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Garages - Road Service

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When providing road side service, what should I remember about traffic control?

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  • Survey the area for any hazardous conditions especially where other cars may be driving nearby (e.g., merging lanes, intersections, on-coming traffic, etc.).
  • Use ample warning lights or pylons around the pick-up area.
  • Wear high visibility personal protective clothing, especially in low-light or dark conditions.
  • Wear protective footwear.

When providing road side service, what should I remember about supplying fuel?

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  • Label containers as required by regulations.
  • Carry fuel in a labelled, approved portable container fitted with a tight cap and a pouring spout.
  • Maintain contact between the container and the filler opening when refueling a vehicle.
  • Use separate containers for handling gasoline and diesel fuels.

What should I know about towing another vehicle?

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  • Check the type of transmission on the vehicle and follow the manufacturer's instructions for towing front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicles.
  • Tow rather than push a vehicle whenever possible.
  • Avoid use of flares in case of fuel leaks.
  • Turn on disabled vehicle flashers and, if available, place the tow extension stop/turn signals on a visible place on the vehicle being towed.
  • Outfit service trucks with emergency equipment, warning signal devices, and wheel chocks.
  • Equip service trucks with a properly rated fire extinguisher.
  • Post the maximum hoisting capacity of towing unit on the winch mast. Do not remove or paint over information on the manufacturer's data plate.
  • Leave at least three wraps of the cable on the winch.
  • Operate hoist controls away from the winch drum, travelling cables, and sheaves. Keep bystanders away.
  • Make sure wheel lifts extend far enough to have clearance when turning.
  • Be aware of electrical powerlines when the boom is extended.
  • After a vehicle is rigged, do a double-check. Make sure all cables or connections are secure before driving.
  • Make sure any locking pins are properly engaged.
  • Wear sturdy gloves to prevent cuts from cables and sharp objects.
  • Do not straddle the tow cable.
  • Do not work under a vehicle suspended by a tow truck. Place jack stands or blocking under the frame.
  • Do not exceed the towing capacity of the truck, or exceed the limits of the cables, chains, tow bars, etc.

What are some items to inspect on the tow vehicle?

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Inspect weekly:

  • control mechanisms for poor adjustment or excessive wear
  • safety devices for poor adjustment and proper operation
  • hooks for cracks or excessive deformation

Inspect monthly:

  • structural parts for deformities, cracks, or corrosion
  • sheaves and drums for cracks or wear
  • pins, bearings, shafts, gears, and locking devices for cracks or distortion
  • cables for excessive wear, corrosion, broken strands, severe kinking and improperly applied, cracked, or corroded cable connections

What are some safety tips for priming a carburetor?

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While uncommon in most vehicles, if priming a carburetor, ALWAYS:
  • Wear protective gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and eyewear.
  • Pour a small amount of fuel or starter liquid into the carburetor air intake with the engine stopped. (Use a small container that holds around 2 oz. or 60 mL - do not use a regular size fuel container.) Replace the air cleaner and lower the hood.
  • Do not spill gasoline on hot engine parts.
  • Have a fire extinguisher (Class B for flammable liquids) handy in case there is a fire.
  • Stand back while the engine is being started to avoid risk of burns. Repeat procedure if necessary.
  • Do not try to start a stalled vehicle while pouring the fuel into the carburetor. This action may cause a flashback and ignite the fuel in the container.

Refer to OSH Answers Garages - Tire Precautions for information on changing tires, and Garages - Batteries for information on charging and boosting batteries.


  • Fact sheet last revised: 2016-10-03