety precautions, and to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) made available or assigned to you.

Your Facility Manager is responsible for ensuring that each new employee is instructed on the basics of safety. Prior to starting work, each new employee of Diamond Auto Spa and Lube will be provided health and safety orientation and will receive information and training on the following:

• Slips and falls;
• Moving vehicles in a confined area;
• Moving equipment within the car wash tunnel;
• Open pit in lube bays;
• Bursting high pressure hose in wash tunnel;
• Excessive noise at car wash exit;
• Potential for fire;
• Electrical shock hazards, Lock Out – Tag Out;
• Exposure to blood borne pathogens;
• Chemicals present in their workplace operations;
• Location and availability of our written hazard program;
• Physical and health effects of the hazardous chemicals;
• Methods and observation techniques used to determine the presence or release of hazardous chemicals in the work area;
• How to lessen or prevent exposure to these hazardous chemicals through usage of control/work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE);
• Steps the company has taken to lessen/prevent exposure to these chemicals;
• Emergency procedures to follow if they are exposed to these chemicals;
• How to read labels and review MSDSs to obtain hazard information;
• Location of MSDS file and location of hazardous chemical list.

You will be regularly retrained on these hazards (among others) during your employment at Diamond Auto Spa and Lube. Your responsibility is to protect yourself, your fellow employees and to alert your manager if you see a safety hazard that requires attention.

Your new working environment is an inherently dangerous place, BE SAFE!

Robert Andre is the President of CarWash College™. Robert can be reached at [email protected]. For more information about CarWash College™ certification programs, visit www.CarWashCollege.com or call the registrar’s office at 1-866-492-7422.