How to use itThe shop foreman walks the bays weekly with the list. Lifts and jacks with defects are tagged out until repaired.
Walked byThe shop foreman or safety lead
How oftenWeekly, alongside daily lift checks
Time needed20 to 40 minutes
OutputTagged-out equipment and a repair list
Who uses the auto repair shop safety checklist and when
Repair shops combine heavy equipment, chemicals, exhaust and ignition sources. Many incidents relate to lifts, jacks and slips on oily floors.
Lifts should be inspected as the manufacturer and applicable standards require, often by a qualified inspector yearly. This weekly check does not replace that.
18 items. Fill it in on screen or print a copy.
Lifts and jacks
Tools
Chemicals and air
Fire and floors
PPE
Putting the auto repair shop safety checklist to work
Walk all bays weekly.
Tag out unsafe equipment.
Keep spill kits stocked.
Train new technicians on the list.
Record findings.
A auto repair shop safety checklist in use
A weekly check finds a cracked lift pad and a frayed drop light cord. The pad is replaced the same day, the cord is discarded, and the lift is back in use after the repair.
Why an auto repair shop safety checklist matters
Auto shops face lift failures, chemical exposure, carbon monoxide from running engines and fire risks from fuel and oily rags. OSHA’s hazard communication standard requires labeled containers and safety data sheets, and a weekly checklist ties those duties to the shop’s lifts and bays.
Sample auto repair shop safety checklist, filled in
Shop and date
Corner Garage Auto Care, Kansas City, Friday
Lift 1
Arm lock on rear left sticking: tagged out
Lift capacity posted
10,000 lb label legible
Air hoses
Hose at bay 3 cracked near coupler: replaced
Chemicals
2 unlabeled spray bottles: labeled from SDS
Oily rags
Closed metal can emptied by vendor
PPE
Safety glasses on all 4 techs
Lift 1 is tagged out for a sticking arm lock even though it still raises cars, because the locks are what keep a vehicle from shifting on the arms.
Where an auto repair shop safety checklist usually goes wrong
Lifting a vehicle with mismatched arm pads or on the wrong points. Use the vehicle maker’s lift points every time, especially on EVs with battery packs underneath.
Storing gas cans and solvents next to the parts washer or grinder. Keep flammables in approved containers and cabinets away from sparks.
Running an engine inside with the extraction hose left on the hook. Connect it before the car starts, not after.
Adjusting the auto repair shop safety checklist for your team
EV and hybrid repairAdd checks for insulated tools, high-voltage gloves and a marked area for vehicles being worked on.
Tire and quick lube shopsAdd tire cage use, air pressure limits and oil pit edge guards to the weekly walk.
Pro tipKeep the lift points guide for common makes posted at each lift. Technicians check it more when it is in sight.
Questions about the auto repair shop safety checklist
How often should lifts be inspected?
Daily operator checks plus periodic qualified inspections.
Where do oily rags go?
In closed metal containers.
Is exhaust extraction needed?
Yes, for running engines indoors.
Who should run the check?
The shop foreman or safety lead.
How should a shop store used oil filters?
Drain filters hot for the time recommended by your state program, often 12 hours or more, and keep them in a closed, labeled container. Many states let drained filters be recycled as scrap metal rather than handled as hazardous waste. Note the container location and pickup schedule on the checklist.
What PPE is needed for brake work?
Eye protection and gloves are standard, and many shops add respiratory protection and use wet cleaning or brake washers instead of compressed air. Older brake parts may contain asbestos, and OSHA has specific work practices for brake and clutch repair. Never blow brake dust off with an air hose.
Disclaimer: This template is general information to adapt to your own workplace. It is not legal, safety or compliance advice and does not replace inspections, training or requirements set by law, regulators, manufacturers or your insurer. Check the rules that apply to you with a qualified professional.
